Schumacher CAT ’98 Rear Driveshaft Conversion

Problem description
The following describes a rear driveshaft conversion for the Schumacher CAT ’98 using alternative parts
that are (with one exception) easier to obtain than the stock driveshaft. While portions of this information
can be found searching various RC forums, it is assembled here with part numbers and approximate
measurements to help those interested in continued use of their kit. This conversion involves replacing
the Schumacher CAT ’98 rear driveshafts, rear hub carriers, wheel hexes, bearings, and assorted spacers
with Schumacher Menace equivalents. Replacement of the rear differential out drives or modification to
the Menace driveshafts is also required.

Verification
This has only been verified to work with the CAT ’98 shown in figure 1.

Potential models affected

The CAT 2000 SE, CAT ’98, CAT 3000, and Fireblade 2000 variants share many of the same rear dirveshaft
parts. However, with additional modification this conversion could be applied to the CAT 2000, CAT 2000
EC and Cougar 2000 variants that used plastic driveshafts. Relevant diagrams can be found in the Exploded
diagrams section.

Advantages of conversion
This conversion allows for use of newer parts that are easier to obtain. The thicker driveshafts, larger
bearings, and thicker wheel hexes appear more robust as well.

Known limitations and problems

The stock alloy outdrives (U2006 and U2007) are too soft for use with the cross pins of the Menace
driveshafts. Damage will occur quickly if these are used without modification to the Menace driveshafts.
There are two options to address this concern. Steel differential outdrives (U1891 and U1892) can be used
instead of the stock alloy outdrives; however, the steel outdrives are no longer in production and can be
difficult to obtain. Alternatively, the cross pin on the differential outdrive side of the Menace driveshaft
(U2683) can be replaced with a stepped pin that allows for use of the stock plastic blades (U1918). A
stepped pin option is to remove and modify the cross pin of part U2033.
Changes in handling characteristics are not presented here. However, if your kit has the stock plastic 0
degree inboard toe-in blocks (U1434) with the steel brace (U1807) and 3 degree inboard toe-in hub carriers
(U1798), then use of the Menace rear hub carriers (U2688) will result in a change of total toe-in from 3
degrees to 0 degrees. If your kit uses the aftermarket 3 degree inboard blocks (alloy)/braces (steel) kit
(U1841) and 0 degree inboard toe-in hub carriers (U1843) as shown in figure 1, there will be no change in
the amount of total toe-in when using the Menace rear hub carriers (U2688).

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Before and after conversion

Figure 1: Before and after conversion. The left picture is of the CAT ’98 with stock rear driveshaft (U1915),
hub carrier (U1843), and hex (U1408) installed. The right picture is of the CAT ’98 with the Menace driveshaft
(U2683), hub carrier (U2688), and hex (U2682) installed. The aftermarket 3 degree inboard blocks (alloy)/braces
(steel) kit (U1841) is visible in both pictures. Assemblies are shown without required spacers between the hub
carrier and the rear arm. A Nyloc nut should be used to secure the ball stud as shown in the righthand picture.

Required part numbers and descriptions

Driveshaft
U2683 Steel Driveshafts - Menace (also labeled Steel CV Drive-Shafts Menace)

Hub carrier
U2688 Rear Hub Carrier - Menace/Mi2

Steel outdrives
U1891 Diff Washer Carr Male - SST
U1892 Diff Washer Carr Female - SST

Wheel hex
U2682 Wheel Hex - Menace CAT original (Approximately 14.35mm)
U3525 Alloy Wheel Hex - Mi4 (pr) (12mm)
U2152 Wheel Hex - pin axle SST (pk 4) (12mm)

Spacers and pins

U1633 Speed Pack - Small Pins (pk)
U2153 Spacers and Pins - Pin drive -SST (4 sets)

Bearings
U2148 - Ball Bearing Shielded 5x10x4 (pr)

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Driveshaft
The different driveshaft dimensions labeled in figure 2 illustrate the features considered. The labels (A, B,
C, H, I, J, and K) represent corresponding measurements in both drawings. Other than diameter I, the
labels for the axles do not correspond. The axle for part U1915 is tapered to acommodate a press fit hex
(e.g. U1408 or U1886) and the axle for part U2683 has a hole (dimension L) to secure a 1.5mm hex pin
(used by hex U2682 or U3525). The dimensions used to determine fit are listed in table 1. All dimensions
are approximate. Examples of the driveshafts are shown in figure 3.

