Tillie Doyle
Building the perfect 1:12 pan car diff is a complex task that requires careful consideration of various components and adjustments. While some enthusiasts opt for ready-to-assemble kits, others prefer the challenge of designing and constructing their own pan car from scratch. The process involves selecting the appropriate materials, such as acrylic or carbon fiber, and utilizing techniques like laser cutting and 3D printing to fabricate the chassis and other parts. The choice of tires and suspension systems is also crucial, with options including ball diffs for street use and spools with gears for carpet surfaces. Achieving the ideal diff settings and traction can be a delicate balance, requiring experimentation and adjustments to optimize performance.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Tire choice | Matters the most |
| Rear diff | Spool and gear for carpet, ball diff for street |
| Suspension | Easier to work with using a damper tube like the Schumacher |
| Rear pod | Dual shock absorber setup |
| Axle | Spool for a Schumacher Atom 2 |
| Front axles and spindles | RJSpeed |
| Front tires | Exceed |
| Rear tires | Contact |
| Motor | Fantom 2.0t |
| Diff building | Can be an asset to the operation of the whole car if built correctly |
| Thrust bearing | The Slapmaster is easier to put together than the Trinity thrust bearing |
| XRAY gear differential | Super-smooth, stable, and easier to drive; a "must-have" for every racer |
| Serpent S120 Link | Features 11 different front-end adjustments, strong plastic body posts, and a high-quality miniature servo saver |
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What You'll Learn
Thrust bearing assembly
Thrust bearings are an essential component in rotating equipment, including pan cars. They are a type of rotary bearing designed to support axial loads, specifically forces parallel to the shaft's axis. Thrust bearings are commonly used in automotive transmissions, clutches, fans, pumps, and compressors.
When it comes to the thrust bearing assembly in a 1/12 pan car, there are a few key considerations and steps to ensure optimal performance and longevity:
Firstly, it is important to select the appropriate type of thrust bearing for your application. Thrust bearings come in several varieties, including thrust ball bearings and thrust roller bearings. Thrust ball bearings, such as the ones used in 1/12 cars, are designed for low-speed applications with small to medium axial loads. They offer a compact structure, ease of assembly, and cost-effectiveness. Thrust roller bearings, on the other hand, provide greater load capacity and rigidity but come with a more complex structure, making assembly and adjustments more challenging.
When assembling the thrust bearing, it is crucial to follow the manufacturer's instructions and consider factors such as load magnitude, speed requirements, and space limitations. Additionally, maintaining proper lubrication is essential for optimal performance and reducing wear. It is recommended to clean, inspect, and re-lubricate the thrust assembly during regular maintenance or when rebuilding the diff.
Another trick to enhance the performance of the thrust bearing assembly is to replace the steel balls with carbide ones, as they offer improved durability and reduced friction. Additionally, using associated black grease in the thrust bearing, similar to what is done in touring cars or dirt car diffs, can further enhance performance and protection.
The Slapmaster thrust bearing is also an option for those seeking an easier assembly process. It requires spacing out the bearing with a washer and removing the flanged bearing in the outer hub. The Slapmaster is more compact and simpler to install compared to traditional thrust bearings.
By carefully selecting the appropriate thrust bearing type, following assembly instructions, maintaining proper lubrication, and implementing performance-enhancing tricks, you can ensure a smooth and efficient thrust bearing assembly in your 1/12 pan car diff.
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Rear diff
When building the perfect 1/12 pan car rear diff, there are several important considerations and techniques to keep in mind. Firstly, the choice of materials is crucial. Some builders prefer to use carbon fibre for the rear axle, as it is strong and lightweight. Others opt for aluminium or steel, which offer excellent durability. The choice of material depends on your specific requirements and preferences.
One key aspect of the rear diff is the type of differential you choose. For on-carpet use, a spool and gear setup is recommended, while for street use, a ball diff is more suitable. The ball diff provides better performance on asphalt surfaces. Additionally, you can improve the suspension by using a damper tube, such as the one offered by Schumacher. This enhances the overall handling and ride quality of your 1/12 pan car.
The design of the rear pod is also important. Some builders choose to 3D print the rear pod, allowing for customisation and adjustments. You can make the rear pod adjustable to fine-tune its performance. Consider adding a shock absorber to the rear setup to reduce bounce and improve stability. This can be achieved through a dual shock absorber setup or by using a damper tube.
When assembling the rear diff, it is crucial to ensure smooth operation. One technique is to use a thrust bearing in the hub, which enhances the smoothness of the diff. Regular cleaning, inspection, and lubrication of the thrust assembly are essential for maintaining optimal performance. Additionally, replacing the steel balls with carbide ones and using black grease can improve the longevity and smoothness of the assembly.
Finally, pay attention to the small details. For example, using spur gear covers can protect your diff and save you maintenance time in the long run. Always test the smoothness of your assembly by spinning the wheels. If you feel any scratch or resistance, something may be wrong, and you may need to adjust or replace bearings or diff balls. Building the perfect 1/12 pan car rear diff requires patience, attention to detail, and a willingness to experiment with different techniques and setups.
