10 Best TRX-4 Mods

Here the best upgrades we found for the TRX-4 Sport, Defender, Bronco. Test run video as well to prove it.
1. simple Sport body - snp.link/2af5b5d8
2. tires/foam/wheel -
Proline Hyrax tire - snp.link/23126e0d
Proline Dual Stage foam - snp.link/5fe0ed68
Beadlock wheels - snp.link/3bafae31
3. ssd brass portal cover - snp.link/e74002b9
4. traxxas overdrive gear - snp.link/34d537ad
5. battery
ecopower 2200 - snp.link/5a05ac2b
tatu 1550 mah, 11.1v - snp.link/72e4d896
6. Hobbywing 1080 ESC running servo at 7.2 volts - snp.link/d378aaeb
7. Holmes Hobby Trailmaster 27t - snp.link/0e5f7dc5
8. Savox 1210 servo with Traxxas metal horn - snp.link/67e39360
traxxas metal horn - snp.link/01e98d94
9. RC4WD Sliders - snp.link/310ef44a
10. Bowhouse low CG Battery tray -
Traxxas Sport Kit - snp.link/44c02962
Buy your kits and upgrade parts from this Amainhobbies link to support RC Review: snp.link/6640d084
Join the RC Review Facebook Group here: / 302319827122846 for early videos and extra footage.

[@guerian84]

I never ever been into crawling thought it was boring and slow man I walked in the hobby shop and seen that new orange trx 4 bronco I left with it so fun

[@ericshanahan8296]

Great Video, have done a couple of your upgrades already and have the parts for most of the others you mention. Can’t wait to finish the mods and see how it does. Love your vids! Keep up the good work! Crawl On!

[@RCReviewChannel]

Yes, these all work together in a symphony of crawl

[@fleshharrowerx9894]

I just finished a TRX-4 build with weight-down-low via brass inserts for my beadlocks. I can tell you that the biggest game changer mod after running it for a bit "stock" was to remove those bumpers. It can climb over obstacles now that the front bumper was hanging. Great tips in here!

[@soflorclife6970]

I’ve done a few of these mods to my sport and boy does she perform!!! Thank you for always sharing great content that helps us out with our own rigs. 🤝💯🐢👊🏼😎👍🏼

[@RCReviewChannel]

Rrrrright? Sometimes we forget out awesome this vehicle is. But it really is a solid platform.

[@soflorclife6970]

Absolutely man! 💯

[@soflorclife6970]

RC Review thought you might like what I did with my TRX4 Sport...... kzbin.info/www/bejne/gYDYnZeHoZ5jaZo Custom working dual exhaust, Custom wood bed, with a Hand made boat trailer.

[@keepingitonehundred]

Thank you for making excellent educational and informative crawler videos. I can't wait to see how your modded Trx4 compares to the Capra! I have been anxiously awaiting a video like this. I want to tune and mod my Trx4 to hang better with my friends Capra. I have a bunch of your suggested items sitting in the cart at Amain just waiting for Black Friday/Cyber Monday and few on my vehicle. So far 9 out 10 times my friends Capras have blown my mind. The only time my Trx4 showed up two Capras (one has Axe, one has Mamba) so far was rock crawling on slick rocks the day after continuous rain. The Trx4 easily got up a few spots on the wet rocks the Capras could not get traction on. On the same wet outing the Trx4 was used as a winching & towing point for several other vehicles. The Capras were to light and kept sliding down the rock slopes. Overall the Capras still out performed my vehicle on the wet outing but it felt good to have two moments of glory. In dry conditions the Capra could out crawl my Trx4 if the remote was handed to an unskilled driver. I am hoping after watching your comparison and adding mods my future outings will change.

[@RCReviewChannel]

Yeah different classes but how this modded TRX-4 performed in this video will challenge even the Capra. I mean, the Capra DID NOT do this well here in its last outing.

