Minitruck axle assembly guide

Overview of Components

Before assembly, lightly sand all 3D-printed parts to remove rough edges and print lines. This improves the fit, ensures smoother operation, and gives a cleaner, more professional look to the final axle assembly for your minitruck.

 

 

Step 1: Prepare the Trailing Arm Tubes

 

 

The two trailing arm tubes require special attention. Carefully sand the outer surfaces to remove any print lines so they slide smoothly into the main axle housing. Check the fit of the trailing arm ends and lightly drill them out to 3 mm (≈ 1/8 inch) so the brass tubes can be inserted without excessive force.

 

 *Installing Shock Mounts (Optional)*

Slide the shock mounts over the trailing arms if you are using the shock/leafspring setup. For a leaf spring-only setup, skip this step.

 Make sure the mounts fit smoothly without forcing them.

 

 

 

Step 2: Install the Bearing and Center Gear

 

 

 carefully re-drill the front of the housing to 3 mm to make room for the aluminum insert

 

 

Press-fit the bearing into the axle housing.

 Then, glue the center gear onto the brass tube.

 

 

Use the two spacer rings between the bearing and the gear to ensure the gears are perfectly aligned and mesh smoothly.

Proper spacing is essential for optimal gear engagement .

 

 

 

 

Step 3. Align the Side Arms

 

 

 

Align the side arms by inserting the two brass tubes into the arms and through the drive shaft.

This ensures everything is perfectly straight before final assembly. Proper alignment is crucial for smooth operation and accurate gear meshing.

 

Tip: You can place the gear loosely on the drive shaft while gluing the side arms. This allows you to adjust and ensure the gears are perfectly aligned before everything is fixed in place.

 

 

 

 

Step 5: Install the Leaf Spring Mounts

 

 

 

 

 

 

Attach the leaf spring mounts to the side arms. For the leaf spring setup, you can adjust the ride height using the brass threaded inserts. These can be cut to size to achieve a “floor scraper” effect or any other custom look, allowing the body of your minitruck to sit very low to the ground.

 

 

 

Step 6: Cut and Secure the Drive Shaft

 

 

 

 

 

Trim the drive shaft to your desired length.

Slide the gear onto the shaft and make sure it is properly positioned. Fix the brass inner tubes with a small drop of glue to keep them from moving. To keep the gear firmly in place and perfectly aligned, fill the space directly behind the gear using either a slightly longer brass tube or a custom-made spacer. This ensures the gear stays securely pressed against the shaft and does not shift over time. Position it carefully so it meshes correctly with the other gears. Once the glue sets, the gear will remain stable and perfectly aligned, ensuring smooth and reliable performance.

 

 

This is just one version of the assembly. You can customize and build your minitruck axle in multiple ways, adapting it to your own interpretation and preferred setup.