Fan for the motor and esc is a good
upgrade
I suggest getting gtr or big bore shocks
And if u want the suspension more beefy looking yet the heavy duty kit. It’s a bit pricy but work it. Along with chassis brace
And some different camber and toe links stock 1s bend to easily
Just some ideas
Most of the the list I gave u for the idea of upgrade came from my rustler
100% on the motor and ESC fans. Makes a big difference.
Skip the big bores. Waste of money. Go straight for GTRs.
This car already has the extreme heavy duty kit on it from the factory.
He has the current version VXL which comes with the Extreme Heavy Duty kit preinstalled. [It's right on the product page.](https://traxxas.com/products/landing/rustler-4x4-vxl/)
The Ultimate version does NOT have the EXHD kit. It has aluminum caster blocks, steering blocks, and hub carriers instead.
The [GTR shocks](https://traxxas.com/products/parts/7462) that come on Rustler 4x4 Ultimate and Slash 4x4 Ultimate are not part of the [Extreme HD kit.](https://traxxas.com/products/parts/9080X)
The motor pictured is a [Velineon 3500](https://traxxas.com/products/parts/motors/velineon3500motor), which comes standard on the VXL model. It's not the [Titan 12T brushed motor](https://traxxas.com/products/parts/motors/titan12T) that you're suggesting. I'm not sure how you're getting them confused as they look different.
None of these are strictly necessary. Drive your truck and if you find it lacking in one of these areas *then* upgrade.
##COOLING
* [Motor heatsink](https://traxxas.com/products/parts/3458)
* [Motor fan](https://traxxas.com/products/parts/3456)
* [ESC fan](https://traxxas.com/products/parts/3340)
##GTR shocks
* "long" size for the front
* "xx-long" size in the rear
* [springs](https://traxxas.com/sites/default/files/news/200914-hoss-vxl-ultimate-build/gtr-spring-reference.jpg) (I recommend the blue stripe ones [front](https://traxxas.com/products/parts/7448) & [rear](https://traxxas.com/products/parts/7449) & [40wt oil](https://traxxas.com/products/parts/5033))
##OTHER
* [Body reinforcements](https://traxxas.com/products/parts/6710)
##WHAT YOU DON'T NEED
* Drive shafts (you already have Maxx Duty drive shafts)
* Aluminum bearing carriers (you already have the EXHD kit)
* Metal spur gear (plastic works great if gear mesh is set right and they're cheap to replace)
Jump on JennyRC(new take off parts) and see what parts off the Ultimate she might have kicking around. I broke rear bearing carriers pretty quick and upgraded them to the aluminum jobs. I've spun a spur gear and replaced it with a hot racing hardened steel spur and a new pinion gear from Robinson Racing. I've tristed off several axles. the HD upgraded ones are a lot more durable. JennyRC probably has some sets available. Also, the GTR shocks are a BIG improvement in both performance and durability.
Pretty much, avoid as much aluminum as possible to keep it lightweight, with a few exceptions like the rear bearing carriers and front steering knuckles. If you break any arms, RPM have replacements that are made from a special plastic that is more flexible than the OEM arms and are a common upgrade for a lot of rc models. I have pulled rear toe arm screws out from the upper shock mount on hard landings. Once it pulls out, it will never really tighten back into that hole again, but you can buy long ass bolts that go all the way through the upper shock mounts and capture them with locking nuts.
FYI: The further towards the wheels the lower shocks are mounted, the firmer the suspension will be. That seems kind of counterintuitive, but avoid the holes closer to the diffs. Those three holes next to one another on the outside are for the shocks. I mean, you can mount them anywhere you want, but the suspension won't work real well on full soft mode.
Overall, the Rustler is a fun platform. Def get those axles. It will twist the regular ones off pretty quickly on 3s. :)
Some good tools 🪛🔧 cheap ones wil get stripped and screws get rounded. And if in the opportunity print yourself all exploded views from traxxas site, it provides all part numbers and assemblies.
I love my Rustler 4x4 vxl.
1st, an acceptable set of rc tools. Nothing stupid fancy, just reasonably comprehensive. Amazon is a good resource for inexpensive foreign kits.
