Crazy Traxxas Sledge Upgrades Tested! [Vitavon Servo Saver, Hubs, Axles, Bulkheads Etc]
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- čas přidán 3. 08. 2024
- Today I'm replacing half my Traxxas Sledge with Steel and Aluminum! Will these upgrades and extra weight make the truck a new beast or is it just too much? Should you upgrade your Traxxas or Arrma similarly? Join me to find out!
0:00 What Upgrades?
1:24 A Closer Look
3:56 Will It Survive?
5:30 Metal or No?
#Vitavon #traxxas #traxxassledge - Jak na to + styl
![Your Traxxas Sledge Wants These Gears! [Diff Gear Upgrade]](/img/n.gif)
Thanks for watching. Don't forget to ALWAYS use threadlock on screws going into metal!
Liked this video, nice with those insights about the weight and unsprung weight👍🏽
Thanks! If you arent already subscribed a sub is appreciated :-)
Yet another reason to grab one of these. Always been a Vitavon fan, from my SBR to my LMT never an issue.
Yep. Consistently good quality stuff!
Wow, really nice stuff but heavy for sure. I would definitely pass on the links. Aluminum servo saver are fine until dirt and dust locks them up and then they can kill servos. Keep reporting to us what happens and thanks for sharing! 👍
I found that using a good dry Grease to lubricate the aluminum servo saver keeps it working pretty well. It does require a bit of maintenance here and there but works a lot better than just leaving them dry. Agreed on the links. I will probably be going back to stock on those. Unless you have a specific need for adjustable ones they probably aren't the best idea long-term. Without the links I think the weight gain won't be around 3 or 4% which isn't bad.
Great Video! Those are some really nice looking metal parts, a one pound increase seems incredibly light for how many big parts you changed out.
Agreed. Definitely not much of a weight penalty.
Looks awesome
Thanks!
I just replaced my sledgehammer tires with the
Power Hobbies Powerhobby 1/8 Defender 3.8 inch Belted All Terrain Tires/Wheels, and talk about feeling "more planted! No ballooning, great traction and more predictable air control, imho. I'm just a rookie in this RC world but the difference is night and day. The Power Hobby wheels weigh 100 grams/3.6 ozs more per tire which adds just over 14 oz. It didn't seem to matter much at all in the overall "punch" of the throttle.....and the control on all surfaces is well worth the tiny loss in "back-flipability" from a dead stop. Love the look and function of the Vitavon upgrades!
Nice! I've never really had good luck with belted tires but glad you're enjoying them :-) thanks for watching and if you aren't already subscribed a sub is appreciated!
@@DoRC definitely subbed and enjoying your channel very much.
@@davidconaway2830 thanks:)
Looks pretty sick 😎
Agreed:)
Great video, Kenny. Vitavon is really close to creating their own Sledge with all the parts and chassis coming up. How's your chassis holding up and what gearing are you using? Also, let's go 5k! You're becoming my favorite RC youtuber, no bs, just straight up good info.
Thanks man I really appreciate the compliment. The goal of my channel is to keep it simple and educational while still being a bit entertaining :-)
Stock chassis still completely straight. I'm still running stock gearing
If something isn't weak or doesn't break easily then normally it's best to just replace with the standard part
True enough. Some of these parts definitely didn't absolutely need to be replaced but the axle shafts do tend to break reasonably often on these and the hubs are kind of part of the package deal with that.
This is more of fun to do thing than a need to have things :-)
I wish I could afford those hubs\knuckles, there so exspensive
Yeah a lot of these parts are not cheap.
Crazy mod bro
Yeah definitely some fun stuff :-) Did you check out my 8s video? Did a reverse motor mount and took the mods even further! Thanks for watching and if you enjoyed my videos a sub is appreciated!
Bro,in my opinion I think your sledge is one of the absolute best best I've seen yet. Maybe the m2c Chassis and that bad boys done ready for war. I have a udr vitavon parts built custom, and it's ten times the truck after installing the upgrades from vitavon.
