Traxxas Slash 4x4 Slipper Clutch vs Center Diff. I try to explain the difference and the pros and cons. Try, Did I say try. Yep. Try. Hope this helps...
Always wanted to know the difference between the slipper clutch and the center diff provided in the Slash 4x4. You answered my question. Thanks alot, man!
Very very helpful. My Typhon 6s runs a center diff and from the factory it had 10k which i thought was too light. I put 30k in it and it works great. My stampede on 3s has the slipper and I think it works just fine for my bashing needs on grass and some light crawling
I disagree with your comments that this diff sends power to the wheel that needs it. If all the weight is on the rear in a corner, then the diff will simply throw away power to the wheels with the LEAST traction. In this case that would be the inside front wheels. Not the outside rear wheel with the most traction, the wheels that can make use of the power.
This is true but the benefits are that the wheel that can go faster can. In racing through corners the wheels able to turn faster and pull you through the corner will and this makes the center diff good for racing. Now in bashing where you want the wheel with the traction to spin more than the wheel in the air or without traction the slipper will allow more power to those wheels not able to spin as easily since it is an equal split all the time.
Great explanation. Simple, to the point and really easy to understand. Only thing if find a little funny about the traxxas centre diff is that its not in the centre but put in place of the slipper clutch, hahaha!!!, but its still between the front/rear diffs and as long as it still does its job, that's good enough for me. Thanks again for the vid, much appreciated.
Thanks man this video really help make things clearer. Now I know I will need a center diff for my slash 4x4. I started the build on my slash. Just got in the chassis and some parts. checked out some rollers on ebay, compared them to buying the parts and I decided to go with building it from scratch. This will allow me to do things like putting in all stainless screws. Got some really good prices. Last night a won a bid for front and back shock towers bran new slash ultimate's for $5 shipped.
I 100% agree with you on the slipper clutch. My experience is that slipper clutch stress engine more than center diff, have broken two engines and one ECU with slipper clutch. But with the center diff however I installed because it distributes power to the wheel with the less traction. The drawback is that the wheel with the less traction gets all the power. So one wheel can spin the other can be locked, as you show in you video. Since we have four wheels on the car it is very unlike that three wheel will be stuck and one have no traction. But if it should happen, viscosity in the clutch will help to distribute more power on the wheel that are not turning depending "like you said" on the viscosity in the clutch. The viscosity issue I solved like this, using grease. Very high viscosity but I do not need the clutch to function when the car is driving normal. Only when I jump and get stuck so I do not stress the engine. My center diff can get hot, but then viscosity on my grease will get down and send more power to the wheel with the lowest traction. I do not know but viscosity in center diff has a less important job then in the forward and aft diff. Never had any problem with my drive line after installing center diff. Pleas correct me if this i wrong.
Very knowledgeable. But. The purpose of a differantal is to transfer power from the driveline to the axel running perpendicular. You described an open diff witch will alow the outer tire to spin at a faster rate of speed than the inner tire on a corner. You are correct but that is not the sole purpose of the differential because you can have a locked or spooled diff and the tires Will not change rate at speed from another due to they are both bound together for more traction in slippery mud snow etcetera. Thank you for the video. I found it neat
Thanks for the video. Based on your describing the different functions of the slipper clutch for racing and bashing: Racing it is looser, bashing it is tighter? In which case it seems to me the carbon slipper pads are more suited to bashing, and the aluminium slipper pads are better for racing, yes? The carbon pads don't like a lot of slipping, they burn up. But maybe the aluminium pads can withstand a lot of slipping and then heat up and grab? The carbon pads heat up and slip more it seems. They need light sanding to regain their friction. Cheers
Dude, this is a great vid except one critical point. You're wrong about how a differential works. It does NOT distribute power where it's needed. A center differntial does NOT distribute power to wheels that are grabbing, it distributes power AWAY from wheels that are grabbing. Very very different, and critical distinction.
+Greg Kelley Yep, a simple explanation is that is send the power wherever has the least resistance. as soon as the rear tires are locked up, all the power will go to the front. That's why, with crawling and other 4x4 activities, people will have locked diffs. Alternatively you can have smart diffs, that are a whole different level of sophistication, that actually put the power where it's needed. The system will sense that one or more tires are loose, and will send the power to the end that is not moving.