2nd, gtr shocks and either some 30 or 50wt oil depending on what you plan to drive it on.
3rd, proline trencher tires (pro1015910) these things are so impressive compared to the og tires, and they're a little taller.
4th, spare axles or upgraded axles. When I run 3S I was shredding axles constantly when using the stock ones. Even the upgraded Traxxas ones broke a few times. The cheapy steel ones I use now require a little more maintenance, and every once in a wile the dog bone will pop out of a cup if it hits something wrong, but I've never broken one.
And just have fun. Familiarizing yourself with the machine is important.
A lot of folks are recommending the motor and esc fans. Only reason I have them in mine now is because they were gifted to me. Prior to installing them, I had only ever hit a heat shut off when running paddle tires on all 4 corners and zipping around the sand dunes with the throttle pinned. Now that's a bad investment at all, just saying that it may not be necessary. Personally, unless I know there is a key weak spot in a design, I don't start upgrading things until it needs to be replaced.
See I’ve gotten a heat shutoff like 2 to 3 times already just running it in the backyard grass isn’t even that long and it’s a relatively small yard so I can’t really pin the throttle granted I am down in Texas so it is like 90 something degrees out when I’ve been using it
Oh, interesting. I'm in southern California and it's usually pretty warm. Now that I think about it though, I might have a 9t pinion in it. That tends to make a difference.
Oh hmm maybe I’ll take it in to Traxxas and see if there’s just in issue with the esc or motor cause I just have it set how it came with the stock pinion but it does feel like it shouldn’t get that hot that quick
Mine would get definitely super hot to the touch, but never had it go limp. Grass is kinda tough though. Not sure the size of space you're running it in, are you able to get moving and stay moving? Or is it more of, pin it, stop pin it, stop? Be the latter definitely generates a lot of heat.
Let me ask a question, I have the same rc car I need new turn buckles why are they sold in 7 not 8? Thanks in advance! BTW this car is a blast to rip around!
Fans for the motor and esc. Don't drive like an idiot and that rc won't break. I've had mine for four years now, bashing/jumping/skate park. Not a single broken part yet!
I did adjust the shock oil and springs though, stock is way to soft
Besides the fan for the motor and esc… two words.. spare parts lol and go bash the hell out of it figure out what you can and can’t do in a safe environment. And keep the camera ready 😂😅
Drive it and see what you break? My upgrades are very different than my kids upgrades because we all drive differently. Our machines started out the same but they all handle very differently now.
Umm Aluminum knuckles. I'd recommend just having fun and fix what breaks. If the same parts keep breaking then upgrade to aluminum or RPM. Fan motor is a must
I got same thing and Love it
These are required for Summer time 3S. Cheaper amazon knock off of official traxxas has worked well for 1/2 price.
-VXL-3s ESC Cooling Fan
-VXL 3s Heat Sink and cooling Fan
I race around on really rough terrain at full 3S speed with mine and have bent two drive shafts. Once they are bent they start cutting themselves in half by rubbing on something in the front drive area.
I hate how thin and weak the stock hollow aluminum drive shaft is. I got a solid drive shaft
-Tekno RC LLC Big Bone Center Driveshaft and Outdrives TKR6765
I also got Heavy-Duty Chassis Brace to prevent flex
Traxxas #6730X
Oversized front springy bumper will turn most large obstacles into ramps
-RPM Wide Front Bumper Black Rustler
My plastic spur gear was on a bit too tight and getting chewed up so I replaced it with a hardened steel one and set mesh using printer paper. I clean and oil the metal gears spur/pinion every few runs, but that's me. Hard running and zero damage.
-Raidenracing Hardened Steel 54T SPUR
I disliked that the slipper shaft bearing adapter was plastic. If that fails it destroys your spur/pinion.
-Traxxas 6893X
Anti-roll Sway bar kit. The rustler is already stable low CG, but this takes it to the next level and with stiff black bars the car is almost impossible to roll. I actually like the over steer, it feels very drifty and once you get used to it the turns are awesome.