Udr parts 7075 billet aluminum 3D CNC milled,
Rea axle housing
Transmission housing
Planetary housingsX2
Hardened steel ring gears X2
Knuckles
A arms uppers and lowers
Steering links
Beadlocks V2s for hyrax tires
Splined axles and splined hexs for rear.
Hardened steel rear drive shaft,
Hot racing titanium upper 4 links
Hot racing aluminum trailing arms
Hot racing aluminum servo saver
Hot racing aluminum servo horn and arm.
Hot racing aluminum sway bars front and rear.
Saga gears 51t spur 31t pinion.
Sprial cut ring and pinion gears, rear axle and front differential, shhhhh that's a secret.
Rear
Sounds like an awesome setup! Thanks for watching and if you aren't already subscribed a sub is appreciated :-)
cool. I'm going to watch the video well ~~^^
Thanks!
I've always had bad experiences with too much metal. Drive shafts and gearing are about as far as I go with metal. I even try to avoid metal chassis unless it comes stock. I might toss on a metal chassis brace though if available. But other than that, I tend to avoid alot of metal. Great video BTW.
This is generally been my way of doing things as well. I wanted to try this out just to see how things would go with a lot of metal and so far I've been pretty happy with it. I may end up going back to the stock plastic links but everything else is going to stay. Thanks for watching and if you arent already subscribed a sub is appreciated:)
@@DoRC I've been subbed to you. I've actually learned some stuff from you for my own rc cars. It's even helped in making videos for my channel. So thank you a million. Great channel.
Awesome thanks so much :-)
Salut mec,
J'adore tes options, je vais faire pareil pour mon Sledge 🏁🏎️🛸
Awesome. Thanks for watching!
I bought my sledge the first day it was available just about. I’ve broken two front inner lower control arm shaft and bent the front shock tower. Other than that it’s been an awesome vehicle!
Yeah I never actually broke any of the parts that I upgraded in this video. It has been extremely durable and reliable. That being said upgrading is fun :-)
@@DoRC I like the idea of the aluminum diff housings! They look great and I’m sure functional. Forgot to say great video as always, very thorough and well thought out.
@@nateg6320 thanks! The diff housing is definitely do look good! I think that the axles hubs etc is the best upgrade though. I know some people break axles and the added bearings out at the wheels are really nice.
I’d really like to know what electronics ur running. Your truck has allot of power!!
Right now it is a Max 8 G2 combo but I'm going to be upping it to something even more powerful and going 8s very soon! Make sure you get subscribed so you don't miss it :-)
I agree with the bulkheads and I agree with the wheel hubs but yeah the steering links and the upper links now you don't really need them tighten down the steering servo and put a washer in it and it works fine too hubs and axles or what you really want didn't work on your bald heads
Yeah a lot of this stuff isn't strictly necessary. Upgrading is fun though and the stuff I put on the truck definitely is more durable than what I took off :-) I did end up taking the links off though as I'd like more flex in the system then they give.
Wheel bearings hubs axles and hex extenders that's all you really need shim your gifts tighten up the steering serviceaver
Yeah a lot of the stuff I put on this RC are definitely not necessary. It certainly is fun though!
Current upgrades:
BasherQueen front & rear carbon fiber shock towers, Traxxas CVDs (installed on the rear, replacing the dogbones & stub axles), Traxxas hardened steel machined ring & pinions (front & rear), M2C 1498 universal +6.5mm hex adapters, and PowerHobby belted wheels/tires (blanking on exact model)
Upgrades obtained, but not yet installed:
M2C 9130 droop screws, 1413 motor mount, 1410 motor support, 1409 top -mount ESC plate & 1499 chassis
Future upgrades:
Servo (undecided), ESC/motor combo (undecided), M2C 3030 upper hinge pins, 1495 rear lower hinge pins & 1496 front lower hinge pins, from Vitavon the following - front & rear CVDs w/ uprights/steering knuckle, steering rack w/ servo saver, and front & rear bullheads
Sounds like a sweet ride and an awesome plan! Thanks for watching and if you aren't already subscribed a sub is appreciated :-)
@@DoRC Thanks...and, yes, already subscribed. People gotta be subscribed to the best RC channels if they want they best info. 🤙🏽
Very nice i would do the same upgrade. Just a shame we can't get any parts like that in Australia. I have some other parts on order from The USA over a month now think they are not coming :( . Think my money has gone
Let me check with vitavon see if you can order directly from them to have them ship to Australia. Thanks for watching and a sub is appreciated :-)
I just bent my sledge chassis and new M2C chassis arrives any day. I like those Vitavon hubs... next time something on them fails I probably will try those. I got a Treal servo saver assy because the delivery was way faster. I found carbon fiber non adjustable links and I'm trying those, one of my plastic ones is a little bent. I already went to wider jobs to accommodate belted Trencher HPs which are very durable and really grippy. It drives better. Perfect pass servo helped.