[@MauGino]

Great video, just starting to get into trail trucks. Love that green on the TRX4

[@MCsCreations]

Really amazing truck, dude! 😃 Great mods!!!

[@RCReviewChannel]

The last time we took our Capra out, it did not do this good on these lines. So a shootout is coming.

[@travismorse2104]

Awesome!!! Did you change stock gearing for the 27t? Just ordered that same motor wondering I f I need to change it or if it will be fine? What paint"color" is the body painted? It looks so good!!! Always enjoy the vids have learned a lot! Thanks.

[@tomandrews5392]

On my brushed motors I have been using a HH BR-XL and have been very impressed with the ability of the ESC the cost is a bit different to the HW 1080 ESC ......it brought all my motors to life. Down side PC based programming but has capilibility of bluetooth additional cost. I set up different profiles on different motors and easily able to update....

[@BlvlWmpower]

Thanks.

[@wgmainline9812]

Not sure if anyone else has done this but I took another front bumper mount and installed on the rear of my Bronco. Flipped upside down along with the front mount and raised up both bumpers to give better approach and departure angles. Had to raise body up a small amount but I didn't have to trim it at all. Being too heavy wasn't affected much if any but its much more capable on the rocks now.

[@TheWright1]

Love the video but can you please do one showing how you set up your esc

[@ProjektONE]

I’ve been an Axial fan boy since they first came out with the AX10. I’ve stuck my nose up at the TRX4 till now. This rig looks like it’ll run circles around many rids. I’m throughly impressed by this rig. Guess I’ll need to build one using your recipe. BTW which bead locks are those. Gmade?

[@ka4172]

I run Axial bumpers fits like a glove and give my sport the best ground clearance and shell protection (Honcho bumpers) .i fix the rear bumper attachment in the frame in the opposite direction so the rear bumper was lifted near an inch.Maybe you must cut some small holes in the rear of the shell to get the lowest fitment.

[@somebodyelse5]

have you guys explored longer shocks and relocating the upper shock mounts? There seems to be a lot of articulation to be gained in the rear end... wondering if It's worth a try. Was thinking some Samix shock mounts + some of those generic shock keys + some 120mm shocks

[@sebas888888]

The paint is beautiful. Your parts list mention a clear body. What did you use to give it that shiny green matt black?

[@ianprice2441]

Looking sweet

[@christianolsson3447]

I have done similar upgrades like you but i have also got high clearance links from samix and high clearance skid from bowhouse. It also lowers the motor for lower cg. Good upgrades. Why not make a video with them? Love your chanel! The best crawler chanel on KZbin!

[@RCReviewChannel]

Love it. lowers the motor? That is awesome cause the 550 motor is a big beast.

[@takeflite6799]

Hi truck looks great could you tell me what Tamika free paint you used please Clive

[@micaelacarter4971]

You don’t talk much about suspension setup for the sport. I’ve taken the rack off the back. What are your thoughts on the white front springs and orange rear springs? Orange to stiff once rack removed? Maybe white on back and yellow on front or even white all round? Minimum shock preload for low ride height and COG? What are your thoughts on traditional thinking of firmer rear than front?

[@mathieufournierauger7978]

on a trx4 sport kit version with a 2300kv axle which oil and spring do you recommend for the best performance? i install beadlock vanquksh aevc rotor brake for the weight and internal ring of brass wheel thank you and nice video

[@BSalc]

Nice mods! How about the Hobbywing esc settings (program card settings) on your next vid?

[@RCReviewChannel]

That is a great idea.

[@phillipboado9965]

RC Review yes please!! Have you done one yet?

[@royomtb]

I used HH Trailmaster 550 27t in my sport, but I now changed for the new HH crawlmaster sport 550 12T - it is a 5 slot motor.. it is much smother and with more control at low speed than trailmaster was. And with the savox servo , if you want to really have he full torque that the servo can provide you must use a external BEC, Savox 1210sg drain 6Amps to produce 277.7oz-in at 6v or 7.4 Amps to produce 444.4oz-in at 7.4v.. so with the internal BEC of 1080 at 3Amp max, you will limit the servo performance a lot. I think with HH crawlmaster and a extenal BEC, the rig could be even better that already is.

