Metal Gear Servos

Introduction

While the Revo seems to fare better in the servo durability department than the T-Maxx, there are still reasons why someone may still want to seek an upgrade. Racers may find themselves wanting to shed some weight. Changing to a single servo setup will do this. Others may want to upgrade so they have a metal gears, or to provide even more steering torque than the stock setup.

Be sure to consider the choice of a servo wisely, as their specifications can vary considerably. If you are using smaller, or lighter tires, servo speed may be more of a concern. However if you primarily run large tires, you'll probably be more concerned with purchasing a servo that has a higher torque rating to help turn the tires while cornering. Whatever you do think carefully about your decision. The purchase of a metal gear servo can be fairly expensive, so you want to make sure you chose wisely the first time around.

You should also keep in mind, that when using a double-servo configuration, you need to add the torque rating of the two servos together to give you total turning power. I also recommend keeping both servos the same as two different servos, with their slightly different specifications, will end up fighting each other and run the receiver pack down quicker. There is also the risk of one servo burning the motor in the other out.

Servo Saver

If you decide to change to aftermarket servos for the Revo, there are a few other additional items you need to consider. These are matching the servo horns and servo saver spring in the Traxxas steering linkage to your new servo(s). To facilitate this, Traxxas has some optional items that should be purchased. You'll want the Heavy Duty Spring and the Aftermarket Servo Horn Set so that the servos will work properly.

Servo Screws

If you happen to loose your screw that attaches the servo saver onto the servo, you can buy replacement screws easily. Hitec and Futaba servos use a 2.6x8 screw. JR servos should use a 3mm screw, although the exact length needed will be determined by the servo saver used. This set provides several sizes to choose from.

You can also use a 2.5x8 screw, and use some thread lock as the screw will have a small amount of play. The link provided also makes the screw a hex head. The exact length you need, will be determined by the servo saver you use, as some may require something slightly longer. For instance a Kimbrough servo saver will work better with a 2.5x10 screw.

I do not have the screw size needed for anything other than the servos mentioned above, so you can take the servo to your local hobby store and have them match it up with a replacement. If you would happen to know the size e-mail me at eric@misbehavin-rc.com, and I'll add the information to this page.

Part One:	Introduction
Part Two:	Differences and Compatibility
Part Three:	Installation Tips
Part Four:	Recommended Servos
Part Five:	Servo Comparision