I have a Stampede VXL 4x4 and after adding the center differential I notice the motor getting much more hotter. I am adding a heatsink to it because of it. The truck definitely drives much better with the center differential though. Way better control.
Great explanation video on the differences between a slipper clutch and center diff! My question is what weights do you recommend using for racing on a lose track? I got 10k for the front and 7k for the rear (per the Steve Slayden setup) but was wondering is 100k in the center too much?
Thats why ppl do LSD (Limited Slip Diff) to minimal power loss on wheels without traction. If You didn't put oil in center differential then all power would go off by front wheels when then loss traction from going hard on throttle.
pinion changes low and top end. larger pinions will increase top end speed. lower or smaller pinions will give you more low end and cause it to wheelie with a tight slipper
Front and rear 'Diffs' Give power to the least traction wheel and decreases the one with the most traction. Aka if your turning right. The right wheel is reducing power to turn less and giving MORE power to the wheel to the left so it can turn the car/etc more quicker. Putting a MID diff does the exactly the same as a front/rear diff. If the front is less traction with the front, It gives more Speed/Power to that to help regain traction putting less wear onto the Rear end by reducing it's power. A slipper clutch basicly reduces Power wear on the whole gear drive system by allowing the motor to spin but slip on the transmission so it doesn't thread over and damage your gears by the sudden force of a full throttle. A mid diff will not slip, it'll just put Max power to the least grip tires (forward or rear). Also putting a Mid diff makes it so if you have only 1 tire (front or rear) with no taction (aka flying), That tire will be the only one spinning vs 2 tires (1 in front and 1 in back) to spin when throttle pulsing the motor if in a stuck area (where your tires aren't getting grip in selected locations).
If you are talking about the pinions the truck came with then the difference is the size. a larger pinion will give you greater top speed but will heat up the motor. if bashing stick with the ten to 13 tooth. If your looking to break land speed records then a 25 tooth and a 3cell is in order. Remember, watch your motor temps. Now get er done...
if you want to pop wheelies and do speed runs run the slipper. if you want to be able to turn better and have more control of your slash when maneuvering run the diff. you can tune your diff to different terrains. it's a better set up to me.
I'm new to this. this helped me out a ton! thanks. Does a broken slipper clutch pad have any negative effect and should i replace it?> only one of my pads is broken. chipped from a corner
Center diff if u want to race otherwise a waste of money and added maintenance. 10tooth pinion with a tight slipper and u will wheelie up a storm...Enjoy.
Great video, as usual. Have you tried the FLM aluminum center diff cup? You can go higher than 2s on it unlike the stock cup. I've read mixed reviews. Thoughts?
I have not used it but have run into the issue of the stock plastic getting so hot it deformed. So, if your going with 3s and plan on beating the piss out of it then for sure look into getting aluminum...
Hi, Great Tutoral.. I have a 2012 Slash 4x4 vxl with a slipper clutch, i've just done a tear down & rebuild & noticed one of the 3 brake discs in the slipper has cracked & theres 2/3's of it left, I put it back together it seems to be working fine just less brake surface area:/ should I upgrade to a Centre Diff? or just buy brake pads or new Slipper. My main purpose of the Slash @the mo is bashing, But i've been told its easy to get a Slash4x4 to pop wheelies on a 3S, but I have never P.T.O
Watching ur vid further.. realised you dont know how a diff works at all... Differential does not send power to the wheel(s) with most traction... actually completly the opposie... it lets (not sends) power go to the wheel(s) with the least traction.... Not trying to be a douche btw.. just letting you know
+Gregk82 Now I am new to the hobby but you are right. I am a mechanic in a full sized world, Diffs will take the path of least resistance that is why all 4x4's have solid lock transfer cases. but for hard surface race applications a center diff would be great. but true off-road slipper clutch would work better. Unless all diffs were limited-slip. Center diff would save tire wear on high traction surfaces but for traction on off-road conditions you would need a slipper clutch.
I have a couple of Slash Platinums and the newest one (LCG version) I am turning it into an 1/8 powered basher would you recommend running the included center diff or running a slipper? Worst case if both break I can always go Robinson Gen3 Slippers....btw you should tell how to adjust the nut on the slipper clutch many newbies adjust it too tight and strip out their spur or too loose and burn up the pads or have no power!