[@001blackmax]

Awesome video! What wheels are you running?

[@RCReviewChannel]

We are running Gmade steel beadlock wheels

[@bonesworld7178]

What color s did you use for the body... Love the color

[@sungchang1978]

Curious to hear your latest opinion on moddified Element RC Enduro vs. moddified TRX-4 Sport. Trying to decide on one.

[@RealJawnes]

Trx4 sport if you want portals, element of you don’t really care

[@leandrolopes4777]

i really liked the video, can you please tell me the setting that you are running on the esc? thanks

[@RCReviewChannel]

Will do. Will create a video on it and all the effects and trade-offs of each setting.

[@woodlakerc7047]

i have a question about the over/underdrive. How bad is that if you travel on tarmac towards your route of destination? With that i mean, i know in the sand over/underdrive will be ok because of the tires having more give. but on tarmac there is no slip, will this be very bad on gears? grat vid again btw

[@montesamapping]

Another simple but useful modification is to cut front rings from bumper (they embed everywhere and block vehicle lifting up to the obstacles). I the back you can reverse up-down the joint between the two metal body frames, to get a little better departure angle. Tires are good, but in my personal opinion unfortunately too big for this vehicle (and also many others), it seems a amphibian... :-) Thanks for another interesting video !

[@RCReviewChannel]

For sure. We often don't run bumpers since they are fairly useless for crawlers. Tires look huge huh, with that body?

[@vitalej00]

Great vid.. Love your channel. I have and will continue to use your AMain link for purchasing. Would you recommend the Holmes hobbies 27T over the other options like 12T or 21T for a TRX4 FORD BRONCO? I appreciate your time and any advice you can offer. Have a good day.

[@RCReviewChannel]

27T for sure!!!!! The 12T and 21T by Traxxas exist since they have them as Slash motors. They're not made for crawlers at all.

[@vitalej00]

@@RCReviewChannel Thank you for your reply. I really appreciate it. Gonna put my AMain order through shortly

[@drewthompson719]

What colors did you use on that body? I really like that.

[@0000oooopppp]

Is there a steering link(from wheels to wheel) that has the bent to avoid contact with the differential? I am looking for a modification and need a different link, but don’t know which could fit.

[@brionesr]

Hi. I'd like to hear your thoughts on what I did to add weight at the front end. There's a small tray at the front where one can place a small LiPo battery to add front weight. What I did instead is to tape a 370g padlock on it. I won't go into the details of how I did it, but as unconventional and funny it might be, can you tell me if this is safe or it will just mess up with the other parts. All chassis parts are stock with the exception of weighted bearlock 2.2 wheels and tires. By weighted, I mean I taped wheel weights on the wheels. Thanks for the response.

[@markspicer9121]

I have a trx4 defender and looking to see how much I can tow and how can I increase the amount I can tow cheers

[@thepaddychannel]

With the overdrive gear for the TRX 4 being out of stock on most sites, how effective would it be to just upgrade to the underdrive gear in the rear. Or should I wait till it’s in stock? [In Australia we are looking at about $85.00AUD for each gear]

[@tjenkins1126]

On the same page 👍🍻 Did all these mods (kept my cage, I'm stubborn like that. Plus I like the challenge of making it work). Different servo (1230, not water proof, but 500oz @ 6volts) Need to get OD gears, that's about it. Maybe do Mip axle extensions to widen the stance a bit. Did do a pen spring mod to lower the cg a bit more.

[@RCReviewChannel]

We are going to do the pen spring mod next. We hope to accomplish a lower ride height with stiffer, more stable springs.

[@tjenkins1126]

@@RCReviewChannel Using the whites in front and orange in back with 27.5wt oil and pen springs. Dropped it 10-12mm. Links in the rear will hit the bowhouse tray, so that'll need to be clearanced a bit. Can't wait to try it in the wild. Seemed more stable on my backyard test course.

