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FIRST IMPRESSION:
RPM has done it again. They seem to be experts at taking a good design
and/or product and making it much better. Their new axle carriers
for the T-Maxx are no exception. Rather than just copy what was already
in place, RPM decided to take them a step further and make them stronger,
better looking and also increased the performance level.
QUALITY: The word
"quality" and RPM seem to go hand in hand. Chances are if
you are into RC, you already own some piece (if not multiple pieces)
of RPM product. The thread work for the caps, the oversize bearings
with removable seals (yours may not have these, they are brand new)
and the material all scream quality. Nothing short of what we have
come to expect from RPM. They also come with a nice instruction sheet
that helps you get your truck re-assembled correctly.
NOTE: Anytime you are working on a component such
as this, you will need to reset your camber and toe-in when you are
done. Do you have your RPM gauges handy? If you haven't already, be
sure to check out our review on the
RPM toe-in and camber gauges.
PERFORMANCE: These
carriers are an excellent upgrade for performance and durability.
Larger carriers, double rib reinforcement on the steering arms, oversize
bearings (15mm versus 13mm and they are 1mm wider too) place these
carriers in a league above stock and above aluminum. If these carriers
bend, they come back to their original shape. Not true with aluminum
(well, after you get out the hammer they come back to their shape,
kind of).
Let's talk a bit more about the bearings (see comparison picture to
the left - whimpy versus TOUGH). The actual RPM bearing ball diameters
are a full 33% larger than stock, the bearings are 3mm larger in diameter
and 1mm wider than stock and they feature friction-free blue nylon
seals for superior dirt protection (and easy cleaning with the RPM
Bearing Blaster. There bearings have over twice the load rating
as the stock bearings and three times the fatigue life!
The RPM material is of course much better than the stock Traxxas stuff
so that alone makes this a worthwhile upgrade. The walls are thicker
and much stronger than the stockers. The outer surface is stepped
outward to protect the carriers from getting hit by the wheels in
a big jump landing etc. Yet another nice touch RPM! This is a solid
performance upgrade.
We took the truck out and beat the life out of it and even purposely
slammed into some stationary objects. No ill effects. Nothing damaged
at all. Exactly what we expected!
FIT / FINISH: Everything
fit perfectly. This is a "stock" upgrade in that no other
modifications are necessary to make the RPM carriers work. Thankfully,
they are anything but stock! We installed new pillow balls, bushings
and caps during the install. Note that there is a good note/warning
in the RPM instructions about getting the caps threaded on properly.
Heed this warning or you will have a cross-threaded cap on your hands.
not a good deal. And no, stupidity is not covered by the RPM warranty...nor
should it be.
APPEARANCE: RPM offers
several color options (black, blue, & purple, as well as a dyeable
white). The blue looks awesome with the rest of our truck. It adds
a splash of color in an otherwise "blah" looking area. They
look great and better yet, they work great!
COST / VALUE: Suggested retail is $34.95
per pair. So $70 to do all four wheels. Does that seem like a lot
of money? It shouldn't. The bearings alone are worth
$6 each...now figure in the fact you receive 8 bearings and the much
improved carriers...it's a bargain! And if you take care of your bearings
like you should, they will last a long, long time.
THE VERDICT: Buy them. Just go to the
hobby store and buy them. After they are on your truck, you will be
the cat's pajamas (that means really cool). Remember, better bearings
means less resistance means faster truck. Stronger parts means less
breakdowns means more fun with your truck. Need we say more?
Visit the RPM
web site to learn more these and other great products they offer.
Also check out Project Revo Basher
for RPM Revo Axle Carrier info!
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