Bones or Sliders?

[Seabass]

Well I had some time so I decided to fool around a bit in the shop. I was wondering about possibly using bones on a recent build I am working on. I machined a new outdrive from Stainless and it fit perfect. There is no play and everything spins like it should.

Now the question, is there any advantage to running bones VS sliders? I would say no but then again I am not the smartest fellow out there. I figured I would ask some of you Losi guys.

This outdrive is machined to accept the AE/MIP CVDs becuase that is what I have. After taking some measurements, looks like I can run B44 CVDs in my car if I want to go this route.

I was told about other Losi bones being a direct fit as well so I could easily pick up a pair of those and then machine outdrives to fit those bones. Would definately give the custom touch to my car.

So what do you guys say, bones or sliders. What are the pros and cons of each?

[Mad Racer]

From what i have read Bones are the best for rough tracks.

Universals are good all round.

CVD's great on smoother tracks.

As for sliders i guess in between universals and bones.

My jrx2 has sliders.

[losiXXXman]

I never had any issues with either, Jake. For some reason I feel like sliders are lighter (less rotating mass). I haven't actually weighed them or anything. The bones work well. I think the Losi guys BITD said that bones gave a slight sway bar effect - I never noticed. For my modern JRx2, I think i will eventually do CVD's. BUT whatever I can source first for cheapest is what will go on there first.

BTW - the outdrive to take an associated bone end is cool.

With your machining skill maybe this would be a waste of your time, but have you considered 5 and 10 degree caster wedges for underneath the front bulkhead?

[bearrickster]

I have used all three on my Pro se, wow jeep those look great I want some for the pro racer I am building.

SLIDERS: work great for a long time, the only problem I have ever had is the steel pins wear groves in the plastic slider.

DOGBONES: My faverite never had any problems at all.

CVD': These work great also but the only race I have DNF in was because the tiny drive pins shear but the best repair is to cut a body pin and use that. the stock pins shear body pins dont.

[tiger1]

great insight

[Seabass]

I need to verify the measurements for the B44 CVDs before I go forward with this. If I can make the B44 CVD's work I may end up making a few pairs of these if anyone is interested.

So Rick you said stuff like this is available for the Retro fit but not for the LRM?

[Mr. ED]

The only real advantage I can come up with for sliders are the total free-dom you generate in suspension movement versus 'bone movement'. By this I mean you can get pretty extreme differences in length between your outdrive and axle carrier without getting the 'bone' to compress/fall out.
According to the tcp manual you'd go for sliders on rough terrain and U-J's on flatter stuff. The U-J's genrate a little less friction on suspension move and give a more direct response to acceleration.
That's all theory ofcourse, how much difference you or me can tell driving them ...

[Jay Dub]

It depends on the slider. What was previosly stated (tcp manual) can actually be exactly the opposite. True you won't have any dog bone plunge in the outdrive, but if the sliders are dirty, worn, rough, or made from similar materials, then they can bind horribly and cause the suspension to bind in the process. The schumacher ones were well known for this because they had a loose fit (allows dirt in), rough surfaces (from molding), and were made of the same material for both parts. The later losi different material setup was not that bad, but as soon as they get scarred and dirty they begin to stick. I used to put graphite dry lube on mine all the time. Can't say I felt a difference, but it couldn't hurt. -Jeff

[Seabass]

I ran Losi cars when I was racing years ago and I too used dry graphite on my sliders as well. I figured one of the most obvious differences would be the effect on the suspension due to the sliders having to move with the suspension. If I do run these outdrives, I will be using CVDs so there will be no need for the "spring loaded" bones.

I appreciate the discussion on the topic and if there is anyone else with input, speak up. So far I don't see much of an advantage/disadvantage over using either style.

[fredswain]

If you gave me 2 identical cars to drive except one had sliders and one had bones/cvd's, I'm not sure I could tell a difference. I've never been able to before.

[bearrickster]

I need to verify the measurements for the B44 CVDs before I go forward with this. If I can make the B44 CVD's work I may end up making a few pairs of these if anyone is interested.

So Rick you said stuff like this is available for the Retro fit but not for the LRM?

MIP did make a set for the LRM but they are few and far between. Makeing it Very hard to find a complete set. and very expensive.

[adam lancia]

Speak of the devil...

http://www.ebay.com/itm/MIP-MB-2000-Bones-Stock-Losi-LXT-NEW-/270735207119?pt=Radio_Control_Parts_Accessories&hash=item3f09136acf

[slow_jun]

If you build,they will come....

[UltraHIVE]

ooooo! good to see custom X2 parts, nice!

btw, sent you a package...