Upgrade Your Maxx® to the Toughest Steel Driveshafts Available

The Traxxas Maxx features extreme-duty telescoping driveshafts designed specifically for high-output 4-cell LiPo power. For even greater strength and longer wear, Traxxas offers optional constant-velocity (CV) steel driveshafts. These heavy-duty shafts are used in conjunction with aluminum wheel hubs (sold separately) for the ultimate in drivetrain durability. Installing the parts is easy. If you have experience working on RC models, you should be able to complete the installation in about an hour.
8950X Steel CV Driveshafts8950X Steel CV Driveshafts
7758, 8654 Aluminum Hubs and Nuts7758 and 8654 Aluminum Hubs and Nuts
The 8950X Steel CV Driveshaft set includes all four shafts, bearings, and hardware. You’ll also need the optional 8654 17 mm aluminum wheel hubs and 7758 wheel nuts to complete the CV driveshaft installation. The hubs and nuts are both available in blue, green, and red; the nuts are also offered in black.

WideMaxx® Suspension Kit

If you've already upgraded your Maxx to the superior handling of the WideMaxx kit, don't worry, we've got you covered! There's a set of steel CV driveshafts made specifically for the WideMaxx suspension kit 8996X. The installation works exactly the same as the standard steel CV driveshafts so this is a great how-to guide for WideMaxx owners also. Get your wrenches out and let's get to work! WideMaxx steel CV driveshafts

Getting Started

To install the driveshafts, you’ll need an 8 mm nut driver, 2 mm and 2.5 mm hex drivers, and a 17 mm wheel wrench 5480X. You can use the tools supplied with the Maxx, but for faster, easier wrenching, we recommend the 8712 7-Piece Metric Hex and Nut Driver Essentials Set. This set includes all the hex- and nut-driver bits required to work on all Traxxas models, plus a convenient carrying and storage pouch. Though not required, the 8716 ball-end driver set is also recommended.

Hex and Nut Driver Essentials SetHex and Nut Driver Essentials Set
Ball-End Speed Bit SetBall-End Speed Bit Set
17 mm wheel wrench17 mm wheel wrench

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Required Tools
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  • 2.0 mm hex wrench or driver
  • 2.5 mm hex wrench or driver
  • 8 mm nut driver or kit-supplied box wrench
  • 17 mm wheel wrench
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1) Begin by removing the wheels using an 8 mm nut driver or the wrench supplied with the Maxx. Remove the 4 mm screw pins (arrowed) to release the front steering hub and rear axle carrier. Also remove the 3x18 mm button-head that secures the steering link to the steering block.

Remove the wheelsRemove the wheels
Unscrew the Steering BlocksUnscrew the Steering Blocks
Unscrew the Axle CarriersUnscrew the Axle Carriers

2) Remove the steering block and rear axle carrier. The female halves of the driveshafts will come out with them.

Remove the Steering BlocksRemove the Steering Blocks
Remove the Axle CarriersRemove the Axle Carriers

3) Remove the wheel hex. If necessary, use a flat-blade screwdriver to carefully pry the wheel hex away from the cross pin. Remove the cross pin, then slide the stub axle out of the steering hub or axle carrier.

Remove the Wheel HexRemove the Wheel Hex
Remove the Stub AxleRemove the Stub Axle

4) Remove the 16x6 mm bearing and replace it with the 16x8 mm bearing supplied with the CV driveshafts.

Remove the BearingsRemove the Bearings
Use the New BearingsUse the New Bearings

5) Install the supplied 23x17 mm ball bearing onto the CV driveshaft’s stub axle, them press it into the hub carrier or steering block. The bearing should fit flush as shown.

Install the BearingsInstall the Bearings
Press Assembly into the HubPress Assembly into the Hub
Ensure Bearing is FlushEnsure Bearing is Flush

6) Remove the male driveshaft half by removing the screw pin that secures the universal joint. You can remove the screw pin more easily by using a ball-end 2 mm driver instead of a straight-tip driver. After removing the screw pin, simply slide the universal joint off of the shaft.

Next, install the drive cup included with the CV driveshafts by reversing the steps you used to remove the plastic shafts. Be sure to use the news screw pins supplied with the CV shafts. The new pins have a patch of blue thread-locking compound on them to prevent loosening. Again, a ball-end 2 mm driver is recommended. Insert the driver through the suspension arm for easiest access. Note: in these photos, the shock absorber has been removed for clarity; you do not need to remove the shock from your model.

Remove the DriveshaftRemove the Driveshaft
Install the Drive CupInstall the Drive Cup
Install the Drive CupInstall the Drive Cup

7) Slide the driveshaft’s “dogbone” into the drive cup, then reinstall the 4 mm pins. When reinstalling the steering block, remember to also reinstall the 3x18 mm button-head screw that secures the steering toe link (see Step 2). Note: in these photos, the shock absorber has been removed for clarity; you do not need to remove the shock from your model.

Insert the DogboneInsert the Dogbone
Reinstall the PinsReinstall the Pins

8) Slide the aluminum wheel hub onto the stub axle, and align the holes in the hub and axle. Insert the cross pin to secure the wheel hub. Press the pin in until it is flush, as shown. Repeat steps 2-8 to install the remaining three driveshafts.

Install the Wheel HubInstall the Wheel Hub
Insert the Cross PinInsert the Cross Pin
Ensure Pin is FlushEnsure Pin is Flush

8) Now you can remount the wheels using the 17 mm aluminum nuts. The wheel washers and 8 mm nuts removed in Step 1 will not be used. Tighten the nuts with a 17 mm wheel wrench, and your Maxx is ready for action!

Use 17 mm Aluminum NutsUse 17 mm Aluminum Nuts
Tighten Nuts DownTighten Nuts Down

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