[@0000oooopppp]

Could I make an overdrive mix, 12:34? I am planning on getting the 8287 which is a 12tooth pinion and a 33 tooth ring gear. I would like to combine the stock 34 tooth ring with a new (8287 part) 12 tooth pinion gear. This would produce a 2.83 ratio on the front. The rear will be stock with a ratio 3.09. In total should produce a 8.4% overdrive.

[@klampfinger]

Hi. Thanks for this Video. Descending, especially over an edge, seems to be very fast sometimes. Is it possilble to do that more controlled and slow with this 1080 ESC? Is descending better (slow, controlled) using the Hobbywing Axe? Not sure which ESC to get...greets...

[@RCReviewChannel]

whe shall check

[@klampfinger]

@@RCReviewChannel Hey. Looking forward to. Greetings from Europe. Great channel.

[@chuckbareika5478]

Yes it will I put one in mine in the programming you can set your start up % no more erratic reverse either

[@joshrichie9833]

Does it make a difference if I underdrive the rear instead of overdrive the front , I only want to do 1

[@latefangs423]

what colour are those you use to paint your bodyshell

[@LeftenantMalachi]

Curious why you went from the Annimos 25g servo to the Savox? I know the Savox is stronger, but was there a problem with the Annimos?

[@RCReviewChannel]

Annimos is an incredible value. The Savox centers better and has less shake., thus more accuracy at critical moments. A little smoother and quieter as well.

[@jonthomas8487]

The green looks nice on the body! Can you share the paint code?

[@RCReviewChannel]

Ahh, it's a custom mix. Green and black hood.

[@mastermindrc4404]

And what foams are that ? The xl?

[@keithcerce8445]

Think its safe to say were looking fwd to the capra, trx shoot out

[@keithcerce8445]

Which will be on my xmas list ? Im kinda leaving that on you

[@1sickgsx]

What did you end up getting my dude?

[@keithcerce8445]

@@1sickgsx kinda funny, I finally decided on a bomber. It quickly became my favorite trail truck and unlimited aftermarket. then a few months later axial re-released the bomber. I can understand why. I love mine and it's starting to show cause a year later there's a few bucks tied up in it. Only a few have gotten the complete custom treatment, my bombers getting there

[@mastermindrc4404]

Whats the best shock oil to use in it?

[@briankenny6822]

Monster

[@RCReviewChannel]

It was surprising.

[@OswaldBeef]

I have a trx4 that no longer holds on a hill when I’m holding the brakes...it rolls forward downhill while I’m full brake......esc or motor issue?

[@RCReviewChannel]

It sounds like ESC. In our experience, when a motor is done, forward is severly affected for sure.

[@NN-xz6ur]

Can I ask which Crawler Innovation foams you use and what is the weight of your TRX-4 Sport?

[@RCReviewChannel]

This lil Nova snp.link/79a850ba

[@brav020907]

What size tires are you running on that green TRX sport?

[@dadplays9182]

I run 4.75 hyrex g8's on mine with the duel stage foam. The predator compound is suppose to be more softer but they wear out faster. I put my truck in some weird places I didn't think she would go.

[@Ennis09]

I’m using the reedy radon crawler motor, it’s a 540 5 slot motor 16T. It seems jumpy when I want it to be smooth, I have it pared with the hobbywing 1080. You think dropping it and going holmes hobby 550 will be better?

[@RCReviewChannel]

It doesn't sound like a motor problem. Maybe there's some binding in the drivetrain?

[@Ennis09]

RC Review I wish! lol, I’ve taken the whole thing apart and regreased it. I think I just have sensitive ears!

[@trailcrawler2038]

Run the BEC with the Savox 1210sg. It pulls 7.4a at full lock, so you'll still be starving that servo with the 3a BEC included in the 1080 even at 7.4v.