Sounds like a pretty sweet setup! Let me know how you like that M2C chassis :-). Thanks for watching and if you aren't already subscribed a sub is appreciated!
@@DoRC I managed to fry an ESC. I just went Castle 1717 combo. The improvement in motor control is sweet plus automatic overtemp shutoff, B-Link is also pretty sweet. I thought about the Vitavon hubs again but realized they aren't wide enough to work with my FAT Trencher HPs. If Vitavon offered a 10 or 13mm wider hub, I would have gone that way. Instead I have the full M2C drive train upgrade coming, as well as stronger gears all around. Hopefully this copes with the increased torque of an 8s 1717. I also threw on lights because my kid and I love doing night time back yard races :D
I'm pretty sure vitavon does offer extended hexes for their kit now.
The result of this video was amazing. I just recently purchased a new sledge and was wondering how to beef it up. I don't think I'm going to go Vitavon, since they are quite a bit more expensive than other brands, but I was looking at GPM Racing Parts and they have essentially the same products. I'm thinking about doing a full suspension hop up and getting stronger conntrol arms too. What do you think? I'm a moderate basher. I don't do any crazy long jumps or anything like that, but I hit the trails alot. Do you think I would be adding TOO much hardness to the ride if I got the stronger control arms also? If so would you fully recommend this set up (or similar parts from other brands). I'm debating on the control arm upgrade cause I don't want to add too much rigidity to the truck and wind up losing durability. I'd really like to hear your thoughts. GREAT VIDEO! Thanks for sharing this build.
Modern GPM parts are good though I would recommend not getting aluminum arms. You really want the arms to be able to flex in a crash aluminum arms won't flex and you're going to end up either bending the arms or breaking whatever they're attached to.
GREAT VIDEO SIR. IM WONDERING IF THE STOCK LINKS WILL WORK WITH THE EXTRA LENGTH OF THE ARMS? THANKYOU ✌🏼
Yes they will work. The added width is in the hubs so no change in arm length!
@@DoRC THANK YOU 🇬🇧🇨🇦🕊️✌🏼🤩👍🏼🤙🏼
@@mikebird8290 you're welcome:)
Whoa! Awesome! Iove the silver! That would match a chassis from M2C or Just Bash it. No more blue! I just received and installed basherqueen cf towers. I like it ! You should do it too!
Great video. Sub'd
Thanks for the sub! I've already got the basher Queen towers on it :-)
@@DoRC ahead of the game! Cool! I'm trying to keep electronics stock but keep getting the itch to swap it to Max8. Must resist!
@@MrKongpvu max8g2 is a beast!
I would most likely do the servo saver that be about it
That's probably what I would normally do with my vehicles. This is more of an experiment than anything else. So far I've been really happy with how things are going. I may switch the links back to plastic just because I like having the flex in the system but otherwise it's doing really well
@@DoRC good to see it tested though.
@@Paul0088 yeah it was a fun experiment
Vitavon makes amazing parts but it’s kinda expensive
Yeah the good stuff always is:/. Thanks for watching and if you aren't already subscribed a sub is appreciated:)
@@DoRC I’ll sub right now
What steering servo are you using im looking to upgrade mine but can't find any info on what's best for the sledge. Price doesn't really matter want it to be fast and responsive and have plenty of Torque. I'm new to the rc game I just bought my sledge a month ago and love it I had an revo back in the day with a Novarossi big block conversion I think the sledge is more powerful than my old revo the power of these electric motors is crazy. Thanks
Yeah modern electric stuff is insane compared to nitro. I recommend the power hobby 729. It's not the most expensive servo you can get but it is excellent powerful and fast. You'll also need a servo extension lead as the stock servo has a longer than normal wire.