A
øJ A
øH
B
øK øK
øJ
D
E
øI
øL B
D
C
C F
G

Figure 2: Labeled Schumacher exploded view driveshaft drawings. The left drawing is of the CAT ’98 rear
driveshaft (U1915). The right drawing is of the Menace driveshaft (U2683). Corresponding measurements of
select dimension labels are found in table 1

Table 1: Table of lengths corresponding to labels A, B, C, J, and K in figure 2.

Driveshaft dimension A dimension B dimension C dimension J dimension K

Schumacher U1915 11.8 68 6 2.5 6.96
Schumacher U2683 11.8 70.25 6 2.5 6.96

Based on figure 4, Schumacher produced three variants of part U2683. These are labeled A, B, and
C for comparison. The differences can be identified in the circled regions. Version A is an MIP-style CV
driveshaft composed of an axle (U2693), a cylinder, screw and pin (U2694), and a driveshaft bone (U2695).
Version B and C are not easily serviceable but version C is thicker and potentially more robust. All three
appear to have equivalent basic dimensions.

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Figure 3: Driveshaft examples of U1915 (bottom), U2683 version A (middle), and U2683 version C (top). For
reference, the small squares of the graph paper in the background are approximately 2.54mm wide.

Figure 4: Driveshaft U2683 examples. Note the variation in the circled regions amongst versions A, B, and C.
Version A is an MIP-style CV driveshaft composed of an axle (U2693), a cylinder, screw and pin (U2694), and a
driveshaft bone (U2695). Version B and C are not easily serviceable but version C is thicker and potentially more
robust. All three appear to have equivalent basic dimensions.

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Hub carrier
The stock 3 degree hub carrier (U1798), (or the 0 degree hub carrier (U1843) shown on the CAT ’98 in
figure 1) is not compatible with the Menace driveshaft (U2683) because the bearing spacing is too wide to
allow the compatible wheel hex (U2682) to mount on the axle. Therefore, the Menace hub carrier (U2688)
must be used. Since the original CAT ’98 hub carrier uses smaller 5x9x3 bearings (U1439), larger 5x10x4
bearings (e.g., U2148) are required. A bearing spacer (the thick one provided in speed pack U2153) is
needed between the bearings in the hub carrier. Thinner washers (found in speed pack U1548) replace the
stock versions that fit in the space between the hub carrier and the rear arm. Lastly, the existing ball stud
(U1857), M3 Nyloc nut (U1547), and turnbuckle (e.g. U1429 or U1573) can transfer over to the new hub
carrier. Both hub carrier assemblies are shown in figure 5.

Figure 5: Rear hub carrier assemblies. CAT ’98 assembly (left) and Menace assembly (right). The original ball
stud and M3 Nyloc nut (U851 and U1547, respectively) can be transferred to the new hub carrier. Please note the
Menace assembly on the right has been relabeled for convenience. Also, the U2153 package is labeled as a spacer,
and referred to as a shim in the Menace manual.