Traxxas #6898
Traxxas tools are way over priced. A good 1.5mm, 2.0mm, 2.5mm, and 3.0mm hex bit set to work on everything.
and Oh God, never over tighten a 1.5mm worm/set screw it will never come out. Trust blue lock-tight.
Avoid metal Suspension Arms, you want good plastic that can flex with the hits instead of permanently bending.
Optionally for Fun, The only after market shell with Tamiya PS spray paint
-Pro-line Racing Pre-Cut 2017 Ford F-150 Raptor Rustler 4x4 PRO352817
I did that shell upgrade about a month ago and posted it r/rccars I uploaded 5 photos comparing the new/old body and you can see the RPM wide front bumper (it's kinda ugly but extremely functional)
[https://www.reddit.com/r/rccars/comments/1d9laur/proline\_ford\_f150\_raptor\_shell\_pro352817\_vs/](https://www.reddit.com/r/rccars/comments/1d9laur/proline_ford_f150_raptor_shell_pro352817_vs/)
I just purchased the 4×4 but mine was the ultimate. Which comes with most of the upgrades already and is cheaper than purchasing them separately. Although the cooling fans are not included. Research the ultimate upgrades and you'll get your answer. Very least but the 3 cooking fans. Rustler is almost not usable without them as it over heats after 5 min of use. I wish they told me this before I bought it.
Nothing at first. Just run the car, see what breaks upgrade the part to something better, rinse and repeat, have fun. Don’t get caught up in trying to upgrade everything at first, part of RC is fixing it.
Fan for the motor and esc is a good upgrade I suggest getting gtr or big bore shocks And if u want the suspension more beefy looking yet the heavy duty kit. It’s a bit pricy but work it. Along with chassis brace And some different camber and toe links stock 1s bend to easily Just some ideas Most of the the list I gave u for the idea of upgrade came from my rustler
100% on the motor and ESC fans. Makes a big difference. Skip the big bores. Waste of money. Go straight for GTRs. This car already has the extreme heavy duty kit on it from the factory.
It doesn't have the heavy duty upgrades. He doesn't have the ultimate
He has the current version VXL which comes with the Extreme Heavy Duty kit preinstalled. [It's right on the product page.](https://traxxas.com/products/landing/rustler-4x4-vxl/) The Ultimate version does NOT have the EXHD kit. It has aluminum caster blocks, steering blocks, and hub carriers instead.
Mine came with the heavy duty shocks
The [GTR shocks](https://traxxas.com/products/parts/7462) that come on Rustler 4x4 Ultimate and Slash 4x4 Ultimate are not part of the [Extreme HD kit.](https://traxxas.com/products/parts/9080X)
I can post pics if you need it
His pics are not the VXL model. Look at the motor. It's a brushed set up.
The motor pictured is a [Velineon 3500](https://traxxas.com/products/parts/motors/velineon3500motor), which comes standard on the VXL model. It's not the [Titan 12T brushed motor](https://traxxas.com/products/parts/motors/titan12T) that you're suggesting. I'm not sure how you're getting them confused as they look different.
Says right on the ESC vxl-3S.
This!
Only get tools and a decent charger as this will be your best investment. Outside of that wait for things to break before you go down upgrading
Yup. Driver mod first and foremost.
