Rustler 4X4 3-Phase Upgrade

Rustler 4X4 features suspension arms made from the same material developed for the E-Revo VXL, X-Maxx and Maxx trucks. Traxxas formulated this heavy-duty composite for superior strength, even in cold conditions that make other plastics brittle. Black arms are standard on the Rustler 4X4, but as a style mod, we’re swapping them for a set of blue arms (the other options are red, green, orange or white). We’ll pair up the blue arms with orange-anodized aluminum caster blocks, steering blocks, and rear carriers for a contrasting look. All the aluminum parts are machined from 6061 aluminum for high strength, easy installation, and precise fit. The caster blocks get extra machining after anodizing for a two-tone effect, with etched TRX logos.

HD arms are formulated for superior strength, even in cold weather

Genuine Traxxas aluminum upgrades offer the best performance, precision, and value

TUBES camber and toe links are the finishing touch. In addition to looking great, the links make it easy to fine-tune camber and toe-in without disassembly.

TUBES feature hybrid aluminum and steel construction for high strength and low weight

TUBES include an aluminum 7 mm wrench for easy adjustment

Phase 2: Aluminum Big Bore Shocks & Red 400 Servo

The High-Torque 400 is an incredibly powerful metal-gear servo, delivering over five times the power of the Rustler’s standard 2056 servo. The 400’s brushless motor gives it superior speed and precision, and 400 oz.-in. of torque to easily aim the Rustler’s fat tires. The red aluminum mid-case looks trick, but it’s not just about style: it also pulls away heat and stiffens the case.

All-metal gears and a brushless motor

Remove the front suspension module to install the servo

Here's a look at the servo installed in the chassis

Our Rustler 4X4 is also getting a set of aluminum shocks for maximum durability and long-lasting performance. The shocks' precision-machined bodies are hard-anodized with slick PTFE-coated bores, and scuff-resistant Titanium Nitride-coated shafts reduce friction on the X-ring seals to the absolute minimum. The shocks include progressive-rate springs and silicone shock oil, just fill them up and bolt them on!

Phase 3: Velineon Brushless Power System

You can get the Rustler 4X4 brushless from the start as the VXL version, but since we’re starting with the brushed model, the Velineon VXL-3s brushless power system is going in as an upgrade. The 4X4 Rustler is already fast at 30+mph with its stock Titan 550 motor, but Velineon power puts over 65mph in reach when you install a 3-cell Power-Cell LiPo battery.

Brushless Velineon power system

Installed Velineon system

While we were at it, we replaced the stock 10-tooth pinion with an 11-tooth, as used in the Rustler 4X4 VXL. All that power also makes the Rustler 4X4 a wheelie machine, so we’ll add a wheelie bar. Instead of installing the fixed-height 6776 wheelie bar from the Rustler 4X4 VXL, we’ll add a Stampede 4X4 rear bumper so we can install the 4-position adjustable version.

11-T pinion gear

Installed wheelie bar

That's the end of our Rustler 4X4 3-Phase upgrade. We installed plenty of high-performance parts on our truck, but still barely scratched the surface. Head on over to the Rustler 4X4 accessory page to see even more performance and convenience upgrades.

Shop Rustler 4X4 Accessories

Bonus Upgrade: Sledgehammer Extreme Terrain Tires

This 3-Phase build was the perfect opportunity to try our latest tire, the Sledgehammer. This new design features tall, aggressive lugs and bars that clear mud and debris easily for incredible traction in rugged terrain and on loose surfaces. The Sledgehammer's larger overall diameter delivers an extra 10 mm of ground clearance.

Stock Talon tire (left) vs Sledgehammer (right)

Sledgehammers provide 10 mm extra ground clearance