M41A3 "Mud Dog" build

[Kevin York]

The taigen 5:1 gearbox-






Does any one know what all gear boxes fit the m41a3. I'm looking at the taigen 5:1 boxes, but the motors mount end to end and down low. The factory HL boxes are high low. Modified isn't a problem, but want to know if this is possible because of the motor arrangements?
I'm basically looking for super low gears. Maybe a 4:1 high low boxes and a reducer..

[MichaelC]

Kevin,

The Taigen 5.1 in the picture is a "compact" mount so it will not be a problem since you have high low mount already. The real compatibility issue is the length of the drive shaft and you need to make sure that the bulldog is a long shaft (which is what the Taigen one looks like). In theory you can switch the shafts but if you haven't order it yet then it is better to specific which tank you are mounting it onto as it probably comes in short and long shaft version.

The other thing you might want to look into is mount points as it will not likely be the same as the one you have now.

The Taigen one in the picture also means that you won't be able to upgrade to "longer" motors like the high low mount you have right now.

MichaelC.

[edpanzer]

I've just ordered a set of the new Taigen 5-1 gearboxes from forgebear for my tiger 1 I'm sure they do short as well as long shaft versions be worth dropping forgebear a pm I'm sure he could sort you out. The other plus point is the motors are upgraded 360 17500 rpm units. I'll let you know how they run when I get them.

[Kevin York]

I've just ordered a set of the new Taigen 5-1 gearboxes from forgebear for my tiger 1 I'm sure they do short as well as long shaft versions be worth dropping forgebear a pm I'm sure he could sort you out. The other plus point is the motors are upgraded 360 17500 rpm units. I'll let you know how they run when I get them.

Ok thank you

[edpanzer]

Well the gearboxes arrived in good time (thanks forgebear) fitted well the only hardish bit was getting the drive wheels on as they were a fair bit tighter than before ( no bad thing IMHO) the tank now runs straight with neutral trim which it never has done before,long grass is way better now even managed a spin turn in long grass!!!! So so far I recommend them 100% and you should be beating down forgebear door for a set!

[Kevin York]

So they produce enough torque to spin freely in grass and have enough pull at low speeds?? Are you running metal tracks? The "Mud Dog" will have full metal running gear and suspension, plus added weight to the front end. I just need to be sure.

[edpanzer]

Yes I'm running metal tracks wheels suspension lower hull etc the torque is much improved.

[cupoftea]

I have a set of 'new generation' taigen 5:1 low profile gearboxes in my bulldog and rate them very highly. As expanzer says torque is much improved. Would recommend them without hesitation. The motor end caps are very close together but they do fit. Just to be on the safe side I have placed a piece of plasticard between the motor end caps to ensure that their are no electrical short circuits

[Kevin York]

Ok guys, I didn't order the 5:1 gears for this build. I may put them in the super pershing build I'm doing. (it's on this form) I did get the 4:1pro boxes at http://www.rctank.de/. I didn't like that I had to get rid of, or move my smoke box with the 5:1. Also the fact that motor upgrades wasn't like the hi/low boxes. Or from my understanding it isnt.

I also ordered the complete road wheels and suspension arm package from them. I already have the metal idlers w/bearings that came with the track tensioner, so I'll probably put the extra set on my other "beater bulldog"..

tryed to order the metal shock absorber and springs, but the shops closed. Tomorrow or next week I'll get it handled.