[@RCReviewChannel]

Yep. We'll keep an eye on it and see if it gets deprived in any situation. Might do an A/B comparison with external BEC if it does.

[@jps3903]

I'm curious, I watched a video of yours awhile ago with the lift kit set up for droop. Have you done any further experimenting with it, is this still a mod you'd recommend for crawling when comparing it to your other modified trx4's?

[@RCReviewChannel]

So the lift kit with the droop is running very soft springs to lower that CG. It does very well on rock gardens since the tires extend out to the ground. However, for trail running and side hilling, it doesn't do well since it kind of falls from side to side with the soft springs. So it's kind of special purpose. But we have a new mod for it.... the Pen Spring Mod. The idea is to use an internal spring to fight the big spring so it lowers the ride height. This way, we achieve our ride height and we get the spring a little heavier to match the weight of the vehicle. Will try it soon.

[@tollcollector164]

Try the HH CrawlMaster sport 550 12T, you will be amazed!

[@RCReviewChannel]

good advice. What do you like about it?

[@tollcollector164]

@@RCReviewChannel Much smoother start up, tons of torque and with the HW1080 it really makes the natural drag brake of the motor hold more with those punch and holds depending on the level of DBR you choose. Just comes down to if you want a lot of wheel speed and punch the TMS 27t is a great choice with stock gearing. If you want the smoothest start up, lots of torque and don't care for wheel speed, the CMS 550 12T with 9T pinon and 45T spur is crawl beast mode, it pulls hard and smooth for the $$. The torque could possibly break drive train parts under sever loads.

[@donald2818]

The stock Traxxas ESC seems to have just as good modulation.

[@pooljunki1]

not even close

[@evoxer87]

Do you think is better metal sliders than plastic ones? Why metal sliders over stock?

[@RCReviewChannel]

Steel for sure. It's rigidity and hardness allows it to slide over rocks better. Plastic and aluminum are soft and get hung up. also, round sliders, with this shaped profile allow sliding and pivoting around rocks.

[@evoxer87]

@@RCReviewChannel thank you!

[@billderas3420]

Francis. Because I do some crawling through water along the Truckee River in Reno, I have the Traxxas #8080 Inner Fenders installed on both of my TRX4 Sports. These inner fenders include a battery space in front of the steering servo that perfectly accommodates a ProTec 3S 4100 mahr battery which gives me a 60%/40% weight distribution front to rear that is excellent for extreme climbing angles like your demo course. Otherwise, we have VERY similar setups. ;)

[@RCReviewChannel]

Great minds... think... alike

[@jonthomas8487]

If I was going with a Holmes Trailmaster 550 Brushed motor for the TRX 4 Sport Kit would you go 21T or 27T? I get the more wheel speed with the 21 and more torque with the 27 but which is better suited in your opinion? Hopefully you don’t mind if I copy your specs on my build. I’ll probably have to wait on the tire upgrade though but I’ve been eyeing the Trailmaster 550/ HW 1080 combo for a while

[@RCReviewChannel]

27t for better control. But with a Hobbywing 1080 esc, you can go either way since it has so much configurability.

[@jonthomas8487]

Thanks, I just ordered the Trailmaster 550 27T and will order the HW 1080 soon

[@jeramievigar9930]

What is the name of the wheels you are using?

[@RCReviewChannel]

These are Gmade steel beadlocks. Not the best but they look retro.

[@jeramievigar9930]

RC Review thank you so much

[@markclausson564]

What is the video in the upper right hand corner very distracting

[@cynthia6389]

Its all just second place to the trx 6

[@RCReviewChannel]

TRX-6, the legend!

[@NCMOUNTAINSbackyardRC]

NC❤ MOUNTAINS backyard RC AND MORE. 🏞💯🖒

[@johngisbourne7197]

I like your guys channel but that driving style always hurts my eyes. Way too fast and hard.

[@RCReviewChannel]

These lines are very difficult and after we fail 3x on very slow mode, we start using more throttle.