BEST TRX-4 SHOCK UPGRADE? | Trail Testing 90mm Desert Lizard Piggyback Shocks

Can the stock Traxxas TRX-4 shocks be beat? This is part II in my Traxxas TRX-4 performance upgrade series where I test out the Yeah Racing 90 mm Desert Lizard Internal Spring Piggyback shocks.
In this video, I unbox the shocks, show you how I set them up, install them and do a before and after trail comparison on my backyard crawler course.
What do you think? Did they outperform the stock shocks?? Thank you to RC Mart.com for supplying product for this video. Views are my own.
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Check out part 1: "Yeah Racing Metal Axle & Brass Upgrade Sets" bit.ly/2Vx1EuS
Desert Lizard Piggyback 90mm shocks (in red or black): bit.ly/2VanvIu
Wolfwhoop WT03 Micro FPV Camera: amzn.to/2GutCmO
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[@billderas3420]

Thanks for eliminating the need for this shock "upgrade" in my mind. As previously noted, piggyback reservoirs are for cooling shock fluid which is not necessary on our crawlers.

[@thereasonableamericans411]

These are a downgrade. Remember folks, in crawling we're looking for LONG/SOFT springs that have a massive amount of "droop" or negative travel. You want a digressive spring-rate and these pressurized shocks are just the opposite. Valving in compression and rebound should be minimal, especially in rebound as speeds of crawling do not demand slowing down the suspension travel much. The only reason we need compression valving at all is when you drop off a rock ledge etc, you wouldn't want the shocks to bottom and your bumper to wack the edge behind you. I've raced cars/trucks/motorcycles and wheeled a fair bit in my life. What I explained here is the very basics of crawling suspension. Geometry is everything in crawling.

[@joseywilds3133]

Yeah I gather she is more a trail rider

[@dudleythree3]

Just change the spring to droop if that's what you want

[@lavoietroy2065]

Do have anything to recommend???

[@iadubber]

IMO the stock Traxxas TRX-4 shocks are some of the best and I wouldn't worry about changing them out. I swapped in 17.5 oil into my stock ones and they are working great!

[@benjaminbrown7127]

so is 50 weight gonna make my suspension softer? I just need to make my shocks look more realistic. I really don't care about the performance.

[@TeensierPython]

@@benjaminbrown7127same for me. I would rather have my suspension look like real suspension

[@Real_rescuer]

@@benjaminbrown7127so why worry about which oil to use if you don’t care about performance??

[@captainbob406]

Interesting.... I used to road race motorcycles and learned the set up of suspension is critical to handling of the bike. Appears the stock shocks are not as stiff but have decent rebound compared to the shocks with remote reservoir. The truck wasn't really going fast enough to determine characteristics of rebound. Also, I didn't really notice the stock shocks bottoming out. From what I could tell, my opinion is, the stock shocks are pretty good. I do not believe this particular upgrade enhanced the truck. Additionally, there must be a way to cut and refit those hoses. Way too much hose dangling in the wheel well. Nice video. Good attention to detail and great photography. Good job!

[@stevebucks2700]

I enjoy your content thanks so much for all the info. Also I received my jack stands and there awesome thank you . And a special thank you for taking the time to send me a appreciation card and decal. That was really cool you’re great . Little things like That simple makes me want to purchase more of the items you have gone over on your channel. Stay cool and enjoy RCing

[@4xELEKTRA]

Thx… just got these installed. It’s nice to know the local hobby shop recommends you videos…keep up the great work

[@bmc_rc6212]

Great video!! Nice job! Your videos are always very fun and interesting to watch. Thanks again for all the awesome videos! Your TRX-4 looks awesome, nice job on it!👍👍👌👌❤️❤️

[@RCGirl]

Thanks!

[@adamrichardson8315]

You earned a new subscriber mostly because you didn't bs around and act like they were some great upgrade just to please the company that sent them to you or whatever, you called it straight and probably saved a helluva lot of people alot of money and I appreciate that

[@Gravel_Rat78]

I really like the looks of these shocks. In the last part of the video while climbing over a rock while on the logs, the back tire lifted off of the logs with the stock shocks. But with the upgraded shocks all the tires stayed planted over the same obstacle.

[@yashjagtap4747]

i am huge crazy fan of RC hobby stuff , i am glad that a girl is in this hobby , but i liked it , lots of best wishes from INDIA . keep it up mam.