Without question run the slipper if your going to use 1/8 power system. Consider steel shafts to the wheels as well. Now get it done and thrash that slash. Have fun...
Alex Chen just put a new Castle sidewinder 8th 8th scale bl system in my 4x4 slash. it has a center diff and it sucks to bash. I don't race just bash and it's just not that fun with the center diff. my local hobby shop actually ordered me a slipper assembly and the aluminum bearing carrier for it an I get to pick up tomorrow. if you want to notice all that power, I'd go with the slipper myself. There's no wheelies or nuttin w the center diff.. and when jumping it acts weird w the cd.. can't wait to install slipper though. just put 4 new mip x-duty cvds on it as well, bought them when I bought the system. I kno alotta ppl that race n they all say the same. Center diff for racing, slipper for bashing an occasional drive around a track just for fun.
Thanks, so what gearing do i need to get it to wheelie? do i just need to change my 13T pinion to a lower tooth? will buying a centre diff help me in any way,wheelie,drive performance or any other way? if I tighten my slipper fully will this cause my spur to strip? please reply.. thanks Peter
Please read message underneath 1st.. but i've never been able to get it to wheelie? I'm sure it must be possibe as I have installed the RPM bumper with the wheelie bar? I've got it geared with a 13T pinion & 54T spur is this good enough to get it to wheelie?Do u lower the pinion to higher the speed or Torque? please help.
Andres Fagundo yes, just don't run bigger then 2s lipo on that center diff. I blew many up that literally exploded an didn't know why. they're only recommended an rated for 2s lol. an here I tried w a 6s on a new Castle sidewinder 8th 8th scale bl system haha. had to go spend bout 80 bucks to fix that boo boo. the same day I bought the bl system and 6s lol
I watched the whole thing to catch the difference betwen center diff and slip clutch and I'm now even more stupid... Maybe I understand things otherwise but diff is waisting power to the wheel without traction, it don't give more power to the one with the better traction... differentials optimizes traction on wheels but makes power lose when one or two wills spins (like in diff-out when all the power is wasted) Traxxas 1/16 can have both, the slipper clutch and center differential...
Can any one have a look at my uploaded video of my slash 4x4 and maybe tell me whats wrong with it since I have tried everything and it is still not running properly. Thanks guys.
Although I saw this video after several years, I must congratulate you for the fantastic explanation you gave. Well done !!!!
After all these years, this is still a valid and helpful video!
Always wanted to know the difference between the slipper clutch and the center diff provided in the Slash 4x4. You answered my question. Thanks alot, man!
This video was amazing! You have such a good understanding on the diff and slipper that you can explain it on paper!
Glad it helped. You will find many channel's that will assist you on the slash 4x4. Its a great first truck. Hope you enjoy it as much as I still do.
Nice explanation about the Traxxas center differential!
lucky i found this Im getting a slash 4x4 vxl and had no idea how the slipper clutch worked and you explained it very simply and easy, thanks!
this is the best explanation that I've seen so far. excellent video!
Very very helpful. My Typhon 6s runs a center diff and from the factory it had 10k which i thought was too light. I put 30k in it and it works great. My stampede on 3s has the slipper and I think it works just fine for my bashing needs on grass and some light crawling
I disagree with your comments that this diff sends power to the wheel that needs it.
If all the weight is on the rear in a corner, then the diff will simply throw away power to the wheels with the LEAST traction. In this case that would be the inside front wheels. Not the outside rear wheel with the most traction, the wheels that can make use of the power.
An open differential will distribute 50% of the torque to both the wheels at all time.
Vallen Larsen 100% Wrong!
This is true but the benefits are that the wheel that can go faster can. In racing through corners the wheels able to turn faster and pull you through the corner will and this makes the center diff good for racing. Now in bashing where you want the wheel with the traction to spin more than the wheel in the air or without traction the slipper will allow more power to those wheels not able to spin as easily since it is an equal split all the time.
The wheel with less traction spins much more than the wheel that's stuck, differential only activates when theirs a difference in traction.
Thats cool. Nothing more fun than running a rig you scratch build. Looking forward to the finished product...
Great explanation. Simple, to the point and really easy to understand. Only thing if find a little funny about the traxxas centre diff is that its not in the centre but put in place of the slipper clutch, hahaha!!!, but its still between the front/rear diffs and as long as it still does its job, that's good enough for me. Thanks again for the vid, much appreciated.
