The Build – Part 2
In Part 2 of the HPI Savage XS SS build we will be tackling the Front Gearbox. This is a pretty easy step and shouldn’t take long at all.
Build Notes: In a few of the steps you will be pressing a locknut into a plastic ‘space’. To make this easier, align the locknut so the flat sides match the flat spots in the ‘space’.
HPI Savage XS SS Build – Part 19
This is a pretty simple step; press the bearings into the bearing support. Done.
HPI Savage XS SS Build – Part 20
Take the bearing support, align it and secure with the two 3x35mm screws. The locknuts help secure the screws. Note the direction of the bearing support. I didn’t check it but I’m pretty sure it only goes in one direction (correctly).
HPI Savage XS SS Build – Part 21
Find the longer outdrive and taller sun gear from the differential step. Slide the outdrive into place, insert the pin and press the sun gear over the pin. If you turn it over the sun gear might fall out. Put a dab of grease on the pin area and that should keep the gear in place.
HPI Savage XS SS Build – Part 22
Take you built diff, liberally coat the gears with the supplied grease…
HPI Savage XS SS Build – Part 23
…and drop it into the gearbox. Note the direction of the diff. Also make sure that the bearings sit INSIDE the small lip. If it doesn’t fit, the bearings are not on all the way. Fix this before you move on.
HPI Savage XS SS Build – Part 24
Attach the upper gearbox half into place. Press the locknut into the groove on the gearbox. As mentioned, lining up the flat spots will make this much easier. Do this on both sides.
HPI Savage XS SS Build – Part 25
Secure the two halves with the 3x35mm screws.
HPI Savage XS SS Build – Part 26
Insert a pair of locknuts in the rear of the front upper gearbox half. Now set the front shock tower into place and secure with the 4 screws. Make sure the 3x18mm screws are on top.
HPI Savage XS SS Build – Part 27
Press the lower gearbox mount into place. This piece is a little tricky so I had to trim off a little bit of plastic to make it fit.
Tony Phalen -
As an avid RC enthusiast, Tony has been building, bashing and racing RC Cars for over 30 years. He has participated in every kind of surface racing events - 1/18 scale trucks, 1/10 scale TC, Rock Racers, Rally - if it had wheels, he's raced it! He's also worked on both sides of the industry fence; collaborating with many major manufacturers (as well as being a sponsored driver) to working for a high-profile industry magazine. During this time he has learned many tricks, tips and techniques and is sharing that knowledge on CompetitionX - the most informative RC website on the internet!
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In a few of the steps you will be pressing a locknut into a plastic ‘space’. To make this easier, align the locknut so the flat sides match the flat spots in the ‘space’. 