[@rockman49er]

The 2 extra o rings go on the top mount to stop that play in the shock thats what i did working perfectly

[@LemonsqueezerDavid]

I see that the piggybacks are more inclined to make things supple and less jerky. I slowed the video to check it out. I love your clarity about tech issues. I realise why I have not done much with this hobby for many years. If I had a soul mate like you, we'd both be involved in this hobby every day probably. Either making a living enjoying it or simply enjoying it anyway. Just being honest. I like your practical approach to the whole subject and with a smile which speaks volumes about how you love this great pastime. I hope I will get to use all these upgrades on my rigs. The camera is a great one..

[@CCxRC]

Really enjoyed the tests on the bench. Looked pretty comparable on the trail, but the piggyback shocks definitely have a cooler look. Great video as always 👍

[@moistavocado2350]

Great! I've been waiting to see a video of these shocks, they look really good!

[@brianmason4968]

Very detailed video. Thanks for the video. I really like the stock shocks on my trx4

[@mfbengs1]

I installed mine and immediately cut the hose down. Bled them just like you did as well. Still a lot of slop but like they have mentioned a washer or space would work.

[@bigchungus-oj8zz]

Great video! Thank you for sharing. I didn't see you use Associated Green Slime on the O-rings and seals...I have used these shocks with Great Success. If you don't use Green Slime, you most likely will have leakage issues...also, you are supposed to let the oil stand in the shock, stood upright in a shock rebuilding tool, or mini vise. This allows the air bubbles to come up and out..

[@savagehobbies6747]

Hello rc girl. Love watching your videos. Especially the upgrade ones. Thank you for you great videos!! 👍🏼😀

[@Eric-cg5el]

I see no difference

[@christianfranke6652]

Same

[@taikay214]

same here

[@kaisarantonn7225]

Same here

[@jrc-fabs1634]

Yep.

[@timwatley4793]

seemed smoother to me

[@jedkemsley4628]

Desert Lizard makes the same shocks without the extra reservoirs. I’m gonna order a pair soon all the guys in my crawling club use them. Great video

[@u_t_d_s_h-1_a]

Oh, and I also watched your other video where you added metal parts to the underside of the Defender Trx4, I think inspire of tipping over coming down the stairs the weighted one outperformed the regular rig. . .

[@CoffeeHobby]

I got a set of Boomerang Type G's after seeing you work on these. Im a real newbie to the hobby in general and bought a Carisma Coyote over Christmas, and I wouldn't look back from this type of shock after trying several others.

[@gsrider569]

I know its an old video but like the softness and quicker axle articulation with the stack shocks. With that being said, for the Defender which is a top heavy rig, looks like less body roll with the new shocks. Definitly a good upgrade for that rig.

[@charlesb7831]

It honestly looked like the stock one's settled better, but with some tuning the new ones will be just the same. I wouldn't use Locktight on the shocks. Locktight has a nasty habit of eating seals and plastics. Just saying. I've had it happen many years ago. With RC and airsoft stuff a like. Great video, cheers!

[@TheRCGenius]

I just purchased and built the TRX-4 chassis kit, and I'm very glad to see some options for upgrades! The wiggle room on the shock shouldn't be an issue, but a washer could solve that easily. I'm new to your channel and have subscribed! Thanks for the informative content!

[@RCGirl]

awesome, congrats on your new kit! Yep I'm gonna try a washer or spacer for the shocks to take care of some of the wiggle room.

[@angelmanuelsantiago1730]

Great video and upgrade

[@beercheersrccrawlers]

They look great! The shocks and the weight make it film more realistic. Nice upgrades.

[@richardmiles1752]

Useful video. I've seen other videos showing the desert lizard shocks can stick because the seals aren't greased. I bought the desert lizards but decided to change the oil. I found there was gardly any oil in my stock shocks. They now run do much better

[@jeffro8373]

great video thanks for sharing you do such a great job

[@stephenpwilson1930]

I couldn't see much difference but they work very nicely. maybe a softer spring would give a more realistic ride. Some people mistake shocker for springs. I think you have nice shock speed but a softer spring would alow the wheels move more easily so keeping contact on all four corners. love your videos RC Girl and the platts. Thank you.

[@ChrisHirner]

great customizations, Just got a trx4. Was a crawler holdout, didnt see the point. Ordered one tried it in a fairly unkempt area, brush and sticks somewhere i couldnt even walk, locked in the diffs and watched in disbelief as the little truck crawled out of the mess like it was born for it. So now its upgrade time. The defender body looks a little bare stock. thanks for the vids

[@mikebultema2536]

I like the golden retriever that came with the new shocks!😉👍 Really couldn’t see much difference in the video but I’m sure you will find some the more you drive it.

[@circleofowls]

Great review, I'm really looking forward to the FPV camera install too.

