The Build – Part 4 Since the B5M is a mid-motor configuration, the transmission had to have a slightly different layout so that the motor would turn the rear wheels in the right direction. This new transmission now has 4 gears in it instead of 2. Also included with this buggy is the A-Team’s VTS slipper unit. Let’s get ‘er built!
Build Notes: We will be dealing with grease in this step so I would suggest getting some rags or paper towels to clean up any mess you might make.
There are a couple different ways to install the diff and thrust balls, but I use a pretty simple method that makes the assembly much easier. See the exact step for more info.
Team Associated B5M Buggy Build Step 35 The first step in the B5M transmission build is the ball differential. Start by adding a little bit of white grease to the outdrives and then dropping the diff rings into place.Team Associated B5M Buggy Build Step 36 Drop one bearing into the female outdrive and one onto the male side. Press the diff gear into place. The bearing will help center the gear and capture the diff balls in the next step.Team Associated B5M Buggy Build Step 37 Squeeze a small amount of white grease into each hole in the diff gear. Now cut open the corner of the 3/32 carbide diff ball bag and pour them into the gear as shown.Team Associated B5M Buggy Build Step 38 Move the diff balls around and press them into the holes in the diff gear. This is my preferred way of installing the balls so they don’t go rolling all over the place while I’m building. Set both diff halves aside.Team Associated B5M Buggy Build Step 39 Compress the diff spring a couple times to pre-set it.Team Associated B5M Buggy Build Step 40 Pour the 5/64 thrust balls onto a paper towel. Slide one of the diff thrust washers onto the diff thrust bolt and add a generous amount of black grease. Now roll the greased diff bolt assembly over the 5/64 diff balls to pick them up.Team Associated B5M Buggy Build Step 41 Once you’ve picked up all 6 thrust balls, slide the second diff thrust washer into place. Your final assembly should look like this.Team Associated B5M Buggy Build Step 42 Insert the diff thrust bolt assembly into the female diff half.Team Associated B5M Buggy Build Step 43 Mate the male diff half to the female side and install the diff spring and locking T-nut. Slowly screw the diff thrust bolt into the T-nut; after every 2 or 3 full turns, twist the differential to make sure the parts are seating correctly. Contintue tightening until the the thrust screw bottoms out, then back it off 1/8 of a turn. When tightening, pay attention to when it bottoms out. DO NOT overtighten our you WILL damage the assembly.Team Associated B5M Buggy Build Step 44 Your assembled diff. It should be semi-tight but extremely smooth.Team Associated B5M Buggy Build Step 45 Take your 2 transmission half cases and press the 10×15 and 6×12 bearings into place.Team Associated B5M Buggy Build Step 46 Assemble the pair of idler gears and top shaft.Team Associated B5M Buggy Build Step 47 Slide the top shaft, the pair of idler gears and the diff assembly into the transmission half as shown. Make sure the diff bolt in the diff assembly is facing away from the top shaft, ie, in this picture, the diff bolt screw will be facing you. Carefully mate the transmission halves together and secure with the M3x16mm screws.Team Associated B5M Buggy Build Step 48 Attach the chassis brace to the assembled transmission case.Team Associated B5M Buggy Build Step 49 Attach the motor plate to the assembled transmission case.Team Associated B5M Buggy Build Step 50 To make installation a little easier, I started by laying out all the parts to the VTS Slipper unit. Assembly is a little tricky but I have confidence you can do it.Team Associated B5M Buggy Build Step 51 Start by compressing the slipper spring a few times.Team Associated B5M Buggy Build Step 52 Slide the FT V2 Slipper Hub onto the topshaft. Press the slipper pad into the grooves on the 81T spur and slide that onto the topshaft. If the pad doesn’t stay in place, you can apply a small drop of black grease to the gear to hold it.Team Associated B5M Buggy Build Step 53 Lay the transmission on its side and then slide the VTS Slipper Housing in place followed by a VTS Slipper Pad, VTS Slipper Plate and then other VTS Pad.Team Associated B5M Buggy Build Step 54 While still keeping the transmission on its side, install the outer VTS Slipper Hub followed by the slipper spring, spring adapter and M4 locknut. Tighten down the locknut until it is flush with the topshaft. You can adjust it after the first run for more or less grip.Team Associated B5M Buggy Build Step 55 Set the transmission assembly onto the chassis, making sure the chassis brace seats all in the groove. Attach it to the rear shock tower using the two M3x10mm screws.Team Associated B5M Buggy Build Step 56 Secure the transmission to the chassis.
Rotate the transmission a few times to make sure it feels nice and smooth. Check it out … your B5M is starting to look like a car! Great 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!
