DesertBoyXL Flux Conversion Instructions by GCM Racing. Instructions apply to DesertBoy XL or DesertBoy-17 kits.
Please see the Assembly video below for a detailed assembly of the DB-17. Assembly of the DesertBoy XL is very similar, but you must add the battery box mounts on the XL side plates FIRST, then proceed as shown in the video.
Begin your Conversion by tearing down a stock Savage Flux. Battery trays should be removed first, and then the side plates.
First item is to install the servo mounts and the servo. Use the new hardware that comes with the servo mounts and install the mounts on the INSIDE of the right chassis plate with the servo screw holes DOWN. Install the servo with the horn pointing to the INSIDE and the horn shaft toward the FRONT of the truck.
Next, if you intend to use the stock battery boxes, attach your stock flux battery tray supports, or the GCM Aluminum Battery Box Mounts, to the outsides of the new DesertBoy chassis plates like you see below.
Then, using the new hardware supplied in the kit, attach all the Flux components to the right side plate using the positions shown in the pictures below. You will want to start with the center transmission and the motor plate, followed by the top steering post. Then add the Front diff/suspension section, installing the new front dogbone at the same time. Add the rear section also. If you are using a DB-17 with a battery tray floor kit, install that now also with the slot toward the center. Assemble using the new included hardware, and USE THREADLOCK on ALL SCREWS that go into a metal part. These trucks like to get loose after some good bashing.
Install the left side plate now, and add the new hardware to the assembly. Install the spur cover also by sticking it in the center, and through the left sideplate opening, and then back into place with the pin in the right side plate, screw in the left side. If you are using the 5626 ESC clamp, then install it now also, in the front or rear position.
It's time to attach the Flux battery boxes to the supports, and take note that the battery wire exit is in the direction of your ESC install.
You now have a chassis conversion ready for reciever and hook up the steering. We like to velcro the RX to the top of the servo inside the right chassis plate. The servo horn will easily attach to the steering rod from the bottom of the truck, even after all your components are installed, through the square looking hole to the right of the motor plate shown below. The stock HPI servo steering rod and servo horn are used.
You can mount the ESC using zip tie straps or with the optional 5626 ESC mount. Zip tie mounting shown here. Shown below without battery boxes to show component placement.
Plug it all in, and you are ready for a battery install and systems check.
Fit your body to the chassis trying different body post positions, front or rearward, and go bashing. Check out our DesertBoy Body Gallery for some ideas.
If you have the DesertBoy lower Skidplate kit also, then install it now by inserting it in the rear-ward section of the chassis first, then pushing in the front section of the skidplate, and clicking it into position in the center. See the assembly video below for this procedure.
Skidplate Installation Video Link
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