[@JDMJDK]

It’s soooo close, but I’m pretty sure that the little stiffer rates kept it planted a little better without upsetting things and it seemed to pull over a high center situation a little easier, nice lines btw. Very consistent. I’ve run the older G Made piggybacks for years with zero problems. I finally upgraded to Proline Pro Scalers for a change but just in the rear, still running a piggyback set in front.

[@leonfpv8261]

Nice I ran an fpv cam on my TRX4. It’s really cool especially at night with the lights. It’s fun to cruise around the backyard at night.

[@RCGirl]

Haven't tried it at night yet, but soon!!

[@RTmadnesstoo]

Nothing says the reservoirs have to be mounted on the shocks but you could route the hoses away from the tires and down the shock tower or frame rail to the reservoirs mounted on the frame. That is how most IRL work. Most people don't realize that the Axial Bomber has plastic replica reservoirs mounted on the body in the wheel well / battery box and they end up unpainted with no hoses attached. Half of the fun is trying to puzzle out the best install. Good video.

[@awe_rc8380]

Nice review 👌💪 love the test track❤️😋

[@sfnomad2337]

Great video as usual RCGirl!

[@pedellbills130]

You do a great job with your videos and explanations!!’n keep it up! Love your stuff!!❤

[@aufermo]

Great videos on upgrades etc love the course y for checking out upgrades and the comparisons 😎. Not convinced with those shocks. They look great and perform excellently, but seemed cramped in position and the connection movement looked suspect, hey I’m no expert. Brian 🇬🇧

[@grizz6084]

Hi great video again nice to see side by side comparison.Not to sure about piggyback maybe use lizard straight shocks, looks like your running stock wheels and tyres others are larger maybe rub pipes.Looking forward to your next upgrade.

[@Tuidkskiwjdhdbd]

Love the side by side comparison great work 💪

[@showtime813]

Awesome vid! In great detail. More of these please.

[@GreenLantern814]

It was subtle, but the TRX looked more planted. Less rebound someone else commented, and that seems likely. It's only really useful if you have a bunch of tough terrain grade transitions IMO (going from sharp downhill to off camber uphill, etc) where keeping the truck stable is key.

[@u_t_d_s_h-1_a]

That's awesome to watch. There wasn't really very much difference between the stock shock absorbed and the piggy back one. I gotta get me one of those, they crawl over terrain even better than the real thing. . .

[@TerraQuestRC]

Desert Lizard Piggy Backs?.. oh wow, already have a couple other sets of varying lengths and really like them. Now a whole lot better, depending on use of course. Thanks, will have to be watching for these. The big question though is did you find the truck more controllable or increased rollover tendency? lol.... love that blush @ 13:21

[@jahmenrcbuildingasone4254]

Internal springs are the way to go. But piggy back chamber is a nice option. Thanks for putting this up. Rock on RC Girl!!😁✌

[@SebastianLong]

The reason for piggyback shocks on 1:1 vehicles is to keep the fluid cool. On an RC there isn't a reason to keep the fluid chilled, but they do look sweet.

[@karenaylward6817]

didn't know that tanks man don't think was worth the money for a rc then $$$$$

[@bigchungus-oj8zz]

There is a small volume advantage for damping. The piggybacks allow the shock to fit, and add volume for extra damping. The "Real Good" piggybacks allow you to adjust the flow..

[@PrestonVB]

yep, hence the reservoirs often have heat sink fins to dissipate heat from high cycling frequency.

[@rabbidpotatoegaming4514]

@@bigchungus-oj8zz the damping only has to do with the weight of the oil and the holes in the shock that allow the movement of oil between them. The extra reservoir adds zero damping

[@bigchungus-oj8zz]

@@rabbidpotatoegaming4514 did I say it was to add dampening? NO! DUMBASS

[@ehab3440]

I love your vids keep up the good work, i love the rc plane and heli vids the best. But all of them are great Plz make more thx

[@RCGirl]

Aw thanks, more plane vids coming next!

[@basementracer7622]

RC Girl - Read Dream Girl. Stunning looks. Intelligent and normal. You have a great channel and I can here specifically to see the TRX upgrades. You should know that based on your review of the HTRC DUO charger I have ordered one. You explain the stuff really well. Thanks for you help. Just getting back into RC after a 10 year leave. Looking at picking up an X-Max 8s and the ARRMA Krayton 8S and TRX4 and maybe Tamyia Hotshot and Sand Scorcher re-release. Takin me back to my young teens past. So pleased I found your channel. Keep up the great work, thanks for all your insight. Dusting off my SC10 and Nitro Rusty was the best thing I have done in months!

