Yeti Currie F9 Front Bulkhead Upgrade Benefits
By Vanquish Products - Premium RC Crawler Kits & Accessories | Published: 2026-10-26
Category: Buying Guides
Discover how the Vanquish Yeti Currie F9 front bulkhead strengthens your Axial Yeti, simplifies gear access, and supports a pinion bearing upgrade for smoother, more reliable crawling.
Quick answer
If you want a stronger, more precise front axle for your Axial Yeti, the Vanquish Currie F9 front bulkhead is a worthwhile upgrade. It adds a 5x14x5 bearing upgrade for the pinion, protects ring gear bearings, and lets you service the gears without removing the A-arms.
Why upgrade the stock Yeti bulkhead?
The stock Yeti front bulkhead can flex under hard crawling or high-speed bashing, which may lead to premature gear wear. The Vanquish Currie F9 bulkhead is machined from aluminum for added rigidity, helping keep the ring and pinion meshed correctly under load.
A key benefit is the one-piece bearing retainers that support the ring gear bearings without risking crushing. This design protects the bearings during assembly and operation, which is especially important if you run higher-power motors or larger tires.
What about the pinion bearing upgrade?
The Currie F9 bulkhead is designed to support a 5x14x5 bearing upgrade for the pinion. This larger bearing improves pinion support, reducing flex and extending gear life. If you're already replacing the bulkhead, adding this bearing is a smart, low-cost improvement.
Note that the 5x14x5 bearing is not included in the box. You'll need to purchase it separately if you want to run this upgrade.
Trade-offs to consider
The main trade-off is cost. At $62.99 (compared to a catalog price of $104.99), it's a premium part, but it's still cheaper than replacing a damaged axle housing or gears. If you're on a tight budget, a stock replacement bulkhead might suffice, but you'll miss out on the durability and serviceability benefits.
Another consideration is installation. The two-piece design means more parts to assemble, but the benefit is that you can remove the ring and pinion without disassembling the A-arms. This saves time during maintenance.
Decision rules for upgrading your Yeti front bulkhead
- Choose the Currie F9 if...: You want a sturdier, more precise front axle and are willing to invest in a premium part. It's ideal for serious crawlers who push their rigs hard. Pair it with the 5x14x5 pinion bearing upgrade (sold separately) for the best support.
- Skip the upgrade if...: You run a stock or lightly modified Yeti and don't experience gear issues. The stock bulkhead may be adequate for casual driving. If you later notice gear wear, consider the upgrade then.
- Installation tip...: The two-piece design allows gear access without removing the A-arms. Use this feature to speed up maintenance and reduce the risk of losing small parts. Keep the bearing retainers properly aligned to avoid crushing the ring gear bearings.
Product facts
- Yeti Currie F9 Front Bulkhead Black Anodized: Aluminum bulkhead for Axial Yeti with 5x14x5 bearing upgrade to support pinion. The larger pinion bearing reduces flex and improves gear mesh, leading to longer gear life.
Yeti Currie F9 Front Bulkhead Black Anodized - Yeti Currie F9 Front Bulkhead Black Anodized: One-piece bearing retainers support the ring gear bearings without risking crushing. This protects the ring gear bearings during assembly and operation, reducing the chance of premature failure.
- Yeti Currie F9 Front Bulkhead Black Anodized: Upper and lower bulkhead halves allow removal of ring and pinion without removing A-arms. You can service the gears faster and with less disassembly, saving time during maintenance.
Fit guidance
Best for
- Axial Yeti owners who want a stronger front axle for rock crawling and trail driving
- Hobbyists who plan to upgrade to a 5x14x5 pinion bearing for better gear support
Not for
- Drivers who only run on flat surfaces and don't need extra durability
- Those on a strict budget who prefer a stock replacement part
