The Build – Part 2 Team C’s TM4 comes with a great set of fluid-filled gear diffs. Assembly is pretty easy and I haven’t had any troubles with them leaking; both major plusses when it comes to diffs.
Build Notes: Make sure you’re working on a clean surface that is covered with a towel or work mat. You will be dealing with diff fluids and, no matter how hard you try, you will spill some. Just be prepared with clean-up items.
Team C TM4 Buggy Build Step 4 Slide a 10×12 washer and bearing onto each diff housing. Press the bearing down to completely seat it.Team C TM4 Buggy Build Step 5 Insert the outdrive into the diff housing. While standing the assembly up, slide the red o-ring followed by the 5.1×13 washer onto the outdrive. Drop the e-clip into the diff housing and position it to snap into the groove on the outdrive. This could be a little tricky; a set of needlenose pliers will help snap the e-clip into place.Team C TM4 Buggy Build Step 6 With the diff housing still standing, position and drop the 16t sungear into place. It will key to the outdrive; push it down until it sits flush with the outdrive.Team C TM4 Buggy Build Step 7 Slide two 10×12 washers and a bearing onto each diff gear. Press the bearing down to completely seat it.Team C TM4 Buggy Build Step 8 Insert the outdrive into the diff gear. While standing the assembly up, slide the red o-ring followed by the 5.1×13 washer onto the outdrive. Drop the e-clip onto the diff gear and position it to snap into the groove on the outdrive. Again, this could be a little tricky, so use your needlenose pliers to snap the e-clip into place.Team C TM4 Buggy Build Step 8 Drop and key a 16t sungear to the outdrive. Press it down to make sure it sits flush with the top of the outdrive. Take a diff gasket and set it in place, lining up the holes in the gasket and gear.Team C TM4 Buggy Build Step 10 Build 4 sungear assemblies. A little drop of grease will help keep the gears from sliding around. Note the flat spots on the shafts.Team C TM4 Buggy Build Step 11 Drop one sungear assemblies into the grooves of the diff housing, making sure the flat spot on the shaft is facing up. Drop a second sungear assembly into the grooves of the diff housing, making sure the flat spot on the shaft is facing down.Team C TM4 Buggy Build Step 12 Fill each diff up with diff fluid, just to the top of the sungears. The manual suggests a starting setup of 5000wt diff fluid up front, 2000wt diff fluid in the rear. It also highlights what to use if you are running on a low grip or high grip track.Team C TM4 Buggy Build Step 13 Slowly flip the diff gear assembly over and mate it to the diff housing, lining up the screw holes in the gear and housing. Press it together and rotate the diff outdrive to make sure the gears are meshing correctly. Screw together slowly and clean up any excess diff fluid.Team C TM4 Buggy Build Step 14 I like to write my fluids on the housings with a silver Sharpie so I know which is the front/rear and what fluid is in them.
As a final note, rotate each diff to make sure it moves smoothly. Give them one more good cleaning and set them aside. Good job.
Tony Phalen - As an avid RC enthusiast, Tony has been building, bashing and racing RC Cars for over 30 years. He has participated in every kind of surface racing events - 1/18 scale trucks, 1/10 scale TC, Rock Racers, Rally - if it had wheels, he's raced it! He's also worked on both sides of the industry fence; collaborating with many major manufacturers (as well as being a sponsored driver) to working for a high-profile industry magazine. During this time he has learned many tricks, tips and techniques and is sharing that knowledge on CompetitionX - the most informative RC website on the internet!
