Lessons learned – First time builder

First off, a BIG thanks to Mike! He took the time to call me and discuss what the heck was going on. I really appreciate it! His service is great and his shipping is fast!

Second, thanks to all of the forum members who took the time to answer my posts!

The information in this post is not new. I have benefited from this great forum and thought I should pass along things I have learned through reading, and or trial and error.

OK here we go…

Enjoy what you are doing! Thanks Scott711

Read the forums and ask questions. When you think you have it all figured out, read them some more.

Learn how to solder. I got a lot better when I purchased a decent iron! Practice if you can.
http://www.balakracing.com/soldering.htm
http://members.aol.com/davthacker/cellsoldering.htm

Use loctite, removable strength of course.

Use good quality tools. I striped more screw heads than I know what to do with.

Get your driveline setup properly! Differentials, Dogbones, CVD, Transmission & Hubs. Test for binding with pinions disengaged. It should roll freely. Test it with stock motors and controller if you have them. Run it as hard as you can with stock to expose any weakness.

Make sure to wire the controller properly.
http://www.rc-monster.com/forum/show...?threadid=1712

Consider a fan for the controller. A CPU fan in the channel 3 slot of the receiver should work. My 9920 & 8XL combo will have one as soon as I get it back together. Even if you don’t need it, it is cheap insurance!
http://www.rc-monster.com/forum/showthread.php?t=2221

Use padding under your controller.

Use a receiver pack, or UBEC. You might as well. It is also cheap insurance. It will help keep your controller temps down. I started off with a stock T-Maxx pack for $5.00. I will be ordering a UBEC from Mike very soon. The receiver pack is nice if you want to play with your steering adjustment without hooking up you larger batteries.

Some things to read about:
Gear Mesh
Cogging
Soldering
Differentials
Search the forums for this stuff. It is interesting stuff.

I hope this helps someone.

Thanks again to everyone who helped me. I have a long way to go, but I will get there.