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How to Build the Ultimate Stampede in Three Easy Stages
Traxxas #8712 Tool Kit
You can use the tool kit that comes with the Stampede to install all the parts in this article, but upgrading your tools can be just as important as your vehicle modifications. The Traxxas #8712 tool kit includes premium hex bits and nut drivers to perform upgrades or maintenance on your Traxxas model. The kit also includes an overmolded grip and convenient embroidered storage case.
Heavy-Duty Suspension Arms
The super-strong, extra-resilient composite plastic Traxxas developed for the E-Revo VXL, X-Maxx, and Maxx trucks’ suspension parts is now available for the Stampede, Slash and Rustler. The Heavy Duty (HD) arms are even stronger than the Stampede’s stock parts, and the composite formula maintains its flexibility in cold weather. They even come in colors: you can choose blue, orange, green, red, black, or white. Here you can compare the green HD arms with the stock black parts.
Stock front arms and HD arms
Stock rear arms vs HD armsThe Heavy Duty arms are shaped to balance rigidity and flex for maximum performance and durability. Installation is easy: just remove the old arms and replace with the new parts. If you forget which screw goes where, you can consult the Stampede’s exploded views here. Installation takes only a few minutes with just three screws per arm to remove.
Front HD arms installed
Rear HD arms installedAdding HD arms is an inexpensive and simple way to boost the durability of your Stampede. If you break or wear out an arm, take the opportunity to upgrade—and add some color to your crusher, if you like.
Phase 2: Aluminum Options and Servo Upgrade
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| Phase 2 Parts List |
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Superior strength and custom style—that’s what anodized aluminum parts are all about. Traxxas’ precision-machined alloy components are direct replacements for the stock plastic parts and will take our Stampede’s toughness up even higher. We’re going with blue steering blocks, caster blocks, and rear uprights to contrast with the green arms, and we’ll swap the Stampede’s one-piece camber links for adjustable, aluminum turnbuckle links. To exploit all that steering- and suspension-upgrade goodness, the steering servo will be upgraded to the 2075X for digital precision, greater torque, and metal-gear toughness.
The vivid blue-anodized finish looks incredible
The blue aluminum parts contrast nicely with the green arms
The turnbuckles allow custom camber settingsImproved Steering Authority
The 2075X is a powerful metal-gear servo, delivering 125 oz.-in of torque (over 50% more torque than the stock servo) to steer the Stampede with authority.
The 2075X is a direct replacement for the stock servo
Metal gears make this servo extra toughTo remove the stock servo, first turn the truck over and remove the servo-saver, then remove the four screws that secure the servo from the top of the chassis (for clarity, we removed the front suspension in the shot below). Reverse the process to install the 2075X servo.
Remove the servo saver first
Four screws secure the servoBonus Upgrade: Big Bore Aluminum Shocks
The Stampede’s stock Ultra Shocks are excellent bump-eaters, but for the ultimate in super-smooth suspension action and extra-long wear, the Big Bore Aluminum Shock set is the way to go. The 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. Progressive-rate springs and silicone shock oil are included, just fill ‘em up and bolt them on.
The shocks arrive assembled and ready to fill
Ultra Shock vs. Big Bore shock
Phase 3: Velineon Brushless Power-Up
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| Phase 3 Parts List |
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Here’s where we make a giant leap in performance. Upgrading to Velineon brushless power will more than double the Stampede’s speed potential! With the Traxxas Power-Up Program, you can trade in the Stampede’s stock XL-5 speed control and Titan 550 motor for a discount on the Velineon system. You can make the exchange by mail, or at your participating Traxxas dealer—get all the details here.
The Velineon system installs just like the stock speed control and motor. Simply remove the XL-5 and Titan 550 motor, and replace with the VXL-3s and 3500 motor. There are extra holes in the chassis’ electronics platform for the larger VXL-3s speed control. You’ll also need to open up the waterproof receiver box to plug in the speed control and the 2075X servo. The Stampede manual includes instructions on maintaining a watertight seal and plugging in the components, it’s easy. The servo plugs into the Channel 1 port, the speed control plugs into Channel 2, and the plugs only fit one way.
The XL-5 mounting holes are shown in red, the VXL-3s positions are in green.Stock Gearing Vs Brushless Gearing
For maximum performance, we’ll replace the Stampede’s 16-tooth pinion and 90-tooth spur gear with a 19-tooth pinion and 86-tooth spur gear, as used by the Stampede VXL. The Velineon system will also work just fine with the stock gearing and your Stampede will still go a lot faster, but not quite as fast as it can go with the VXL gearing.
Stock gearing on the left, VXL gearing on the rightOut of the box, the VXL-3s speed control is set up for use with LiPo batteries with Low Voltage Detection turned on, as confirmed by the green LED when you turn the system on. If you’re using NiMH batteries, switch Low Voltage Detection off by pressing and holding the EZ-Set button until the LED turns from green to red.
Traxxas Magnum 272R Transmission
Get the most out of the added power of the Velineon Brushless system with the Magnum 272R Transmission. Developed for the hard-hitting Drag Slash, the 272R features a low-profile design, sealed differential, 3.2 mm motor plate, hardened steel top shaft, and more. The Pro Series Magnum 272R represents a complete performance redesign for VXL 2WD Bandit, Rustler, Stampede, or Slash.
Green light = Low Voltage Detection ON, for LiPo batteries
Red light = Low Voltage Detection OFF, for NiMH batteries
Once you go brushless with the Stampede, a wheelie bar is a must-have. The Traxxas unit installs in just a few minutes, and lets you adjust the bar to four different height settings without tools. Set it sky-high for stunting, keep it low for drag-style launches, or set it in between. Rest assured, the wheelie bar will get a workout!
Mounting hardware is included
Wheelie bar installedTraxxas LED Light Kits
Stampede is now available out of the box with a factory-installed LED Light Kit. The light kit is available separately to be installed on all Stampede models, and is a great addition to your custom build. The front bumper includes 4 brilliant white LEDs, while the rear bumper features two red LEDs to enhance visibility. The kit is fully waterproof, and includes everything needed for installation.
Just for Fun: Terra Groove Tires
We decided to give our Stampede a new look and swap its Talon tires for a set of Terra Groove tires on satin wheels (you can also get them on bright chrome wheels). The Terra Groove design captures the carved-tread car-crusher look, and they’re molded in a firmer rubber compound that gives the Stampede a little more slide on hard surfaces. The Terra Grooves are also slightly larger in diameter and have taller sidewalls than the Talon tires, which gives a little extra cushioning over bumps and jumps. Note that the front and rear wheels have different offsets. The wheels with recesses for the mounting nuts go up front.
Terra Groove vs. Talon tires
The front wheels have recesses for the axle nutsMean green! Our Stampede is even tougher than before, looking good, and ready for 45+mph with a 3-cell Power Cell LiPo on board—and 65+mph when geared for all-out speed! A brushless Stampede is a wild ride—see for yourself!
A brushless Stampede is a wild ride! Check out some of our action videos and see for yourself! Click here to go to the channel now.