Single Speed without the conversion

[BrianG]

I don't have a Maxx, but using the tranny in a Revo. Anyhoo, I had the tranny locked into second using a stiff wire on the shiting arm. However, when I pulled apart the tranny today, I noticed second gear was beat up pretty bad. I assume this is due to the slop from the dog gear. I saw the single speed conversion, but I like having two halves of the tranny to secure to the chassis for strength. So, I figured I could remove the idler and bottom gear to reduce weight and then permanently secure the dog gear to 2nd gear, but I need some type of spacer to take the place of first gear. Anyone have an idea what would work as a spacer? I suppose I could use bearings, but it looks like the first gear is 12mm wide, and no combo of bearings will equal that.

I remember a discussion about this a while back but can't seem to find it with the forum search...