@@DoRC thanks I appreciate it
You're welcome :-) if you enjoy my videos I sub to my channels appreciated!
@@DoRC I just subscribed
@@bryanyoung9482 thanks!
Where you buy front protection?
It's a Traxxas Slash front bumper but RPM makes a specific one for the sledge now which I would recommend. Thanks for watching and if you enjoy my videos a sub to my channel is appreciated!
Did you ever had a problem with your gears ( front, middle and back) sir? Looks like Sledged have these problems.
I did not have a problem with any of my stock gears though I have seen others who have. The Traxxas stock gears aren't the best but they do hold up reasonably well especially if you shim the differentials correctly
Vitavon us really really strong for how light they are only one I'm in kahoots about doing on my widemaxx are the bulkheads I've done everything g else though and really good all round
Yeah the bulkheads definitely would add a lot of weight. Thanks for watching and if you aren't already subscribed a sub is appreciated :-)
@@DoRC the ones for the maxx are serious pieces of engineering they're twice the size of the ones for the sledge by looks on this video any how everything else is working an absolute treat toe links, servo adapter, servo horn, bell crank, steering blocks, axle carriers and hubs no breaks in three or four full chargers 30-40ft jumps heavy bashes couldn't recommend anymore.
Awesome! Have you seen the bulkheads and center chassis for the x-max? They're pretty incredible
@@DoRC I have seen those yeah look mental
I want to do an all vitavon Xmaxx but it would cost way way too much.
Hows all the aluminum holding up?
I don't have this truck anymore but I did use it a fair amount before I got rid of it and other than the links I was very happy with it. I think the links aren't the best option as they're really not necessary and I found that the bolts would just loosen up because of the lack of flex in them. The guy I sold it to didn't have any complaints either so I assume he was happy with it
@DoRC yeah not interested in the links if anything only links would be the steering links and maybe bell crank... considering treal bulk heads, steering/toe link front and rear hub carriers..possibly some brace bars as well...opinions???
@@DoRC m2c motor mount and not sure on shock caps
How much does it weigh now?
About a pound more than before the upgrades.
@@DoRC Really that's it? Wow my Udr gained like 4+pounds. Right on thank you for the info.
Is that the 2250kv?
Yep
How much you want for that halve of sledge ?
If you're serious shoot me an email. Also a sub is appreciated:)
@@DoRC I’m subed my friend and I’m afraid of the cost of shipping to Canada 🍁
@@bcbasherdarrell6520 understood and thank you for being subscribed. If you are interested do shoot me an email though we'll figure something out
@@DoRC for sure I’m pretty sure I follow you on fb also 😅
Probably. I push my videos pretty hard on there :-)
Ok, so now what’s the weak point?
In this particular build it was the all metal turnbuckles. They just had no give and would rip the screws apart on the shock towers. I ended up going back to the stock ones which fixed the problem. Beyond that it's mostly just how heavy the truck is. I started breaking hinge pins more often but that was fixed by switching to Arrma ones.
@@DoRC thank you for the response.
@kolsch221t5 You're welcome Thanks for watching!
Lol spends all his money on rc’s has no lawn mower ha ha kidding .
More like spends all his time on yt videos has no time to mow:). Thanks for watching!
There is no way you spent so much money on this overpriced parts
The parts are expensive but I wouldn't call them overpriced. This kind of small batch machining isnt cheap.
This is far from the most modified RC I have. You should see my Xmaxx:)
To much added weight for my preference and experience in this hobby. Aluminum bends and is more expensive to replace than composite materials. That extra weight will cause more heat stress on the electronics. Hope you geared down to compensate.
Yeah some of it is definitely overkill. I didn't really do this for the practicality of it. It was more for the enjoyment of the mods and the beauty of the end result :-)
This has a max 8 G2 in it and it's got plenty of power even with the stock gearing.