Boost the Durability of Your 1/16 Scale Traxxas Truck


2080R Metal Gear Servo

You can boost the durability of your Traxxas 1/16 scale model by replacing the factory-installed plastic-gear 2080 steering servo with the optional, metal-gear 2080R waterproof servo. Installation only takes a few minutes, and it’s easy to do. Follow along with the steps below, or watch this full how-to video.

Traxxas 3415 tool kit

The Traxxas 3415 tool kit includes the all the hex bits and nut drivers you will need for this installation or any other Traxxas model. The kit comes complete with a ratcheting handle and convenient storage case.Traxxas 3415 tool kit

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Required Tools
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  • 2.0 mm hex wrench or driver
  • 2.5 mm hex wrench or driver
  • 7 mm nut driver or kit-supplied box wrench
  • Small flat-head screwdriver
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1) Begin by removing the battery and body, then use the 7 mm nut driver to remove the wheels. You could leave them on, but it’s easier to work on the bare chassis. Disconnect the motor wires by pulling on the plug. Don’t pull on the wires themselves. Open the battery compartment and slide the speed control away from the motor so you have clearance to remove the motor.

Remove the wheelsRemove the wheels
Disconnect motor wiresDisconnect motor wires
Slide the ESC outSlide the ESC out

2) Remove the 2.5x6 mm screw that secures the gear cover and the 3x10 mm cap screw that secures the motor, then remove the motor. Now you can access the receiver box.

Remove the gear coverRemove the gear cover
Remove the motorRemove the motor

3) Remove the two 2.5x8 mm cap screws that secure the wire clamp, and the two 2.5x8 mm cap screws that secure the receiver box cover. Unplug the servo from the receiver. It’s the plug in the channel-one slot, labeled “CH1.” Pull the servo’s wire and connector out through the slot in the receiver box. Remove the two 3x12 mm buttonhead screws that secure the servo. The servo guard below the chassis will also be released when the screws are out.

Remove receiver screwsRemove receiver screws
Unplug the servoUnplug the servo
Remove the servo guardRemove the servo guard

4) Flip the chassis over and remove the 3x6 mm buttonhead screw that secures the servo horn. Use the small flat-head screwdriver to pry the horn off of the servo and then lift the servo out of the chassis.

Unscrew the servo hornUnscrew the servo horn
Remove the servo hornRemove the servo horn
Remove the servoRemove the servo

5) To install the new servo, route the 2080R's wire through the chassis, and place the servo over the mounting holes. Make sure the servo’s output shaft is offset toward the rear of the chassis. Route the servo wire through the slot in the receiver box lid and then plug the servo into the channel-one slot (CH1). There are two CH1 slots in the receiver, you can use either one.

Route the wiresRoute the wires
Route the wiresRoute the wires
Plug in the servoPlug in the servo

6) Before installing the receiver box lid, make certain the blue O-ring is properly aligned in the receiver box base. Attach the lid using two 2.5x8 mm cap screws. Be careful not to pinch any wires between the base and lid when reinstalling the lid. Make sure the speed control and servo wires are aligned over the foam seals, then reinstall the wire clamp. Arrange the wires neatly so they will not interfere with the motor.

Align the O-ringAlign the O-ring
Reinstall the wire clampReinstall the wire clamp
Arrange the wiresArrange the wires

7) Reinstall the motor and the 3x10 mm cap screw that holds it in place, and set the gear mesh. For a detailed video on setting gear mesh, click here. Reinstall the gear cover and secure it with a 3x6 mm cap screw and then slide the speed control toward the motor until it is fully seated in its mounting slots. .

Reinstall the motorReinstall the motor
Reinstall the gear coverReinstall the gear cover
Reinstall the speed controlReinstall the speed control

8) We’ll center the steering servo before completing the installation. Power up your transmitter and your vehicle, then rotate the steering trim knob to the 12 o’clock position (straight up). Turn the chassis over and attach the servo horn to the servo so it is perpendicular to the servo body. If it’s slightly off-center, that’s okay—centering can be fine-tuned later using the transmitter’s steering trim knob. Hold the servo horn firmly as you reinstall the 3x6 mm servo horn screw. Do not overtighten, it only needs to be snug against the servo horn.

Center the steering trimCenter the steering trim
Attach the servo hornAttach the servo horn
Tighten the screwTighten the screw
Here’s how your servo installation should lookHere’s how your servo installation should look

10) Place the servo guard over the steering servo on the underside of the chassis. Secure the servo and servo guard with two 3x12 mm buttonhead screws

Replace the servo guardReplace the servo guard
Secure the servo and guardSecure the servo and guard

11) Power up the transmitter and model and confirm the servo operates properly. If needed, fine-tune the steering system’s neutral position using the transmitter’s steering trim knob. Reattach the motor wires, red to red and black to black. Press the plug halves together firmly to make sure they are fully engaged. Reinstall the body and wheels, and your Traxxas 1/16 scale model is ready to hit the dirt with improved steering strength and precision.

Test the steeringTest the steering
Reattach motor wiresReattach motor wires
Reinstall body and wheelsReinstall body and wheels

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