Beyond the bearing spacing requirements of the Menace driveshaft axle, the Menace hub carrier (U2688)
is thinner in the direction needed to compensate for the greater length (dimensions B + C in figure 2 and
table 1) of the Menace driveshaft (U2683). A drawing with relevant hub carrier dimensions is shown in
figure 6, with corresponding measurements in table 2. Complete driveshaft, hub carrier, and hex assemblies
for the CAT ’98 and Menace are shown in figure 7 with corresponding measurements in table 3.
Table 4 lists the measurements of the individual parts found in tables 1 and 2, and the total assembled
parts measurement from table 3. There are differences between the sums of measured lengths. In column
three of table 4, the sums of the CAT ’98 and Menace part dimensions are 80.75mm and 80.25mm,
respectively. This is slightly different than the measured 81mm (N1 in column four of table 4) for the
corresponding total assembly measurements. As a reminder, all measurements are approximate, especially
since some of the parts measured are worn. For example, the CAT ’98 driveshaft, hub carrier, and hex
assembly had more in and out movement than the Menace assembly.
Additionally, toe-in on your kit may be changed with this conversion. If you have the stock plastic 0
degree inboard toe-in blocks (U1434) with the steel brace (U1807) and 3 degree inboard toe-in hub carriers
(U1798), then use of the Menace rear hub carriers (U2688), which have a zero degree offset, will result in
a change of overall toe-in from 3 degrees to 0 degrees. If you have the aftermarket 3 degree inboard blocks
(alloy)/braces (steel) kit (U1841) and 0 degree inboard toe-in hub carriers (U1843) as shown in figure 1,
there will be no change in the amount of toe-in when using the Menace rear hub carriers (U2688).

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Figure 6: Hub carrier drawing. Labels M1, M2, and M3 represent the different dimensions of the CAT ’98 rear
hub carrier (U1843) and the Menace rear hub carrier (U2688). The corresponding measurements are found in
table 2.

Table 2: Table of the lengths corresponding to the labels M1, M2, and M3, in figure 6.

Assembly M1 (mm) M2 (mm) M1+M2 (mm) M3 (mm)

U1843 6.75 5.25 12 14.15
U2688 4.0 5.5 9.5 15.78

Table 3: Table of the lengths corresponding to the labels N1 and N2 in figure 7. Where CAT ’98 refers to parts
U1915, U1843, and U1408, and Menace refers to parts U2683, U2688, and U2682.

Assembly N1 (mm) N2 (mm)

CAT ’98 81 8.46
Menace 81 11.41

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Figure 7: Assembled driveshaft, hub carrier, and hex. Stock CAT ’98 assembly (bottom) and replacement Menace
assembly (top). The corresponding measured lengths for N1 and N2 are found in table 3. For reference, the small
squares of the graph paper in the background are approximately 2.54mm wide.

Table 4: Table of the lengths corresponding to the labels B and C in figure 2 and table 1, M1 in figure 6 and
table 2, and N1 in figure 7 and table 3. Where CAT ’98 refers to parts U1915, U1843, and U1408, and Menace
refers to parts U2683, U2688, and U2682.

Assembly B (mm)1 C (mm)1 M1 (mm)2 B+C+M1 (mm) N1 (mm)3

CAT ’98 68 6 6.75 80.75 81
Menace 70.25 6 4.0 80.25 81

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Steel outdrives
While the Menace driveshaft (U2683) satisfies the dimensional requirements for this conversion, it will
quickly chew through the stock alloy outdrive of the CAT ’98. To avoid this problem, either steel outdrives
(e.g. U1891 and U1892) must be used or the Menace outdrive pin must be exchanged for a stepped pin
that allows for use with the stock plastic blades (U1918).
Most versions of the CAT and Fireblade variants (e.g., CAT 2000 SE, CAT ’98, CAT 3000, Fireblade
Evo, and Fireblade USA) used light alloy differential outdrives [U2006 (female) and U2007 (male)]. The
light alloy outdrives were meant for use with the plastic blades (U1918) that fit on the outdrive end
of the different Schumacher driveshafts (e.g., U1915, U1916, and U2213). The light alloy outdrives are
interchangeable with the earlier steel versions [U1891 (male) and U1892 (female)]. Based on Schumacher’s
exploded diagrams, the steel outdrives were standard on the SST 2000, Nitro SST, and the Fireblade 2000.
Examples of the male outdrives (U1892 on left and U2006 on right) are shown in figure 8. The two versions
can be difficult to distinguish, but if the outdrive is magnetic it is the steel version.

Figure 8: Differential outdrive examples of U1891 (steel) on left and U2007 (light alloy) on right.

