XRT Shim Diff - Simple - Easy - Instructional - My Very First Attempt 03-03-2023

I know there are hundreds of really good videos covering this same subject for the XMaxx, XRT and so many others and I am clearly not trying to compete with anyone. I am trying to help a few people who have requested me to make a video and for anyone else who wants to learn while already having a basic understanding of rc mechanics and to show just how simple this particular task really is so people do not get intimidated by hearing that they have to "shim their diff", or anything else which can turn some people away from the hobby. I hope to prove that most everything with rc's is relatively easy and that most everyone can do it all on their own and hopefully share that with everyone else. I love this hobby and have been in it a very long time, about 46 years now. I have been into Traxxas now just about two years and am loving the change from my other rc's. I am still learning with Traxxas, they are about the easiest rc brand to work on and I will be sticking with them from here on out when it comes to trucks. I hope people can find some value with this video and that it can help you too. Peace and many smiles to everyone out there! Thank you to Bob Robinson, Kevin Moore, Scott H. and Allen Simms for requesting me to do this video, I hoped I helped and I enjoyed trying. If not please let me know what you're looking for and I will do my best to provide it. I also wish to thank Paul Parmar for suggesting these particular shims for the Traxxas XRT and XMaxx and where I could find them! I hope to get better at this stuff. This is my very first instructional video and I know I have a long way to go.... Any comments or suggestions are welcome and Thanks For Watching Everybody!

[@BeautyBeastRC]

Really useful stuff! I've finally had my own ring gear problems so this has been a life saver. Thank you so much for taking the time. 😎 👍

[@tompendley1172]

Wow, thank you very much for your reply and kind words. I know I suck at explaining stuff on camera but I am trying to get better, respect!

[@chadclarke12]

Good first instructional video

[@tompendley1172]

Cool, now go shim your diff! 😜

[@terryrccrazy6993]

Great job. Lots of information. Thanks

[@tompendley1172]

Many thanks!!!

[@bobrobinson360]

Thank you Tom, it helped me very much not so intimidating to try now.

[@tompendley1172]

I really hope this did help, best of luck and happy ripping!

[@Avankaurparmar]

Pls post as soon as u get it all sorted I'd love to see the difference in the diffs shimmed properly and without shimming I don't think alot of guys understand that your ring gears and pinions will last 10x longer if there shimmed correctly. Thanks for the video Tom and some good pointers too!!

[@tompendley1172]

I certainly will post the video asap. It's ready to go right now... Most guys around here do not want to bother shimming their diffs and are already paying the price for their laziness. Some of them are on their 4th and 5th diff and still refuse to shim them. I don't have that kind of money and I am too cheap anyhow, lol. Thank you Paul for your feedback, that helps me alot!

[@tompendley1172]

Thank you I will do that. I am hoping to make that video sometime this week. The weather hasn't been cooperating very much but this week is looking great if I can get the time to go out there. Thank you for your kind words, much appreciated!!!

[@kaosr.c]

Cool informative vid mate 🤘🏻

[@tompendley1172]

Much appreciated!

[@robertk3673]

Thank you Sir, what shim are you using on the output bearing on the diff?

[@proto12qs]

Big help since this is the project that im about to undertake this upcoming week. How do you usually check the play in the front diff without complete disassembly? Thanks again Subscribed!

[@tompendley1172]

I check the play in the front diff the same way by removing the cush drive, relieving the tension on the drivetrain. Best of luck to you, if I didn't explain anything well enough please don't hesitate to let me know and I will do better. Thanks for watching and for the sub!

[@proto12qs]

@@tompendley1172 DO you have any recommendations for diff fluids? Im leaving the 20 mill in the center and thinking 200k up front and 100k in the rear. Just to firm up things but not to change the handling characteristics of the vehicle too much (since i like the way it drives but could be improved)

[@tompendley1172]

@@proto12qs Your plan with 200k up front and 100k in the rear will do nicely, much better than stock. When you do get into the stock diffs you will see that Traxxas puts very little diff fluid in the front and rear diffs. However the center diff is usually packed well with the 20 million. Sounds like you have a good plan going in right now. The XRT is the best driving/handling rc truck I've ever driven.

[@proto12qs]

Just completed the job! 100 percent the diffs were not filled to an appropriate level. Pretty bad job put the factory. But quick fix as long as ur somewhat handy.

[@tompendley1172]

@@proto12qs Alright, glad to hear that. I wish I knew why they don't fill them up properly from the manufacturer. Maybe they want us to tear them up and buy more from them... I am almost always handy if I can help, always happy to. Eager to hear how well it handles now.

[@mam362]

Probably a dumb question, but does one ever shim the central differential? Or is shimming just done on the rear and front in this vehicle?