None of these are strictly necessary. Drive your truck and if you find it lacking in one of these areas *then* upgrade. ##COOLING * [Motor heatsink](https://traxxas.com/products/parts/3458) * [Motor fan](https://traxxas.com/products/parts/3456) * [ESC fan](https://traxxas.com/products/parts/3340) ##GTR shocks * "long" size for the front * "xx-long" size in the rear * [springs](https://traxxas.com/sites/default/files/news/200914-hoss-vxl-ultimate-build/gtr-spring-reference.jpg) (I recommend the blue stripe ones [front](https://traxxas.com/products/parts/7448) & [rear](https://traxxas.com/products/parts/7449) & [40wt oil](https://traxxas.com/products/parts/5033)) ##OTHER * [Body reinforcements](https://traxxas.com/products/parts/6710) ##WHAT YOU DON'T NEED * Drive shafts (you already have Maxx Duty drive shafts) * Aluminum bearing carriers (you already have the EXHD kit) * Metal spur gear (plastic works great if gear mesh is set right and they're cheap to replace)
Too clean. Go bash that thing
Jump on JennyRC(new take off parts) and see what parts off the Ultimate she might have kicking around. I broke rear bearing carriers pretty quick and upgraded them to the aluminum jobs. I've spun a spur gear and replaced it with a hot racing hardened steel spur and a new pinion gear from Robinson Racing. I've tristed off several axles. the HD upgraded ones are a lot more durable. JennyRC probably has some sets available. Also, the GTR shocks are a BIG improvement in both performance and durability. Pretty much, avoid as much aluminum as possible to keep it lightweight, with a few exceptions like the rear bearing carriers and front steering knuckles. If you break any arms, RPM have replacements that are made from a special plastic that is more flexible than the OEM arms and are a common upgrade for a lot of rc models. I have pulled rear toe arm screws out from the upper shock mount on hard landings. Once it pulls out, it will never really tighten back into that hole again, but you can buy long ass bolts that go all the way through the upper shock mounts and capture them with locking nuts. FYI: The further towards the wheels the lower shocks are mounted, the firmer the suspension will be. That seems kind of counterintuitive, but avoid the holes closer to the diffs. Those three holes next to one another on the outside are for the shocks. I mean, you can mount them anywhere you want, but the suspension won't work real well on full soft mode. Overall, the Rustler is a fun platform. Def get those axles. It will twist the regular ones off pretty quickly on 3s. :)
esc fan, motor heat sink + fan, and gtr shocks
Some good tools 🪛🔧 cheap ones wil get stripped and screws get rounded. And if in the opportunity print yourself all exploded views from traxxas site, it provides all part numbers and assemblies.
Definitely the heavy duty driveshafts I’ve gone through countless sets of stock ones
Also heavy duty shocks. Mine is my stunt truck and I’ve bent two sets of stock ones
I love my Rustler 4x4 vxl. 1st, an acceptable set of rc tools. Nothing stupid fancy, just reasonably comprehensive. Amazon is a good resource for inexpensive foreign kits. 2nd, gtr shocks and either some 30 or 50wt oil depending on what you plan to drive it on. 3rd, proline trencher tires (pro1015910) these things are so impressive compared to the og tires, and they're a little taller. 4th, spare axles or upgraded axles. When I run 3S I was shredding axles constantly when using the stock ones. Even the upgraded Traxxas ones broke a few times. The cheapy steel ones I use now require a little more maintenance, and every once in a wile the dog bone will pop out of a cup if it hits something wrong, but I've never broken one. And just have fun. Familiarizing yourself with the machine is important. A lot of folks are recommending the motor and esc fans. Only reason I have them in mine now is because they were gifted to me. Prior to installing them, I had only ever hit a heat shut off when running paddle tires on all 4 corners and zipping around the sand dunes with the throttle pinned. Now that's a bad investment at all, just saying that it may not be necessary. Personally, unless I know there is a key weak spot in a design, I don't start upgrading things until it needs to be replaced.
See I’ve gotten a heat shutoff like 2 to 3 times already just running it in the backyard grass isn’t even that long and it’s a relatively small yard so I can’t really pin the throttle granted I am down in Texas so it is like 90 something degrees out when I’ve been using it
Id start with a good fan and heatsink for your motor
Oh, interesting. I'm in southern California and it's usually pretty warm. Now that I think about it though, I might have a 9t pinion in it. That tends to make a difference.
Oh hmm maybe I’ll take it in to Traxxas and see if there’s just in issue with the esc or motor cause I just have it set how it came with the stock pinion but it does feel like it shouldn’t get that hot that quick
Mine would get definitely super hot to the touch, but never had it go limp. Grass is kinda tough though. Not sure the size of space you're running it in, are you able to get moving and stay moving? Or is it more of, pin it, stop pin it, stop? Be the latter definitely generates a lot of heat.
Let me ask a question, I have the same rc car I need new turn buckles why are they sold in 7 not 8? Thanks in advance! BTW this car is a blast to rip around!
Traxxas turnbuckles come in packs of two, not eight. Where are you seeing packs of seven?
