RD Logics T-Maxx 2.5 CVD's

Installation

The first thing you'll need to do for this installation is to remove the stock axles and driveshafts. You can remove them one at a time, as you are installing the RD Logics CVD's but I find it much easier to remove them all at once, then go back and install the new axles and driveshafts.

You should notice that in the pictures below I've removed many other parts of the truck in some cases. Removal of many of these items are not necessary, but I've done so for clarity.

The easiest way to remove the axles is to first remove the upper pivot ball cap on the bearing carrier with a 5.0 mm hex wrench.

Then you'll need to remove the pivot ball itself with a 2.0 mm hex wrench.

Once that's done, you can remove the section of the axle that rests in the bearing carrier by sliding it back and out, after you have removed the hex adapter and the pin that's behind it.

Before you start to remove the output yoke attached to the differential notice that both the stock bulkheads, and most aftermarket aluminum bulkheads, provide a small indented area which provides access to the output yoke pin. This notch should also be in your skid plate as well. Many T-Maxx owners are not aware of the fact, and all you'll need to do is to spin the wheel until the pin becomes visible. Then you can remove the pin, and yoke, without having to pull the skid plate and bulkhead off. All you'll need is a 2.0 mm hex wrench. See the picture below for an illustration of this.

One other thing thing to keep in mind is the fact that you should reinstall these output yoke pins with thread lock applied on them. The factory yokes are plastic and therefore thread lock is not used, but it should be applied to the pins when they are reinstalled in the metal RD Logics yokes. Any thread lock such as this thread lock by Devcon, should work fine. You can pick up a tube of thread lock at several places including your hobby store and an auto parts store. Ensure that the tube you pick up is medium-strength (blue), otherwise it will be very difficult to remove the pin later should it become necessary.

To reinstall the RD Logics CVD axle, you'll replace the stock output yoke with the one supplied with the RD Logics set. You'll reuse the stock pin that fits through the output yoke, securing it to the differential. Keep in mind that the pin will only thread in on one side of the output yoke. The hole on the opposite side of the yoke has no threads.

One thing I have noticed, and it's not a problem with the RD Logics parts, is that the holes in the Traxxas output shafts are not always perfectly centered. This did cause a problem with one of my output yokes, and made it impossible to get the pin installed. The plastic yoke allowed the pin to angle, where the hardened steel yoke did not. I replaced the gear in the differential and had no other problems. However you should be aware that this problem does exist, and that picking up another differential set will allow you to continue with the installation.

Then use some oil, such as bearing oil, and lubricate both the inside of the bearing race and the portion of the axle that rests inside the bearings. Once the axle is slid inside the bearings, wipe the excess oil from the axle shaft and reinstall both the hex adapter and it's pin.

You're now nearly ready to reassemble the pillow ball hardware. However before you do, place some powdered graphite inside the new output yoke. The powdered graphite will help lubricate the joint made up by the output yoke and the axle, but unlike grease it won't attract and trap dirt which would promote wear over time.

I would also lubricate the joint inside of the boot with either grease or powdered graphite as well. Since the boot keeps dirt out of these joints, grease can be used instead of powdered graphite, if you prefer. I've found that both Traxxas Silicon Grease and MIP's Differential Lube work well for this purpose. Simply pull the boot down and apply the lubricant of your choice inside the joint. Then pull the boot back into place.

Once you applied some powered graphite to the output yoke and axle, slide the axle into the output yoke and reinstall the pillow ball and it's cap. Notice the output yoke isn't shown in the picture below as it's attached to the differential, which is missing from the picture.

Replacing the driveshafts is very similar to replacing the axles. The big difference in this case is that you must loosen the transmission. While you can remove the stock components with the transmission in place, you'll need to be able to move it slightly to reinstall the RD Logics parts. So plan on removing the eight screws that hold the transmission to the chassis at some point during the installation.

Once the stock driveshafts are out of the way, you'll need to install the output yokes onto the transmission. Don't make the mistake of thinking you can install the output yoke on the differential instead. The driveshafts will only install one way, as the output from the transmission is a different diameter than that of the output from the differential.

Be sure to remove and reinstall the hex from the brake pad, with the new one supplied by RD Logics when swapping the front differential. Also remember to lubricate the inside of the output yoke with powdered graphite as shown below, just like you did the axle yokes. It would also be a good idea to lubricate inside the other joint, covered by the boot, as well.

When installing the driveshafts themselves it will become necessary, as mentioned in the previous step, to have the transmission loose. You'll need to move the transmission so that you can install the driveshafts. Also keep in mind that these driveshafts, unlike the stock units, are different sizes. The rear driveshaft is slightly longer than the front one. Make sure you get them in the correct locations.

Here's the front driveshaft installed.....

.....and here is the rear driveshaft installed.

Once that is complete, you can slide the boots back into place over the output yoke. Then remember to replace the transmission screws and secure it back in place, and you're ready to go.

Part One:	Introduction
Part Two:	Installation
Part Three:	Testing and Final Thoughts
Part Four:	Longterm Follow-up