Drivetrain Critiques

[Adam.garcia]

Hello CD,

I have been working on this drive train on and off for this past year. I have gotten to the point where I think this drivetrain is ready to go into its manufacturing stage. But before I do so, I would like the expert advice of all of you.

Drive train Specs:

6 Wheel WCD (1/8" drop center)
2- Speed "Dog Shifting Gearbox" (13:1 (6.39 fps) & 4.8:1 (17.04 fps)
4" AndyMark Performance Wheels
Bumper Mounting inspired by 254's Skyfire
Bellypan: 1/16" G10-FR4 Garolite

Questions that I still have:
1. What should the minimum distance be from the ground to the bottom of the gearbox?
2. Is there a better/ more efficient way of designing this battery holder? Right now, it is comprised of Sheet metal, and I would like to find an alternative method using regular 1/8" Aluminum Plate.
3. As of now, all the drive shafts are 2024 Aluminum. I chose this to significantly decrease weight, but I need to ensure that it does not compromise durability. (It would never be a good thing to have the drive break on the middle of the field! What are your thoughts about this? I could always revert it back to a steel alloy.)

Thanks, and I very much look forward to hearing everybody's advice/suggestions!