Team Associated B44.3 Build – Part 5 – Center Bulkhead

Tony Phalen October 20, 2014 RC Build Blog - Team Associated B44.3 Build 887 Views

The Build – Part 5
In this step we’ll be attaching the center bulkhead and installing the center differential.

Build Notes:
The center bulkheads can be attached in one of two configurations depending on the battery layout you’ve decided to use; saddle packs or a shorty pack.

The center bulkhead inserts (the ones that hold the center spur) are also different depending on if you are using the included gear diff or optional ball diff/slipper setup. If you are using the stock gear diff, keep the ball diff inserts someplace safe; you may want to switch to that some day.

The center diff can be installed one of two ways; which way you install it can change the way the pinion mates to it. Be sure to double-check your installation so the pinion meshes correctly with the spur gear.

The manual shows the motor install with the wire mounting tabs straight up. Don’t install the motor this way; instead, rotate it one set of holes so the mounting tabs are AWAY from the top deck. If you mount the motor as it shows in the manual, the inside-most tab will contact the top deck.

Team Associated B44.3 Buggy Build Step 57

Attach the 2 aluminum center bulkheads to the chassis. As stated in the build notes, these will mount differently depending on what battery configuration you’ve chosen. A light dab of threadlocker is suggested on all 4 screws.

Team Associated B44.3 Buggy Build Step 58

Here are both sets of center diff bearing inserts. The ones on the left are the ones we will be using (gear diff), the ones on the right are for the optional ball diff/slipper clutch.

Team Associated B44.3 Buggy Build Step 59

Press the two large ID bearings into the inserts, making sure they are fully seated.

Team Associated B44.3 Buggy Build Step 60

Slip the inserts onto the center diff, making sure the bearings are FACING the diff. Key both CVAs to the diff outdrives and then slowly slide the diff assembly into the center bulkhead, making sure you key the inserts to the grooves. Note the orientation of the spur gear; you want it to be towards the back of the assembly.

Team Associated B44.3 Buggy Build Step 61

Attach the pinion to the motor and the motor to the motor mount. We’ll configure the pinion placement in a Step 63.

Team Associated B44.3 Buggy Build Step 62

Fit the motor mount assembly into the grooves on the center bulkhead and slide it towards the spur gear.

Team Associated B44.3 Buggy Build Step 63

Adjust the pinion so that it’s making full contact with the spur. Slide the motor mount in or out to set the gear mesh and tighten down the 2 3/8″ screws.

Great job. Motor and center bulkhead installed!