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HPI Micro RS4: One
Way vs Ball Front Differentials
Got handling problems with your HPI micro rs4? Especially since you turned it into a speed demon?
Wonder what's a good mod to improve the handing of that HPI micro rs4 you've unleashed?
Okay. Here’s one to look at. Your diffs. Yeah, when it comes to civilizing your souped up HPI micro rs4 the diff mod is the one that most impacts handling and braking.
For some the diff mod can be confusing.
So let’s see if we can clear the fog surrounding front diffs. Just a bit. And help you take the unruly beast out of your HPI micro rs4.
Basically there are two ways to go with front differentials. You can go with a one way diff or ball diff.
Which is best for you depends on how you run your HPI Micro RS4.
For starters if you primarily do bashing it probably doesn't matter. So you can skip what follows.That said let’s dig deeper. Starting with the
But if you race on a track with tight cornering - I'd say the advantage goes to the ball differential.
And if your track has wider turns and long straight aways well that's another story. In that case a one way diff would be better.
What You Can Expect Running a HPI
Micro RS4 with a One Way Diff
Well, a one way diff transfers full power to front wheels when you're racing forward. But it removes any power to them in reverse. Hence the name one way diff?
It should be obvious then that any transfer of power to the front wheels comes in handy when accelerating out of corners. As front wheel drive offers you more stability.
So with a one way diff you can count on faster corner acceleration plus very consistent steering. Making it the better choice for tracks with tight cornering.
Yet it’s good to remember when braking you’ve got rear wheel brakes ONLY. Yes, you give up four wheel braking with a one way diff.
To test this is simple. Hold any car armed with a one way front diff in the air. Go ahead gun it. Then hit the brakes.So deciding to go with a one way means you give up front braking. Which also means you are going to want to watch hard braking too. Since your micro rs4 will tend to be more skittish and more prone to spin outs.
You’ll notice that the rear wheels will stop when you hit the brakes. While the front wheels will just keep spinning.
Want to Run Your HPI Micro RS4 with
All Time 4WD? Go with a Ball Diff
Now instead of gears a ball diff uses metal balls. (Again you can see where the term ball diff comes from now can't you?) These are situated between adjustable pressure plates. That let you set your car up for different race conditions.
A ball diff is designed to slip a little so there is true differential action. Giving you smoother handling, better brakes, and more control in the turns.
That because instead of a simple locked down axle, where both dogbones spin at the same speed all the time, a ball diff delivers true variability to both front wheels.
Again a ball diff gives you all time 4 wheel drive.
Even better any HPI Micro RS4 so equipped literally turns on a dime.
Generally speaking a ball diff is more durable too. Think about it. You don't have any gears to wear out?
Not to mention it’s ideal with bigger motors.
Which only makes sense. Because if you're gonna go fast you want brakes on all four wheels, right? To help you stop BEFORE hitting that pole, rock, or whatever?
Still, like I said, which is best for you depends on your race conditions.
Yet when looking to mod the front differential of your HPI Micro RS4 pick wisely. I say that because the diffs are what make up the guts of your handling. Your choice can be the difference between being a repeat winner or constant also ran. Hopefully these pointers will help you land in the winners circle more often.
But wait. Maybe you don’t have a HPI micro rs4 to hop up? In that case here’s a HPI micro RS4 review you might find helpful.
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