Why doesent AE make 4wd?

[dm76]

This maybe already asked though the years, but why doesent Team Associated make a 4wd buggy to compete with the Losi XX-4? It seems to me that the market is there and it would be a big seller. Please dont mention that the AE drivers used to (or still do) drive the Yokomo. I want a completely new platform created by Associated. Any thoughts?

[Gokou]

Heh, I've been asking myself the same question. Years ago I ran my RC-10 Team car with the MIP 4-10 Legends 4WD conversion kit. Other than the cheesy way of tensioning the belt (tweak the nose plate forward and use spacers between the nose brace tubes and the nose plate) and how hard it was to get the batteries in and out from under the belt, it worked very well. The front C-hubs and front shock tower had some durability problems and their replacement idler gear in the tranny wasn't the best. The front diff was a one way setup and worked really well and it was very compact. It was also the first appearance for CVDs I believe-- they came for the front. I remember talking to Mr. Moore for about 45 minutes about concerns I had with the kit (front CVDs needed to be a hair longer) and the front shock tower tweaked at the tranny mount, skewing the pulley alignment). After talking with him and ordering a few spare shock towers and spare c-hubs he said he'd throw in a few extras for me. When I got the package he threw in a front slipper, longer CVD bones, a few spare rims, and a new idler gear-- about $65 in parts. I was impressed, and I still buy MIP today. My local track, having no 4WD class allowed me to run it in 2WD. After 3 races I was asked to convert the car back to 2WD... =)

I don't know why associated hasn't built their own 4WD car, especially that they now have the TC3 developed to base it off of. I'd love to see them make a 4WD buggy using the TC3 shaft drive and bevel gear diff setup. The Yok's are very nice, and it probably comes down to the issue of devolpment cost. Why spend all the time and money developing and tooling up a 4WD buggy when there are others that work so well, and especially when one of their "partners" already produces a nice one? Still, I'd love to see Associated make a shaft-drive 4WD buggy, I just think it's going to happen unless 4WD gets VERY popular.

[bigfish]

I would buy one just because I think it would be competitive. I've driven lots of 4WD,s off road and it would be FUN to try another competitive car, as AE would be sure to make a good sturdy 4WD racer I would expect!

[QUAKE&SHAKE]

They need to make a Monster Truck.

[hpiguy]

I think they don't because there is almost no interest in it on the racing level.

And even though you don't want to hear it, the partnership with Yokomo has alot to do with it. It's pretty simple why they don't make one.

[YoT_oakley]

hipguy is right. They dont make because of there partnership with Yokomo. Thats why you never see a Yokomo 4wd racer ever race a Losi 2wd. They all run AE.

[dm76]

I know, I know but it still would be great to see some other 4wd car other than the XX-4. I cant say much because I am going to get a XX-4, but my heart belongs to Team Associated!!!!!