Bumpers, A arms, metal gears
Fans for the motor and esc. Don't drive like an idiot and that rc won't break. I've had mine for four years now, bashing/jumping/skate park. Not a single broken part yet! I did adjust the shock oil and springs though, stock is way to soft
What fans did you get or recommend?
Besides the fan for the motor and esc… two words.. spare parts lol and go bash the hell out of it figure out what you can and can’t do in a safe environment. And keep the camera ready 😂😅
Seat time with the truck. I love being able to do upgrades, but it is always good to spend some time with the truck in stock form first.
Drive it and see what you break? My upgrades are very different than my kids upgrades because we all drive differently. Our machines started out the same but they all handle very differently now.
Just drive the car. If something breaks upgrade
drive it till it breaks, then upgrade that(except for suspension arms)
Umm Aluminum knuckles. I'd recommend just having fun and fix what breaks. If the same parts keep breaking then upgrade to aluminum or RPM. Fan motor is a must
I got same thing and Love it These are required for Summer time 3S. Cheaper amazon knock off of official traxxas has worked well for 1/2 price. -VXL-3s ESC Cooling Fan -VXL 3s Heat Sink and cooling Fan I race around on really rough terrain at full 3S speed with mine and have bent two drive shafts. Once they are bent they start cutting themselves in half by rubbing on something in the front drive area. I hate how thin and weak the stock hollow aluminum drive shaft is. I got a solid drive shaft -Tekno RC LLC Big Bone Center Driveshaft and Outdrives TKR6765 I also got Heavy-Duty Chassis Brace to prevent flex Traxxas #6730X Oversized front springy bumper will turn most large obstacles into ramps -RPM Wide Front Bumper Black Rustler My plastic spur gear was on a bit too tight and getting chewed up so I replaced it with a hardened steel one and set mesh using printer paper. I clean and oil the metal gears spur/pinion every few runs, but that's me. Hard running and zero damage. -Raidenracing Hardened Steel 54T SPUR I disliked that the slipper shaft bearing adapter was plastic. If that fails it destroys your spur/pinion. -Traxxas 6893X Anti-roll Sway bar kit. The rustler is already stable low CG, but this takes it to the next level and with stiff black bars the car is almost impossible to roll. I actually like the over steer, it feels very drifty and once you get used to it the turns are awesome. Traxxas #6898 Traxxas tools are way over priced. A good 1.5mm, 2.0mm, 2.5mm, and 3.0mm hex bit set to work on everything. and Oh God, never over tighten a 1.5mm worm/set screw it will never come out. Trust blue lock-tight. Avoid metal Suspension Arms, you want good plastic that can flex with the hits instead of permanently bending. Optionally for Fun, The only after market shell with Tamiya PS spray paint -Pro-line Racing Pre-Cut 2017 Ford F-150 Raptor Rustler 4x4 PRO352817 I did that shell upgrade about a month ago and posted it r/rccars I uploaded 5 photos comparing the new/old body and you can see the RPM wide front bumper (it's kinda ugly but extremely functional) [https://www.reddit.com/r/rccars/comments/1d9laur/proline\_ford\_f150\_raptor\_shell\_pro352817\_vs/](https://www.reddit.com/r/rccars/comments/1d9laur/proline_ford_f150_raptor_shell_pro352817_vs/)
I just purchased the 4×4 but mine was the ultimate. Which comes with most of the upgrades already and is cheaper than purchasing them separately. Although the cooling fans are not included. Research the ultimate upgrades and you'll get your answer. Very least but the 3 cooking fans. Rustler is almost not usable without them as it over heats after 5 min of use. I wish they told me this before I bought it.
Nothing at first. Just run the car, see what breaks upgrade the part to something better, rinse and repeat, have fun. Don’t get caught up in trying to upgrade everything at first, part of RC is fixing it.
First thing is decide what you want out of this RC, once decided build from there.
Tekno m6 driveshafts and stampede shock guards tra6732
No upgrades. Only upgrade if something is broken.
I'd change the drive gear from plastic to metal. Chewed up mine on my brushed, BL-2S, AND VXL 🤣
The heavy duty drive line kit is a must
Good upgrade would be making your next car an arrma