Kraton 8s RTR to EXB chassis upgrade

In this video we discover the answer to the question, Will an EXB chassis fit on the RTR version of this monster RC without modification? AJ walks you through the process to see if the "Cradle method" works on such a large vehicle. Fear not, this video is not a full remove and replace, as we abbreviate portions of the process somewhat. Still, the information is there and AJ is glad to help you understand the how this may be done. Please, feel free to comment or ask questions regarding this process.
The link to the Kraton V4 upgrade, which is a full R&R, is down below.
• Kraton 6s chassis upgrade


Music:
MixKit, Party Robot
Ethan Meixsell, Run
Epidemic Sound:
Sven Lindvall, Coming Closer

[@DeRock401]

This was amazing. I didn’t know you could do it this easily

[@AJJAMStudios]

Sometimes things look more difficult than they are. And sometimes we make things harder than they have to be. Using the cradle method seemed like a good idea so we tried it. Then we shared the results so everyone could benefit. We’re glad you like the idea. Thanks for commenting. 😎👍

[@nickpacello2597]

AJ went with your suggestion and got the Kraton 6S this week. Amazon had the V5 for $479. Did a quick test run in the street tonight and Holy Mackerel!!! Very different from my Maxx. I will say it’s the batteries are a little harder to get situated than my Maxx. Next step is to vent the tires. Thank you for helping me decide on the my newest addition

[@AJJAMStudios]

We are glad we could help. With a few minor upgrades that thing will be a beast. Awesome choice. 😎👍

[@clairecooper3848]

I applaud you for this method to hold it all together 👏👏

[@AJJAMStudios]

I appreciate that. Thank you. AJ

[@gregorymelvin5675]

Thnx for time bud good video.exb on the way.8s outcast down 😆😂🙃

[@AJJAMStudios]

Hope you enjoy it!

[@simtherapy9533]

Wow your doing a great job. subscribed!

[@AJJAMStudios]

Thank you 😎👍

[@EnjoyLifeLikeaKid]

What a monster.

[@AJJAMStudios]

Agreed. 😎👍

[@jcallesano]

I definitely appreciate a video like this explaining how easy it is to do a daunting task. Now that I just saw how easy it is I'll be purchasing an upgraded Chassis considering mine is bent in half

[@AJJAMStudios]

I hope it works well for you. Thanks for watching. 😎👍

[@jcallesano]

@AJJAMStudios are these special shims, certain size and diameter?

[@AJJAMStudios]

No they are simple washers that I stacked to the right size. You can pick through washers at your local hardware store to get the right spacing. Thanks for asking. 😎👍

[@jcallesano]

@AJJAMStudios well, regardless. I couldn't get the esb chassis so I just got another stock one. I'm so happy I found this video. Doing a chassis swap any other way is just asinine... I can't believe what I just did in that time with the pinion, spur and motor swap while adding the dual fans. Wow. Thank you!

[@AJJAMStudios]

So glad we could help. Thank you 😎👍

[@Watermoehlen]

Your cradle method sure does hold the components well.

[@AJJAMStudios]

I was surprised also when we first attempted it. Five chassis later, and on different rigs and sizes, we've come to realize it "is" a viable way to swap a pan chassis out, and an efficient way to do it too. Thanks for the comment. AJ

[@jeffmays7192]

The m2c upgrade is a much better option. No washers or bs needed. Also there is an under chassis bar support direct bolt on over existing.

[@AJJAMStudios]

True, the M2C products are tougher, however, we were showing the budget way to achieve a higher durability without spending quite so much money. Thank you for bringing that up, we appreciate your input. 😎👍

[@motosessions]

Do you have a link to good drill bits and counter sink bits for a project like this?

[@WCFGreywolf]

I can't find a video on how often you should re-grease the front and rear dif on the Kraton 8s , I don't plan on running it through water, I'm watching the one by Arrma. But they haven't mentioned how often ?

[@AJJAMStudios]

You should inspect the diffs about every 20 runs or so. If the grease is looking used up, it is time to pull the diffs and have a closer look. I hope this helps. 😎👍

[@WCFGreywolf]

@@AJJAMStudios Thanks

[@jcallesano]

Do you have this video in full length? I'm about to do mine since the chassis got to me today. Plus all the other good stuff, 800kv , new esc and other parts.

[@AJJAMStudios]

We do not, unfortunately, this switch is the only run of the video we have. Best of luck on your rebuild. Wish we could be more helpful. AJ

[@paulclancy2404]

Love this idea , I should do same to o8s but im if ain't broke don't fix type guy , yep I alway watch guys killing the threads 100mph 😆

[@AJJAMStudios]

I agree, break it first, then fix it. Also, speed kills the plastic parts, so...easy does it. It's not something we say, it's something we believe and do. Thanks for the comment.