Thank you. Glad it helped...
Thanks for the much needed education
Thanks man this video really help make things clearer. Now I know I will need a center diff for my slash 4x4. I started the build on my slash. Just got in the chassis and some parts. checked out some rollers on ebay, compared them to buying the parts and I decided to go with building it from scratch. This will allow me to do things like putting in all stainless screws. Got some really good prices. Last night a won a bid for front and back shock towers bran new slash ultimate's for $5 shipped.
I 100% agree with you on the slipper clutch. My experience is that slipper clutch stress engine more than center diff, have broken two engines and one ECU with slipper clutch.
But with the center diff however I installed because it distributes power to the wheel with the less traction. The drawback is that the wheel with the less traction gets all the power. So one wheel can spin the other can be locked, as you show in you video. Since we have four wheels on the car it is very unlike that three wheel will be stuck and one have no traction. But if it should happen, viscosity in the clutch will help to distribute more power on the wheel that are not turning depending "like you said" on the viscosity in the clutch.
The viscosity issue I solved like this, using grease. Very high viscosity but I do not need the clutch to function when the car is driving normal. Only when I jump and get stuck so I do not stress the engine. My center diff can get hot, but then viscosity on my grease will get down and send more power to the wheel with the lowest traction.
I do not know but viscosity in center diff has a less important job then in the forward and aft diff.
Never had any problem with my drive line after installing center diff.
Pleas correct me if this i wrong.
Very knowledgeable. But. The purpose of a differantal is to transfer power from the driveline to the axel running perpendicular. You described an open diff witch will alow the outer tire to spin at a faster rate of speed than the inner tire on a corner. You are correct but that is not the sole purpose of the differential because you can have a locked or spooled diff and the tires Will not change rate at speed from another due to they are both bound together for more traction in slippery mud snow etcetera. Thank you for the video. I found it neat
differenteral sends power to the wheel with less traction
Awesome!!! Thank you! I always wondered what the difference and the purpose of both were. Now I understand.
great help , finally understood the diff. and the slipper clutch , thanks man , keep it coming
Great video man. I literally just blew out my drivetrain yesterday at skate park because of one mess up on my end by not adjusting before
Agreed. As long as the exchange of ideas was successful than mission accomplished. Carry on...
Brilliantly done bro, you did a good job explaining exactly what ALL diffs do, how they work and the benefits of having them.
Thank you for this great explanation!
Thanks for the video.
Based on your describing the different functions of the slipper clutch for racing and bashing: Racing it is looser, bashing it is tighter?
In which case it seems to me the carbon slipper pads are more suited to bashing, and the aluminium slipper pads are better for racing, yes?
The carbon pads don't like a lot of slipping, they burn up. But maybe the aluminium pads can withstand a lot of slipping and then heat up and grab?
The carbon pads heat up and slip more it seems. They need light sanding to regain their friction.
Cheers
Dude, this is a great vid except one critical point. You're wrong about how a differential works. It does NOT distribute power where it's needed. A center differntial does NOT distribute power to wheels that are grabbing, it distributes power AWAY from wheels that are grabbing. Very very different, and critical distinction.
yes exactly what I was thinking.
+Greg Kelley Yep, a simple explanation is that is send the power wherever has the least resistance. as soon as the rear tires are locked up, all the power will go to the front. That's why, with crawling and other 4x4 activities, people will have locked diffs. Alternatively you can have smart diffs, that are a whole different level of sophistication, that actually put the power where it's needed. The system will sense that one or more tires are loose, and will send the power to the end that is not moving.
Correct, but actually it sends to power to the wheel which starts to loose traction.
You explained it very well
You sound like scarface every time you say okay.
Thanks for uploading
I agree. I find the performance is more real world and tunable with the diff...Thanks for watching..
Thanks for the info that's exactly what I was looking for. Great way to explain the difference between them. I hit the like button and subscribed.
For track and just good driving I would use the diff. If your going to bash it stick with the clutch. It provides more protection to the driveline...
I have a Stampede VXL 4x4 and after adding the center differential I notice the motor getting much more hotter. I am adding a heatsink to it because of it. The truck definitely drives much better with the center differential though. Way better control.
Great video, thank you for the time and knowledge.