While no source for individual compatible stepped pins is provided here, there is an option for obtaining
a suitable pin that allows for use with the stock plastic blades (U1918). This pin can be obtained by
removing and modifying the cross pin of part U2033, found on the SST ’99, SST Sport, SST Axis, SST
Axis 2, and Mi1.

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Wheel hex
The stock light alloy wheel hex on the CAT ’98 (U1408) is press fit onto the axle of the stock driveshaft
(U1915). Though this hex is sometimes listed as 14mm, the average measurement of the sample shown in
figure 9 is approximately 14.31mm across. Based on the measurement, this Schumacher wheel hex standard
is probably 14.35mm and will be described as such from this point forward. Driveshaft (U1915) compatible
steel hexes with narrow and wide offsets offered by Schumacher are U2197 and U2198. Schumacher part
number U1886 is the standard 12mm hex that is compatible with the axle of the stock driveshaft (U1915).
This was verified using the CAT ’98, CAT 2000 EC, and SST 2000 exploded diagrams.

Figure 9: Various Schumacher wheel hex adaptors. Stock CAT ’98 rear driveshaft (U1915) compatible hexes (left
column). Menace driveshaft (U2683) compatible hexes (right column). The 12mm hexes (top row). Approximately
14.35mm hexes (bottom row)

Equivalents to U1408 and U1886 that are compatible with the pin axle of the Menace driveshaft
are U2682 and U3525 respectively. Compatibility for the 14.35mm hex (U2682) was verified by cross-
referencing the CAT 2000 EC and Menace GTR exploded diagrams. Compatibility of part U3525 was
determined by comparing the Mi2 and Mi4LP exploded diagrams and measuring the hex cross pin diameter.
The required 1.5mm x 9.7mm mounting pin (which is listed in the Menace manual as 1.5mm x 10mm)
comes with part U3525 but not U2682. The required pins can be obtained in speed pack U1633.
Alternative 12mm hex options are offered by Schumacher. Based on the Mi2 exploded diagram, a
plastic hex (U2152) and an alloy hex (U2401) were the 12mm options originally listed for use with axle
U2693 (see figure 3 for review). Part U3525 is found on the more modern Mi4 and Mi5 variants and was
selected because it is easier to obtain. It also appears thicker than the earlier versions.
However, a potential drawback to hex U3525 is that it sits farther from the bearing stop than the bigger
standard hex (U2682). Parts U2682 and U3525 also have different thicknesses. When mounted on the
axle of the Menace driveshaft (U2683), the bearing stop of hex U2682 is approximately 0.23mm closer to
the bearing stop on the axle. A picture and measurements of U2682 and U3525 are provided in figure 10
and table 5. It is untested whether the small amount of in and out movement present when using U3525
requires a shim.

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Figure 10: Left side shows U3525 hex (12mm) mounted to U2683 driveshaft. Right side shows U2682 hex
(14.35mm) mounted to U2683 driveshaft. Dimension X represents the space between the bearing stops on the
respective axle and hex. The measurements are given in table 5

Table 5: Table of the lengths corresponding to the label X in figure 10. Measurements were made using each hex
mounted to the same driveshaft. Where dimension X corresponds to the space between the bearing stops on the
axle and hex.

Hex dimension X (mm)

U3525 9.45
U2682 9.22

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Other parts tested and found incompatible
Driveshafts
Kyosho part LA231 is shown in figure 11 next to the stock driveshaft (U1915) for comparison. Part LA231
has the same dimension B (labeled in figure 2 and given in table 6) as the stock driveshaft (U1915), but
dimensions J and K (table 6) are too small compared to the equivalent values. The result is significant
slop at the dog bone to differential outdrive interface. Additionally, a hex with equivalent dimensions to
the stock Schumacher 14.35mm hex (U1408) that also fits the 2.0mm axle cross pin (dimension L in figure
2) of LA231 has not been found. The interchangeable axles compatible with LA231 (e.g., UM510-02 and
UM522-02) are different lengths but still require a 2.0mm cross pin.

