That is really too bad MM. Hopefully everything works out for you.

MetalMan,

Although I'd be PO'd about not getting my buggy, I don't think that there is need to worry about getting ripped off, yet. I doubt that the guy purposely sent the package to a non existent address. The only thing that I can see, assuming the worse, is that he purposely sent an empty package to the wrong address, just so that he's have something to track. On the upside, Paypal is very serious about their buyer protection and their policies are completely buyer oriented. I'd say that you're protected.

At this point I'm not worried. Even if the guy did use this as an excuse for something (maybe like not even having the buggy), I know that Paypal will protect (especially since it's an Ebay auction).

That's to bad MetalMan. Hopefully it won't be to long til' you get the buggy.

Man, I knew this guy smelled a little fishy from the onset... Too bad man, I hope you get that buggy... if not you can always knock on his door and ask politely for your money back. HEHE.

Well, I got a message from the seller earlier. He asked if I got it yet, which I assume means that it has been shipped. However, I have not received it.

The Hyper 8 Pro finally arrived. Almost immediately I began gutting it, removing all of the nitro "crap." Upon closer inspection I found that one of the bearings on the center diff is in pretty bad shape, as it has a strong tendency to resist movement. Also, the rear diff's input gear seems to have too many shims, as the rear diff is tight, even with the dogbones taken out. Some of the ball joints on the steering are also tight, making the steering rough.

I will have to get on the seller's case, though, because he promised some spare parts would be included due to the excessive time it took for me to receive the buggy. In the box were some minor pieces, such as front arms, and do not classify much in the way of spare parts (IMO).

For those wondering, the box was shipped from South Carolina, with a name on the return address that is different than the name of the guy I sent the money to...

Soon I'll start designing the motor/center diff mount, and then I'll cut it. The motor will be on the right rear, as low to the chassis plate as possible. The battery will be on the left, and it appears that I might need to make a sort of raised battery mount like Brian_G did because of the limited space between the spur gear and dirt guard.

avid-rc is a great place for bearings....

I've already got some other 8x16mm bearings laying around, so I'll use those before dishing out the big $$ for higher quality bearings. Besides, these electric motors are more than powerful enough to push through a little bearing friction :).

Took long enough :p

I'll have to come see it one of these days.

Also, it seemed like your post got kind of cut off.

the avid bearings are only $1 each

but having some already is even cheaper :D

Yes, you will, and no, it isn't. :)

EDIT:
It turns out the rear diff wasn't spinning smoothly because one of the bearings on the diff pinion gear is pretty much toast. One of the bearings on the center diff is also not smooth. Fortunately I had two good ones laying around, so those will be put to good use.

I'm now going to start designing the motor/center diff mount for this thing. If requested, I can post a pic of the 2-dimensional drawing that I will use as a template to cut this piece.

GD, are the Avid bearings ceramic?

So, any pics of the final product yet? OK, ok, I suppose I should give you a little more time. :)

Check the post above, it contains an edit with the answer :).

Avid has ceramic bearings, however they're $5 each versus the standard bearings which are $1 each.