[@paulmay3431]

I’m new to the game.... But what I see is the new Shocks are more firmer or stiffer I’m not sure but can you do that by putting thicker oil in.... The standard stock ones .... Great vid 👍🏼

[@saxvane]

I’m try to buy my new trx4 and enjoy ur grate videos Thks for show as ur opinions and new upgrades

[@kade631]

Late to the video but new to the RC world, using my experience in 4x4 suspension set up I did notice it’s now more appropriately sprung for the weight of the car. Most evident in the last comparison

[@Nordmann61]

Thank you for a nice video as always! Maybe the difference between the shocks will be more visible if you compared them on the road at higher speeds? To see how stable the truck is in curves and how the shocks responds to bumps in the road. Onroad driving is not the natural habitat for a scale trailtruck I know, but maybe it take higher speed driving to declare a clear winner. Cheers.

[@RCGirl]

Good idea!

[@victormarrero6555]

Great videos, I will count on your help to learn how to do the uppgrades. Great job

[@davidigra]

I have to agree with you. Can’t really see much difference between the two shocks. Thanks for putting in the effort so that I don’t have to :)

[@Chongy28]

Next time you could do a drop test. Put your truck infront of a board with graduated lines on it and drop from an even height like 6" with each setup. Film it slow mo so you can see the rebound reaction times from each setup.

[@xargon1234]

Looks like you can cut the hoses down if you need too it seems you can separate the black knurled piece and the brass nut that the hoses use to seal and its just a compression fitting

[@simoncycling6685]

from Plastic body shocks would definitely be upgrade but trx 4 probably not !!! I like the running comparison video .loads of upgraded videos on KZbin but you don't even see them running .simple explanation too !!

[@scale6039]

Hi Coudn't see a big difference in between both shocks in the comparison video. Honestly don't like the looks of them on the TRX4 I more likely would see them on a rock bouncer or something in that range. Great review and installation video. Keep up the great work 👍

[@atvdr]

I tried a few after market shocks. And the stock ones seem to be best. ✅👊🏻 Great video. 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@HDJewBagel]

Been waiting for this video!

[@RCGirl]

Get the popcorn! haha

[@CUDAbuster]

The lizard shock had less travel on single wheel compression and kept the tire from rubbing on the wheel well. I mostly rock climb with the defender and I've wanted stiffer shocks to keep that tire rubbing from happening. The lizard shocks look like good aftermarket parts.

[@INMGRC]

Wow very nice change shock moving big thumbs up my friend XD

[@livinginalaskatysang9079]

I would say definitely 100% cool factor! Much nicer than the coils on the outside. Now I have to order 3 pairs for my TRX6..

[@janvergara8620]

Will the blue thread lock work if you fill it with oil all the way to the brim, wouldn’t excess oil push out the thread lock? Or should I leave enough space?

[@kyotiangel]

I notice the external reservoir shocks provide better control which is what you want in my opinion. It didn’t bounce like the stock shock but still maintained articulation. Not having excessive bouncing when maneuvering obstacles is where it’s at...

[@Sticker-Happy]

Brilliant! I'm still running stock @ 30wt Tip, when bleeding just leave hose connected to reservoir (filled partially). compress till no bubbles then fill to top

[@RCGirl]

ahh great idea!

[@CaliCoastRCFPV]

Sweet desk! And yes, be careful with the hoses!

[@rawfpv184]

I couldn't tell a difference in the video. Very interested to see the FPV camera footage. Not that I need more to do, can barely keep up on my quad copter maintenance... Looks like fun though...

[@RCPlayGround]

Great Piggyback shocks upgrade work 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@DirtyRC101]

Really nice video and to the point. What i noticed on the stock shocks is that when you drive over something and the drop afterwards is sharp the shocks tend to sort of lag, they dont push back as quick as these ones you showed. I guess you want all tires connected to the ground as much as possible, but for that small difference, is it worth it? I mean if you´re a newbie like me and basically just freestyling..well, maybe not.

[@bigchungus-oj8zz]

GREAT IDEA on measuring shock REBOUND! I have a shock tool..

[@donharsh5469]

Hey I have the Mini apprentice S I'm getting ready to flying it really love the plane see what happens I like your videos 😁👍😎 videos

[@juanjosehernandez46]

Great job with this video! 👍

[@andyb9994]

Rig looks great not sure about the new shocks but don't think it hurt, you will have to see after few weeks of use, have you thought about the long arm lift kit, and what tires do you use on the Defender.

[@jesseco9964]

Sweet desk setup and nice camera shots.

