I have a question and please forgive me if this sounds like a dumb one. What is the advantage of using the 4 gear box as opposed to the external idler gear? It would seem that you could more easily change gear ratios with different spur gear and pinion gear options but aside from that what is the benefit? Since having the motor rotate in the same direction as the wheels aids in forward traction, it would seem logical to me that having as many things as possible rotating in the same direction as the wheels would also be a benefit.
With the external idler the spur gear, shaft, and slipper clutch are all rotating the same direction as the wheels. That seems like a decent amount of mass and it's location higher up would only seem to further the effect it's rotational direction has. With a 4 gear setup this assembly would be rotating counter to the wheels. I run on very loose tracks by most of your standards so every little trick to help forward traction is a must. I can also achieve the gearing that I need with an idler.
Has anyone driven each type of setup that can provide some direct feedback on the performance differences? By no means am I opposed to a 4 gear setup. It would be a much cleaner installation and a case that helps strengthen the rear end is only a good thing. I only ask out of curiosity.
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