The Build – Part 5 – Center Bulkhead

The next step in the Team Associated B44.3 Buggy Build has us attaching the center bulkhead and installing the center diff and motor. The manual has directions for assembling in either saddle-pack configuration or shorty pack. Pay special attention to these steps so you don’t install any parts backwards.

Step 57 - Depending on which battery layout you are using, the bulkheads will install differently. I am using the shorty pack configuration so this is how the center bulkhead pieces install.

Step 58 - The kit comes with two sets of center bulkhead bearing inserts; the ones on the left are for the stock gear diff, the ones on the right for the optional ball diff/slipper assembly.

Step 59 - Press the two bearings into the inserts, making sure they are fully seated.

Step 60 - Slide both CVA ends into the center diff outdrive and slowly lower the diff into place. The bearing insert have flanges on them; keep the flanges inside the bulkheads.

Step 61 - Attach the motor to the mount, then the pinion to the motor. We will align the pinion in a later step.

Step 62 - The center bulkhead has grooves on it that match the channel in the motor mount. Align these and slide the motor into place.

Step 63 - Slide the motor mount in or out to set the mesh and lock into place with the 2 3/8" screws. Now slide the pinion in or out to allow full contact with the spur gear.

Part 6 – Installing the top decks.