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Suspension
Firstly, understand the role of suspension. The suspension system connects the wheels to the vehicle's chassis, absorbing shocks and maintaining tyre contact with the road surface. It also plays a crucial role in determining the ride height, which is the clearance between the vehicle's body and the ground.
When setting up the suspension for your 1/12 pan car, consider the type of tyres you will be using. Tyre choice is essential, as it affects the overall performance and handling characteristics of your vehicle. Choose tyres that are suitable for the surface you will be driving on, such as carpet or asphalt.
The angle of your shocks, or shock absorbers, is another critical factor in suspension setup. The angle at which the shocks are mounted influences the damping characteristics they provide. Adjusting the shock angles can affect how your vehicle handles bumps and vibrations, ultimately impacting the overall ride quality and stability.
Additionally, pay attention to the basic alignment aspects of the suspension. This includes adjusting the toe, camber, and caster angles. The toe angle refers to the direction the tyres point when viewed from above, while the camber angle is the angle of the tyres when viewed from the front or rear. The caster angle, on the other hand, is the angle of the steering axis when viewed from the side. These angles play a crucial role in tyre traction, stability, and steering responsiveness.
Finally, consider using suspension aids or upgrades to enhance your setup. For example, a damper tube, such as the Schumacher, can make the suspension easier to work with. You could also explore options like dual shock absorbers or redesigning the rear pod to lower the vehicle's rear end, improving stability and handling.
Remember, the perfect suspension setup may vary depending on your specific vehicle, driving style, and surface conditions. Experiment with different adjustments and refer to resources like the Boomslang Suspension guide to deepen your understanding of suspension dynamics.
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Front end adjustments
The Serpent S120 LTX 1/12 pan car has a fully adjustable front end with 11 different adjustments to help you get the most out of your car. The fixed lower suspension arms work in combination with active top wishbones, and kingpin-mounted springs allow the car to corner at high speeds and absorb small bumps on the racing surface. The front end of the car is also designed to protect the carbon chassis from splitting in the event of a heavy front impact.
The front body posts are supplied with adjustable collars to precisely adjust the body's height. The front upper wishbone mounts are available in different caster angles, and the car is supplied with six. The spring-loaded link system, in combination with the diagonal positioning of the main shock and tube system, controls the roll of the car. The roll of the chassis is also controlled by the spring-loaded side bars, which are made of composite nylon.
The Ackerman is also adjustable through the use of orange anodized shims. The front end adjustments allow for loads of steering and the best possible handling under all grip conditions.
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Mounting the body shell
- Place the chassis on a setup board: This step helps you get the shell in the correct position relative to the chassis.
- Cut the excess material from the shell: Use a new scalpel blade to carefully cut away any excess material around the shell, ensuring a precise fit.
- Mark the body post holes: Determine the position of the body posts and roll over mount. Mark the holes accordingly.
- Mark the front and rear axle points: Identify the front and rear axle points on the shell and mark them for subsequent steps.
- Cut the wheel arches: Use a composs cutter or a circle cutter to cut perfectly round arches for the wheels. Ensure that the tyre has sufficient clearance and will not touch the body during steering.
- Sand the bottom edge of the shell: Place a piece of sandpaper on the setup board and rub the bottom edge of the shell against it to create a flat surface.
- Clean and prepare for painting: Once the shell is mounted and all the necessary marks and cuts are made, clean the body shell thoroughly to prepare it for painting.
- Mount the body before painting: Some builders prefer to mount the body before painting to ensure a precise fit and alignment.
- Draw a vertical centre line: Draw a vertical line through the centre of the front wheel wells to aid in alignment.
- Set up the car with equal toe L/R: Adjust the car's setup to ensure equal toe settings on both the left and right sides.
- Space out the wheels: Adjust the wheel spacing slightly wider than the body to avoid any interference during operation.
- Lower the body over the car: Turn on the car and carefully lower the body, aligning the front axle with the centre line drawn earlier.
- Mark and drill body post holes: Once the body is in the correct position, mark the body post holes and use a body reamer to drill precise holes for mounting.
- Adjust body position: Depending on the body style and your preferences, you can adjust the body position. For more steering, mount the body slightly forward. For a new body style, it is recommended to mount it close to "neutral."
Remember to take your time during the mounting process and double-check all measurements and alignments before making any cuts or marks on the body shell.
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Frequently asked questions
There are a few ways to build a 1:12 pan car diff. One way is to use a thrust bearing in the hub, which makes the diff smooth and tight, and prevents bearings from wearing out.
It is important to clean, inspect, and re-lube the thrust assembly when building a 1:12 pan car diff. Additionally, steel balls can be replaced with carbide ones, and black grease can be used in the thrust bearing.
Thrust bearings can be purchased from McMaster-Carr for $1.95. Boca LBT carbide diff balls and IRS lightened rings are also recommended.
Building a 1:12 pan car diff can be challenging due to the complexity of the setup, especially with X-ray cars that require a lot of shims and bits. Additionally, the cost of parts and equipment can be high, and it may be difficult to find certain components in local hobby shops.
Yes, there are alternative pan car kits available, such as the CRC CK25, which is cheaper than the X-ray option. Additionally, the Slapmaster is an easier alternative to the Trinity thrust bearing, requiring less assembly.
