Well I bit the bullet and assembled all the links, even without a tool. Carpal Tunnel RULESZ!
Let's build some axles!
This is usually pretty fun, and as usual, this was no exception. The F9 is a very cool looking axle. When Axial released their AR44, they did everything right and made them really small, which allows for a lot more realism in the pumpkin department courtesy of Vanquish.
Step one is to secure the ring and pinion in the cover. Remember your blue loctite. Those bearing caps make for a snug fit, and Vanquish's ring and pinions are quite strong.
Step two, add the cover piece to the one-piece axle assembly and bolt up. Add your shafts, and bolt it all together.
Completed.
Front is exactly the same process save for the servo mount, which is required for this truck. Yes, I'll lose a couple points for no CMS, but 'tis okay.
Both axles completed.
And bolted to truck. I'm still deciding on shock setup, leaning towards Traxxas Big Bores in Droop with Mini-T springs (much success with that setup) so just hanging on the links here:
And for wheels/tires? RC4WD Wrangler M/T's with PitBull Dirty Richard foams on KMC Machete's. I watched n00b run these tires last year and was thoroughly impressed. Great tread depth, spacing, and compound. Matched with a quality foam, they should be a killer combination.
Now, to start figuring out electronics and transmission bits. Supershafty has sent me driveshafts specifically for the Ripper. More to come.