[@mbahadig99]

I know defrent cars but Whats most fun KRATON 1/5 XMAXX or DBXL ?

[@AJJAMStudios]

That is an interesting question because they all have their strengths and weaknesses. To get straight to the answer here, the DBXL-E holds a special place in my heart because of its Buggy styling and power. It handles great and is real quick straight out of the box. But then again, the Kraton 8s is also fast and fun to drive. Having much wider tires, the Kraton handles differently from the Losi, having the speed and power to skim puddles with ease. But then again, the Xmaxx is a brute of a machine. It can stunt in ways the others can't. With minor upgrades for the suspension, the Xmaxx becomes way more durable and fun rig to play with. They call it the "King of the bashers", and I can not argue that point, for it is unique to the hobby. If I had to choose one to keep and let the others go...well...due to the new tracks we just built, and the way it handles, I would have to go with the...oh, this is hard...I would say it is the Kraton 8s. However, there is no wrong choice here. The Losi and the Arrma are both faster than the Xmaxx, straight out of the box, but the Xmaxx is way cool to smash around in the wild. The Losi is narrower than the Kraton and the Xmaxx, and has truck tires on it not monster tires. All three jump well, handle good, and seem to accelerate great. And, you can get replacement parts and upgrades for all three. I hope this answers your question. AJ

[@sodagonemad6626]

Could you explain the washer part for the transmission please, how many washers per bolt on the transmission, I know you said 5 but what’s the order of the 5 washers

[@AJJAMStudios]

They were just enough to take up the space left by the new chassis. The order does not matter as long as they fill the void. This allows for a tight replacement without having to buy more parts from Arrma. So far we’ve had no issues doing it this way. Best of luck 😎👍

[@sodagonemad6626]

So did you do 5 washers per bolt or 5 total split between the 3? I really appreciate the help, My chassis is beyond bent lol it cracked, I’m doing this upgrade

[@AJJAMStudios]

5 per bolt, but washer thickness varies. Snug the mount down with the areas that work and then stack your washers to find how many you need for your washer thickness. I would only do the rear and not drill the motor mount one unless you’re skilled at that sort of thing. The chassis does not have the motor mount hole from the factory so I don’t think they think you need it. I added it only to beef up the mount. We show this in the video. Thanks again for asking. Does this help? 😎👍

[@sodagonemad6626]

Yes sir that helped a lot

[@paulclancy2404]

Actually looked easier than typhon swap , bigger more sturdy I guess

[@AJJAMStudios]

Both went better than expected. I was unsure if the cradle would hold the larger parts on the 8s but everything went pretty good. Reassembly was no problem for either, but the mods to the 8s did take a bit longer. That being said, the Typhon swap was our first, and we did it cold with no prep work, so that probably contributed to the difficulty level somewhat. By the time we got to the 8s we'd done four chassis swaps in that way, so our confidence levels were much higher and we had practical application behind us, so things went smoother. Thanks for the comment. 😎👍

[@iflyitfpv9224]

Does the EXB chassis bend when jumping off of ramps and landing hard? I’m thinking about getting the RTR and I’m trying to consider the best option for other chassis

[@AJJAMStudios]

It can but I’ve yet to bend one. Rough landings can affect the chassis but with the aluminum center braces the car is much tougher than the RTR version. Thanks for asking 😎👍

[@iflyitfpv9224]

@@AJJAMStudios thank you! It’s probably the cheepest option I’ve found yet!

[@AJJAMStudios]

That's what we try and do here, save everyone some cash but still get the job done. Thanks 😎👍

[@dirtrider88]

why would you put white lithium grease in the diffs and not diff fluid?

[@AJJAMStudios]

Lithium grease on the outside ring gears, and diff fluid inside. It is two different locations. Thanks for asking.

[@DeRock401]

Why didn’t you go m2c?

[@AJJAMStudios]

Weight mostly. Plus the cost. I found this chassis from a guy who m2c’d his and bought this one for 75 dollars. Thanks for asking. 😎👍

[@DeRock401]

@@AJJAMStudios I was always intimidated to do a chassis swap. That’s why I didn’t buy m2c yet. But this might of changed my mind. Thanks bro. Merry Xmas

[@DeRock401]

@@AJJAMStudios also. Jenny’s has the exb chassis for like 45$. For future reference!

[@AJJAMStudios]

Good to know, Thanks. AJ

[@chriseller757]

Still gonna bend it

[@AJJAMStudios]

We’re gonna try😎👍

[@chriseller757]

@@AJJAMStudios such a waste