Axial Wraith Flat Skid Plate

Description

2021 Update: I don't recommend this design. Never got around to finishing it or making it work properly.

Update 03/22/17: Updated to 3.10 version. Some tweaks to clearances around transmission.

Update 03/16/17: Uploaded re-worked design. Clearance was made around the link mounts. Transmission mount was lowered into the skid to increase interior clearance. Because of that other cutouts were needed for the motor and some other parts of the transmission. Please still note that if you're using the stock links you'll need to dremel/sand/file out the link slots to fit. Slots are designed for Revo style ball ends which are narrower than Axial. I would like to learn Fusion360 and design this from scratch sometime. I've also heard that the upper link upper mount holes aren't quite right and if you want to use them you'll need to change the link length.

Update 02/16/17: Finally got around to trying to install. Seems to be some lower link clearance issues with the design as-is. I'll need to make a few cuts to help out. Not sure when I will be able to accomplish this. Will update it when I can.

My first public design, feedback appreciated.

This is for the Axial Wraith rock crawler. Has a flat belly to give you about 7mm more ground clearance. I've also included upper link riser option. The lower upper link mounting position should keep stock geometry, the upper upper link mounting position should give you a little bit of link rise and keep your pinion angle the same.

The link slots have been designed for Revo rod ends, which have thinner balls than the Axial rod ends. If you are running Axial rod ends you will likely need to file down the lower link slots a little. The uppers should still work due to a bit of flex.

I highly recommend running an M3 tap through all the holes before screwing to help prevent tearing.

Some issues I foresee with the design:
1) Overall strength.
2) Upper link mounts are the weak point.
3) Upper link mounts will probably interfere with spur gear cover on transmission.
4) Possible link vertical geometry change.
5) Maybe drive shaft clearance on the skid (especially for lifted vehicles).
6) The transmission is moved up by 1.2mm. Could cause issues with interiors. Also slightly increases center of gravity.
7) Incorrect measurement and something doesn't line up.

I have not tested this print. So far I have only been able to test print the last version to make sure it was printable. Came out pretty good, and I made some tweaks. I won't be able to get one installed on an actual vehicle for some time.

I would love feedback on this and if you had any clearance issues. If everything clears nicely I could add material to the upper link mounts. Also, if there are no issue I would like the tweak the transmission mounting point. Get the transmission and motor to sit down a little lower.

Print Settings

Rafts:

Doesn't Matter

Supports:

Infill:

100%

Notes:

Strength is the goal. I'm pretty new to 3D printing, but I would recommend about 4 walls, and a very high infill. As I said in the description, if you're running axial rod ends you will need to file down the lower link slots.