I had a stock AX10 trans with upgraded out drives and a DNA dig unit on it. I wasn't happy with the DNA; it was to big, the servo mount/ shift linkage was wonky, and it all around just gave me fits. I'm running a STRC delrin skid, with 4mm rod ends, which would not clear the DNA case, so I had to grind away some clearance on the case. I got the case paper thin in one spot and it still actually wasn't enough, but enough to somewhat allow the rod end to fit. The other major issue I had was the collar on the shift rod wouldn't stay tight, or stripped out (yes blue locktite used), so I would constantly have to readjust it/ replace it.
I decided the DNA had to go, but had a few options; VP, HR, home made, or Wraith swap. I was looking for a low budget change that had good function. I know people using VP and have complaints about them, so I didn't feel like wasting $100 on another headache. Same goes for the HR, headaches, even though the price is better. As for the homemade, I'm sure I could make one, but didn't have the time to do all the fab required. So now wea are at the Wraith trans; it is basically an AX trans with a built in dig section on the back half of the gear case, and you can buy the case for $10, and the HR dig for it for $40. Then all you need is 1 bearing (for the rear out drive) and you can swap everything fron the AX trans in and be set.
I decided on the Wraith setup, and so far I am very happy with it. I got lucky and found a complete Wraith trans from a kit in RPP's Salvage yard for $11! That ment I got some spare parts (never a bad thing), and the bearing I needed. While I was at it I used some HR aluminum internal gears and new Robinson Racing outside (90/14). The HR dig is (according to some who used the AX one), a really nice setup. It is basically like a socket and nut, with a 6 sided nut that runs on the shaft to lock and engage the dig. That was 1 nice improvement, the outdrive stays put and all the dig function is done without moving it. The Axial version (whenever it becomes available) is a similar design, only using a spline setup.
The best part, it is 3oz lighter! I weighed my old trans with the DNA, then weighed my new Wraith one. The AX trans with DNA was almost 15oz, the Wraith with the HR installed was just over 11oz. The dig case is much smaller; it sticks out 20mm where as the DNA stuck out 30mm, and where as the DNA case follows the contour of the trans case all of that 30mm back, the Wraith tapers in allowing my link/ rod ends to clear. It shifts smoothly without binding to bad, the ends where it engages (on the gear and lock bracket) are tappered to allow it to slip right in (less rollback). The only "alteration" I had to make was move the shift rod to servo linkage from under the shift rod to over so it would clear my rear link mount.
I recommend this swap to anyone wanting to use dig on their AX10."thumbsup"
I decided the DNA had to go, but had a few options; VP, HR, home made, or Wraith swap. I was looking for a low budget change that had good function. I know people using VP and have complaints about them, so I didn't feel like wasting $100 on another headache. Same goes for the HR, headaches, even though the price is better. As for the homemade, I'm sure I could make one, but didn't have the time to do all the fab required. So now wea are at the Wraith trans; it is basically an AX trans with a built in dig section on the back half of the gear case, and you can buy the case for $10, and the HR dig for it for $40. Then all you need is 1 bearing (for the rear out drive) and you can swap everything fron the AX trans in and be set.
I decided on the Wraith setup, and so far I am very happy with it. I got lucky and found a complete Wraith trans from a kit in RPP's Salvage yard for $11! That ment I got some spare parts (never a bad thing), and the bearing I needed. While I was at it I used some HR aluminum internal gears and new Robinson Racing outside (90/14). The HR dig is (according to some who used the AX one), a really nice setup. It is basically like a socket and nut, with a 6 sided nut that runs on the shaft to lock and engage the dig. That was 1 nice improvement, the outdrive stays put and all the dig function is done without moving it. The Axial version (whenever it becomes available) is a similar design, only using a spline setup.
The best part, it is 3oz lighter! I weighed my old trans with the DNA, then weighed my new Wraith one. The AX trans with DNA was almost 15oz, the Wraith with the HR installed was just over 11oz. The dig case is much smaller; it sticks out 20mm where as the DNA stuck out 30mm, and where as the DNA case follows the contour of the trans case all of that 30mm back, the Wraith tapers in allowing my link/ rod ends to clear. It shifts smoothly without binding to bad, the ends where it engages (on the gear and lock bracket) are tappered to allow it to slip right in (less rollback). The only "alteration" I had to make was move the shift rod to servo linkage from under the shift rod to over so it would clear my rear link mount.
I recommend this swap to anyone wanting to use dig on their AX10."thumbsup"