Figure 11: Schumacher U1915 and Kyosho LA231 driveshaft comparison. Select measurements are given in table
6

Table 6: Table of the measurements corresponding to labels A, B, J, K, and L in figure 2. Note, the XRAY values
listed are based on the manufacturer specification and not verified.

Driveshaft dimension A dimension B dimension J dimension K dimension L

Kyosho LA231 9.75 68 2.0 5.89 2.0
Schumacher U1915 11.8 68 2.5 6.96 2.5
XRAY 365320 12 68 3 — 2.0

Hub carrier
Part U2262 uses 5x10x4mm bearings like U2688; however, it has the same effective bearing spacing as the
stock CAT ’98 rear hub carrier (U1798). Therefore, it does not work because there is not enough space to
attach the wheel hex (U2682).

Differential outdrives
Alternative Schumacher steel differential outdrives are shown in figure 12. As indicated by the double
arrows on the left, part U1416 is significantly shorter than U1892. The arrow on the right of U3336 is used
to point out that the raised bearing stop will prevent this differential outdrive from being assembled with
the stock pulley (U1503) and fitting in the gearbox (U1499).

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Figure 12: Various Schumacher female differential outdrives. From left to right, U1416, U1892, and U3336. The
left double arrow is used to indicate the height difference between U1416 and U1892. The right arrow is used to
point out the significantly raised portion of the bearing stop of U3336 compared to U1892.

Wheel hex
The XRAY 14mm wheel hex (part number XRA365350) does not work because the hex will rotate slightly
in the wheel since the Schumacher hexes (e.g., U1408 and U2682) are a larger 14.35mm. The difference
is visible in figure 13 where the arrows point to the gaps at the wheel-to-hex interface. The XRAY hex
also requires a 2mm cross pin which is bigger in diameter than the 1.5mm cross pin that the Schumacher
Menace driveshaft (U2683) requires. Profile views of the different hexes are shown in figure 14.

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Figure 13: Comparison of Schumacher U1408 14.35mm wheel hex fit and and XRAY 365350 14mm wheel
hex fit. The silver hex in the left column is Schumacher part U1408. The black hex on the right is XRAY
part 365350. Notice the gap between the XRAY hex and the wheel, as indicated by the arrows.

Figure 14: Various wheel hex adaptors. From left to right, Schumacher 12mm hex U3525, Schumacher 14.35mm
hex U1408, XRAY 14mm hex XRA365350, and Schumacher 14.35mm hex U2682

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Resources
Schumacher exploded diagrams
CAT ’98
CAT 2000 EC
CAT 2000 SE
CAT 3000
Cougar 2000
Fireblade 2000
Fireblade Evo
Fireblade USA
Menace 21 (2003)
Menace 21 (2005)
Menace GTR
Mi2
Mi4LP
SST 2000
SST ’99

Schumacher manuals
Menace 21 manual hosted on Schumacher website
Menace GTR manual hosted on Schumacher website

Web
Schumacher website
Discount RC Store

Corresponding author
Written and compiled by Jeremy Anderson. For questions contact Typpo via private message on either
the Schumacher or RC10talk.com forums.

Acknowledgments
Thank you to Matthew White for providing technical expertise and helpful feedback. Additional thanks
to Incredible Serious for providing some of the high quality exploded diagram scans from the 1993 and
1996 Schumacher catalogs. Special thanks to Schumacher for permission to use these diagram images.

All images used with permission.

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Schumacher CAT ’98
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Schumacher CAT 2000 EC
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Schumacher CAT 2000 SE
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Schumacher CAT 3000
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Schumacher Cougar 2000
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Schumacher Fireblade 2000
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Schumacher Fireblade Evo

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Schumacher Fireblade USA
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Schumacher Menace 21 (2003)
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Schumacher Menace 21 (2005)
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Schumacher Menace GTR
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Schumacher Mi2
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Schumacher Mi4LP
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Schumacher SST 2000
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Schumacher SST ’99 Pro
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