My opinions about AE vs Losi Trucks

[Nairb]

Well, I've been a huge Associated fan for years, but recently I decided to make the switch to a Losi XXXT. After putting my XXXT together, I've drawn some conclusions. The truck totally rocks, but a few things are annoying and I prefer the AE counterpart. First, the tranny is is more complicated than it needs to be. The AE diff is way easier to build and I totally prefer it. What's up with the diff adjustment screw? It's a flathead screw? What's with all the beveled washers? I got it together, but the AE one is easier to put together and adjust IMO. What about the top shaft you must assemble completely? I'd rather have one solid piece. The slipper pads aren't exactly easy to get in perfectly. I DO love the high quality composite material used throughout the truck, though...very light and very stiff. The teflon-sealed bearings are ver smooth, too. Second, the shocks. I don't know if I like them or not yet. I like the cartridge, it is definitely easy to use, but getting them filled just perfectly was a problem. Those stupid collars are lame, for sure. I'm getting threaded shock bodies as soon as I can. Third, the universals were a PAIN to assemble and they aren't even very smooth. I'm getting shiny CVDs ASAP, too. Fourth, my nice, high-quality 3/32 allen wrench (Racer's edge) doesn't fit in the Losi cap head screws. What's up with that!? What a pain in my buttocks!

So before I can relax and race my new baby, I have to adjust the diff, the slipper, and make sure my shocks are functioning correctly. I'm not done yet, but I think it will all be worth it when I smoke the competition with my bad A__ new truck. I can't wait to race it!

Do any of you have tips for me that will make life easier when it comes to assembly/tuning of my new truck? SirSpeedy?

[Oyster]

What about weight? Does the AE or Losi weigh more?

[BadRacer]

To me the diff was all too easy to put together, and i love the shocks, but i would perfer the threaded shock boddies. The first upgrade was CVD's. I used some diff grease to hold the sliper pads in place while i adjusted it. But not to much grease, just a dab here and there. You are going to love your new Losi, i haven't raced my XXXT yet but i have a feeling ill be throwing some dirt at the peeps behind me! Also the weight may vary depending on what you put on it! All the parts on the XXXT are top quality. I agree that the universals were hard to put together but they do there job if you don't get the CVD's. ...the AE guys are going to get a run for their money!

keep it clean please

[This message has been edited by SteveP (edited 01-12-2001).]

[XXXER]

Cool bri, you got your truck huh? well,. i know the best way to get these things built, fill it with oil to the bottom of the threads, then, you are going to screw on the cartridge all teh way, not tight though, then, unscrew 2 complete turns, SLOWLY(really slowly) push the shock shaft in, it will get messy, use a rag. and wrap it around the body, then, when you get to the bottom, screw it on tight, it will pull in a little bit, and have a little air, but a few jumps after the race, it will not matter, i even "pump" up my shocks before i put it on the track.

BTW, the ? about which is lighter, his XXXT, he actually raced an original RC10T, many up grades though, and he was FAST!

hope to see you saturday brian

[J mAn]

TL shocks are esier to build but havder to fill. I just got an ae shock kit for my maxx and they're a pain to build. That whole thing with asembaling the cartridge is anoying it kept poping back out. Once you get used to filing TL shocks they are more concistent than the ae.

[This message has been edited by J mAn (edited 01-12-2001).]

[gubbs3]

I find the shocks on my XXX-NT very easy to fill. I just fill the shock just past the threads and with the cartridge against the piston thread it in until it bottoms out them 1/2 turn out. Push the shaft in until there is about a 1/4 inch of the shaft still sticking out. Then tighten the cap down and give it 1/16 turn tighter with pliers and you're done. Mine don't have any air that mixes with the oil and they pull in halfway from full out and extend a little from all the way in.

[The_Ne-Go-She-Ate-r]

I Stock losi shocks do nothing for me. I think that associated shock are way smoother.My xxx shock just dont seem to fit the purpose. associateds shocks are a little harder to blend but after that they are great.The thing I like about losi is that There cars all feel like there on rails.All the models ive owned from them,xxt,xxtcr,xxx,xx,lxt,
I think that the best feeling one ive drive is the lxt. Boy did that thing have a feel. to bad i got it ran over in the street'**** it" but i think your first upgrade should be to mip cvd's the stock cvds dont impress me much. way to beffey for me. And if you want your tranny to feel a little smoother use associateds diff lube. Thats what i do in my xxx and it works great.