Axial EXO Terra Build – Part 2 – Front Gearbox / Suspension

The Build – Part 2
Part 2 of our Axial EXO Terra build revolves around the front gearbox and suspension.

Build Notes:
Axial uses a combination of fine and coarse pitch screws in the following steps. Pay attention to the lengths and pitch when building.

The caster and steering blocks are directional. Pay attention to the direction you install them.

We start off Part 2 by assembling the gearbox bevel gears. Insert the pin into the input shaft, slide the bevel gear in place and secure with the e-clip. You’ll need to build two of these; one for the front and one for the rear gearboxes.

Insert the 2 5x11mm bearings into the gearbox half and slide the bevel gear assembly in place. Make sure the bevel gear is on the inside of the case.

Slide the outdrive onto the bevel gear shaft, line up the holes and insert the setscrew to secure. It’s a good idea to put a small dab of loctite on the setscrew.

Put a healthy amount of grease on the bevel gear. I used a bit of Team Associated’s white lube for this step. Set one of the gearboxe halves aside. It will be used later for the rear assembly.

Insert the completed differential into the gearbox and attach the other gearbox half as shown.

Attach the front shock tower to the gearbox. Attach the shock tower brace but notice the orientation of it; this is a directional piece.

Pull the steering knuckles and caster blocks off the parts tree and place on a flat surface. Pay attention to the orientation of the pieces in the picture; this is how they are paired up in the rest of this step.

Insert the 5x10mm bearing into the front of the knuckle and 10x15mm bearing in the back.

Take the steering knuckle and position it onto the caster block. Slide the gold-colored pins in place to secure the two pieces together. Use the setscrews to lock the gold pins in place. Do not overtighten; make sure the steering block rotates freely.

Slide the axles through the bearings. The instructions tell you to insert the dogbones too but you’ll soon see it’s a pain to deal with. Don’t insert them yet but do keep them handy.

Remove the front suspension arms from the parts trees. Note the orientation of the arms. Now take the steering knuckle assembly and attach it to the suspension arm using the hinge pin. Again, note the orientation. Lock the kingpin in place with the setscrew.

Take your F2 block and press the axle bushings into place. Attach the F2 block to the rear of the front gearbox as shown.

Feed the long hinge pin through the arm and insert it into the bushing in the rear arm mount. Insert the hinge pin bushings into the front arm mount and place it over the hinge pins, capturing them in place. Secure with the two 3x20mm screws. The #1 bushings have the capture hole offset. Axial doesn’t say which direction these should go so I inserted them with the hole up. This should rake the hinge pins upward for more kick-up.

Assemble the turnbuckles. Note the direction of the pivot balls. Axial states 40mm which works well, so stick with that.

Insert the dogbones into place and attach the turnbuckles. Again, note the direction of the pivot balls.

Wah-lah. You have a completed front gearbox and suspension for the Axial EXO. Set it aside and get ready for the rear end.

Part 3 – Assembling the rear gearbox and suspension.
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