RC10 transmission maintenance, differences, and options

[mdutcher]

I have been trying to absorb as much as I can and relearn some things of the past. During my search, I have developed some more questions that I hope that you will indulge me on regarding the RC10 transmission.

First, there is the original stock transmission and I have heard some people refer to this as the 6 gear tranny. Internal ratio is 2.2, correct?

Then, we have the stealth tranny and this is where I see some slight deviations and further questions. There are 3 gears to the stealth and should be very similar to that of current tranny systems, correct? The stealth has an internal ratio of 2.65, correct?

On the stealth, I have seen different cases from a slightly revised box like one to a more sleek and minimalist look. Are there any differences here to the tranny other than looks? Will any stealth transmission work on the RC10? Can a B4.1 tranny work on the vintage RC10 considering that the mounting holes are identical? I did read that the B4 slipper assembly is a direct fit into the stealth.

What are the advantages of the stealth over the original 6 gear?

What about parts availability for these transmissions? I don't see that RPM sells tranny parts for the RC10 any more.

What sort of maintenance is recommended now to further the life of the vintage transmissions? What things have you learned along the way that you can share?

Thanks!

[jwscab]

this is a recent thread with some information that will help, be sure to follow the links. the original 6gear trans has a ratio of 1.86(1.85?).

http://www.rc10talk.com/viewtopic.php?f=38&t=29335&hilit=stealth+gear+ratio

maintenance is pretty simple. check the parts for wear, carefully clean and rebuild the diff as necessary, and replace the thrust bearing, especially.

[mdutcher]

this is a recent thread with some information that will help, be sure to follow the links. the original 6gear trans has a ratio of 1.86(1.85?).

http://www.rc10talk.com/viewtopic.php?f=38&t=29335&hilit=stealth+gear+ratio

maintenance is pretty simple. check the parts for wear, carefully clean and rebuild the diff as necessary, and replace the thrust bearing, especially.

Yes, I did stumble across those threads during my search, but was somewhat confused by the internal gear options for the stealth. Good to know that the original one is a 1.85~ and not a 2.2 like I had assumed. The stealth comes in various options for the ratio i can see. I was told that in my RC10 that has the upgraded RPM stealth case, that it is a 2.65. Why are there several options for internal gearing? Any advantages to that?

Thank you for the tip on maintenance. However, what if a gear does become worn? What aftermarket options have you been able to source for parts? I am just trying to think ahead and wondering if I should try to buy ahead, if needed.

[askbob]

I believe the RPM 2.65 trans was used mostly in the 10T truck due to larger wheels/tires, gearing it lower. As for 2.25 Stealth parts, ebay is your best bet. Tower and a few others carry what parts are still available. A few parts have been dis-continued, and some are still available.

[slow_jun]

the RPM 2.65 Tranny is more of a brushless motor friendly , it'll tame down the car. more or less. as with the 2.25, i was more built for the Good old days of the brushed motors. But i have tried using a stealth with an 8.5T Brushless.... it flies!!!!! hahahaha

[cochecito]

I would make a deep clean, put fresh grease and thats all. I think 2.65 is better for today brushless motors.

[mdutcher]

I need some assistance here please.

I need to rebuild my diffs within a stealth transmission (2.20) and an RPM Stealth transmission (2.65).

Where can I find ANY sort of aftermarket option here for diff rings? I know that they are smaller than a B4 ring.

What about thrust bearings and washers? Are most of these universal?

What about the ball bearings in the gear? Universal? If so, what size are they?

What about the gear itself?

Please help me to shed some light on this. What have you guys been successful with using or doing? I can't seem to find some good data.

Tower hobbies does list some items, but I also would like to validate that against what you guys have purchased.

[jwscab]

I believe a tc3 diff rebuild kit will work for both.

[mdutcher]

I believe a tc3 diff rebuild kit will work for both.

Thank you for the response. I will give that a try!

The diff in my RPM tranny is really barking. It needs some attention now.

[Flargen]

I believe a tc3 diff rebuild kit will work for both.

Just verified that the TC3 diff rebuild kit (ASC3926) will indeed work. Part numbers line up with the original RC10 parts list.

See breakdown on TH:

http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXPA07

[mdutcher]

Thank you for the verification and all of the information. I was able to secure a rebuild kit for my Worlds runner with the RPM tranny. I rebuilt the tranny as it needed it. Tried it out this morning and it works and sounds like a champ now.

I should be set for a while now!

[ChuckFu]

Don’t forget, there is also the 2.40 ratio stealth from the B2/3.

[Dumanyu]

If I may interject a question or two. I recently bought a Stealth tranny from a friend, as I’m going to replace the 6 gear I installed in my rebuilt CE, it I haven’t a clue how to tell the difference of these transmissions. B3, B4,... no clue. I’m old school and only knew the 6 gear. As I recently rebuilt my 2 RC10s, the CE and my original Edinger that I’ve had for over 30 years, I’m a babe in the woods when it comes to the Stealth. Is there a way to tell the difference?

[XLR8]

If I may interject a question or two. I recently bought a Stealth tranny from a friend, as I’m going to replace the 6 gear I installed in my rebuilt CE, it I haven’t a clue how to tell the difference of these transmissions. B3, B4,... no clue. I’m old school and only knew the 6 gear. As I recently rebuilt my 2 RC10s, the CE and my original Edinger that I’ve had for over 30 years, I’m a babe in the woods when it comes to the Stealth. Is there a way to tell the difference?

Although the original Stealth, B2/B3, B4, etc. are 3-gear boxes, each had a different internal ratio and only the original Stealth came in natural white nylon (the truck versions were black and many of the white ones have been dyed black or other colors over the years). Beyond color, each of the later boxes had their own somewhat unique mounting systems. The original Stealth box only has mounting screw holes on the bottom (4) plus two holes in the top for the plate to link it to the rear bulkhead. Take a look at the illustrations in the various instruction manuals and you'll begin to notice the differences. I think it's safe to assume that if it's white nylon, then it's an original Stealth tranny.

[Dumanyu]

Thanks for the info. The “new” one I recently acquired is white nylon, but who’s to say the internals weren’t changed. As I bought off a friend who makes a living selling parts. It may have been rebuilt with who knows what gear ratios lol. No matter, as its going in a CE and I’m hoping I can tame it a bit to keep the CE from blowing over, as it frequently does at speed with a 4000Kv brushless / 2s LiPo. But she is fast lol.