Great explanation video on the differences between a slipper clutch and center diff! My question is what weights do you recommend using for racing on a lose track? I got 10k for the front and 7k for the rear (per the Steve Slayden setup) but was wondering is 100k in the center too much?
awsome demonstration sir...
Thats why ppl do LSD (Limited Slip Diff) to minimal power loss on wheels without traction. If You didn't put oil in center differential then all power would go off by front wheels when then loss traction from going hard on throttle.
Good explanation nice video subscribed
No problem. Your welcome...
Thank you very much.
excellent video and very well explained.
Thanks. Hope it helps...
Thank you for the insight sir. Much appreciated.
great video and explanations sir
This was awesome
Thanks for the explanations. Like others said well done and thanks again. :)
pinion changes low and top end. larger pinions will increase top end speed. lower or smaller pinions will give you more low end and cause it to wheelie with a tight slipper
Front and rear 'Diffs' Give power to the least traction wheel and decreases the one with the most traction. Aka if your turning right. The right wheel is reducing power to turn less and giving MORE power to the wheel to the left so it can turn the car/etc more quicker. Putting a MID diff does the exactly the same as a front/rear diff. If the front is less traction with the front, It gives more Speed/Power to that to help regain traction putting less wear onto the Rear end by reducing it's power. A slipper clutch basicly reduces Power wear on the whole gear drive system by allowing the motor to spin but slip on the transmission so it doesn't thread over and damage your gears by the sudden force of a full throttle. A mid diff will not slip, it'll just put Max power to the least grip tires (forward or rear). Also putting a Mid diff makes it so if you have only 1 tire (front or rear) with no taction (aka flying), That tire will be the only one spinning vs 2 tires (1 in front and 1 in back) to spin when throttle pulsing the motor if in a stuck area (where your tires aren't getting grip in selected locations).
If you are talking about the pinions the truck came with then the difference is the size. a larger pinion will give you greater top speed but will heat up the motor. if bashing stick with the ten to 13 tooth. If your looking to break land speed records then a 25 tooth and a 3cell is in order. Remember, watch your motor temps. Now get er done...
Well explained...ok
Holy crap that drawing...
if you want to pop wheelies and do speed runs run the slipper. if you want to be able to turn better and have more control of your slash when maneuvering run the diff. you can tune your diff to different terrains. it's a better set up to me.
thanks a bunch, I learned a lot, will be helpful at the track :)
This was really informative. Tha ks man!
I only rec using the center diff for racing. it will most certainly develop problems if used for bashing...
Thanks. Happy it helped...
That will depend on how you set it up. The thicker the fluid the better chance you will have of pulling a wheelie...
I'm new to this. this helped me out a ton! thanks. Does a broken slipper clutch pad have any negative effect and should i replace it?> only one of my pads is broken. chipped from a corner
Very helpful...thanks!
great video man very well said!!! i must say
Center diff if u want to race otherwise a waste of money and added maintenance. 10tooth pinion with a tight slipper and u will wheelie up a storm...Enjoy.
Great video, as usual. Have you tried the FLM aluminum center diff cup? You can go higher than 2s on it unlike the stock cup. I've read mixed reviews. Thoughts?
I have not used it but have run into the issue of the stock plastic getting so hot it deformed. So, if your going with 3s and plan on beating the piss out of it then for sure look into getting aluminum...
Thanks man super helpful
Well done keep it up
Your no artist but very informative thank you
Thank you. Will do...
Great vid thanks for the info
NP. Glad it helped.
Great video thanks man
Thanks. Glad it was helpful...
Hi, Great Tutoral.. I have a 2012 Slash 4x4 vxl with a slipper clutch, i've just done a tear down & rebuild & noticed one of the 3 brake discs in the slipper has cracked & theres 2/3's of it left, I put it back together it seems to be working fine just less brake surface area:/ should I upgrade to a Centre Diff? or just buy brake pads or new Slipper. My main purpose of the Slash @the mo is bashing, But i've been told its easy to get a Slash4x4 to pop wheelies on a 3S, but I have never P.T.O
Helped a lot
U kinda got it wrong how a diff works... gears inside dont spin if both wheels turn at same speed
Watching ur vid further.. realised you dont know how a diff works at all...
Differential does not send power to the wheel(s) with most traction... actually completly the opposie... it lets (not sends) power go to the wheel(s) with the least traction....
Not trying to be a douche btw.. just letting you know
+Gregk82 I agree my friend!!! I watched all the video, and I still don't understand what's the real différence between a center diff. and the clutch.
+Gregk82 Now I am new to the hobby but you are right. I am a mechanic in a full sized world, Diffs will take the path of least resistance that is why all 4x4's have solid lock transfer cases. but for hard surface race applications a center diff would be great. but true off-road slipper clutch would work better. Unless all diffs were limited-slip. Center diff would save tire wear on high traction surfaces but for traction on off-road conditions you would need a slipper clutch.
helped out a lot
Thxs man
How many times has this guy said ok? Ok?
Got a kick out of the up the slide video. lol
You got it. thanks...
thanks man :) that would help
✨👍✨
Thanks for the vid
I have a couple of Slash Platinums and the newest one (LCG version) I am turning it into an 1/8 powered basher would you recommend running the included center diff or running a slipper? Worst case if both break I can always go Robinson Gen3 Slippers....btw you should tell how to adjust the nut on the slipper clutch many newbies adjust it too tight and strip out their spur or too loose and burn up the pads or have no power!
Without question run the slipper if your going to use 1/8 power system. Consider steel shafts to the wheels as well. Now get it done and thrash that slash. Have fun...
Alex Chen just put a new Castle sidewinder 8th 8th scale bl system in my 4x4 slash. it has a center diff and it sucks to bash. I don't race just bash and it's just not that fun with the center diff. my local hobby shop actually ordered me a slipper assembly and the aluminum bearing carrier for it an I get to pick up tomorrow. if you want to notice all that power, I'd go with the slipper myself. There's no wheelies or nuttin w the center diff.. and when jumping it acts weird w the cd.. can't wait to install slipper though. just put 4 new mip x-duty cvds on it as well, bought them when I bought the system. I kno alotta ppl that race n they all say the same. Center diff for racing, slipper for bashing an occasional drive around a track just for fun.
Thanks for all the info. However how is a center diff for bashing?
You wont see many wheelies...
That's fine with me I converted my slash into a buggy so I like to keep the front end down thanks for the info :)
Thanks, so what gearing do i need to get it to wheelie? do i just need to change my 13T pinion to a lower tooth? will buying a centre diff help me in any way,wheelie,drive performance or any other way? if I tighten my slipper fully will this cause my spur to strip? please reply.. thanks Peter
what would be a staring point in viscosity for bashing on grass dirt pacement gravel etc in the center diff slash 4x4
so do you think its best to use the center diff on the four wheel drive slash right?
thanks
Please read message underneath 1st.. but i've never been able to get it to wheelie? I'm sure it must be possibe as I have installed the RPM bumper with the wheelie bar? I've got it geared with a 13T pinion & 54T spur is this good enough to get it to wheelie?Do u lower the pinion to higher the speed or Torque? please help.
will the center differential give more speed or slipper clutch?
OK.
OK....
Okay
Alright. OK.
Okay
This is what’s wrong with the internet. This guy just spewed so much wrong information it’s scary.
np
if u want to wheelie stick with the slipper and keep it tight
If I'm going to race and do some occasional bashing very few should i use the center diff?
Andres Fagundo yes, just don't run bigger then 2s lipo on that center diff. I blew many up that literally exploded an didn't know why. they're only recommended an rated for 2s lol. an here I tried w a 6s on a new Castle sidewinder 8th 8th scale bl system haha. had to go spend bout 80 bucks to fix that boo boo. the same day I bought the bl system and 6s lol
91.3% WRONG
I watched the whole thing to catch the difference betwen center diff and slip clutch and I'm now even more stupid... Maybe I understand things otherwise but diff is waisting power to the wheel without traction, it don't give more power to the one with the better traction... differentials optimizes traction on wheels but makes power lose when one or two wills spins (like in diff-out when all the power is wasted) Traxxas 1/16 can have both, the slipper clutch and center differential...
Haha I almost peed
Can any one have a look at my uploaded video of my slash 4x4 and maybe tell me whats wrong with it since I have tried everything and it is still not running properly.
Thanks guys.
NP.
you`re well draw with left hand!
I'm really confused
Diff spins the wheel which do NOT have traction.
huh a slipper clutch OK ,ok