[@kinslersrccustoms6945]

The new shocks look like they take hits and bumps smoother and your body looks like it is clooser to the tries but not tuching them as mich. I loke the way you run your rig and the sound kit is a nice tuch.

[@rpmwithabdullah3473]

Very cool shocks beautiful video

[@hardcoretam]

Really good comparison video and test between the two. I've found even with the thinnest of oils in my standard TRX-4 shocks it feels like a heavy oil in any other shocks i have. I've ordered some really cheap 100mm alloy shocks off ebay from China (About $15 delivered for 4). They won't be anywhere near as good as your new ones, but i'm hoping they can react a lot better with thinner oils than vs the standards

[@RCGirl]

Keep me posted on how those go! I'll have to do an update video with these. So far I really like them. I'll have to see how they hold up long-term. Honestly though, the stock shocks are hard to beat.

[@BUILTLIGHTWOUNDTIGHT]

I suppose I am a Traxxas fan boy for the most part! Don't get me wrong, I don't always agree with Traxxas about the lawsuits, but it is what it is!!! I am still pretty happy running the stock Traxxas parts. For the most part!!! ;) Great video though!!! ;)

[@simplelife3466]

if u had just compressed the shock with hose on it ,put hose in the bottle of oil or dish and allowed shock to suck up the oil would that have got all the air out?

[@dudleythree3]

I personally filled the reservoir and compressed the shock when screwing the joining tube, work the shock until the small bubble is in the resevoir for easier compression

[@1peanut]

cool video. Thank you. I think the stock shocks are great in the TRX 4. I put 30 wt. in them and they are super cushy.

[@RCGirl]

Yeah they are know for being pretty great already 👌

[@MrADVANCEDTEK]

I think the shock top mounts should have the larger flat sections against the shock to keep them from moving so much. Also the best way to bleed the shock is to submerge the surge tank in oil with the tube end a little loose then cycle the shock while it's submerged until you have no more air bubbles. Then quickly remove it and tighten the connection. Might be a little messy but most of the air will be gone. I'd just unscrew the oil bottle top drop in my surge tank a cycle it slowly. No more bubbles pull it up and tighten all done. Oh and love the Strat!

[@cante199]

In the video I can only see a barely smoother rebound when the RC lands on its wheels and when you go little bit faster (not really necessary in this discipline actually..) so these suspensions didn’t amaze me but a cute blondie girl with mechanical skills and rc passion did 😄 Your italian subscribers have thought exactly as me I bet hahah.. a big hug from Milan

[@edwardmilsom4760]

Hi, Great vids, I'm new to RC crawling and your info is brilliant. What is the stand you use ? Does it have a name or part number ? The shocks look great but I didn't see any improvement. The low down weight from the brass upgrades was impressive.

[@RCGirl]

I got the stand on Amazon, I think this is the one you're referring to? amzn.to/2vWusVl

[@LRCR]

The Desert Lizard piggyback shocks in the video looked like the rebound helped to gain traction on some obstacles.. but like you said those hoses are way to long and really need cut.. good Video sister.. ✌️😎👍

[@MrLotech73]

I’m not sure I’m sold on them. Other than the scale points, I really don’t see a need for them. A bit gimmicky.....

[@chuckgrc3011]

It looks like it articulated better with the stock shocks. Nice video.

[@krankillen]

nice update!

[@RCGirl]

Thanks!

[@rrenegadoo]

Nice review, I like the new ones, but for now, I don't think I'll change the stock ones. ...... By the way..... Ahora cuentas con un nuevo subscriber.

[@mattiedillon3697]

Quick question ! Can I use these on a yeti score trophy truck ?

[@sik59rt]

It seems these remote reservoir shocks are more just for show than for better damping since there’s no ifp or even nitrogen. Do they have any sort of valving in them at all?

[@lukenukem1164]

I have a UDR, never done any crawling.Really enjoyed the video though.

[@magia5035]

Wowsers the new set up is rad. The whole set up just looks amazing. The shocks just top it off. Also good job on your hair. It is on point. I like the bangs and highlighted look along with those heavenly features. You are a really beautiful woman and honestly to make things better you really like rc to just makes me wish I could find an angel like you. Cheers. Thanks for your entertaining video see you next time.

[@RCGirl]

Aw thanks!

[@MidAtlanticBracing]

I would think a slower rebound for crawling would be preferred. A bit sloppy to aid in flex? External res shocks are great for hi-cycle demands (Baja, etc) to aid in cooling and deter cavitation. I'm curious how effective they are for dedicated crawling? Also, maybe try holding the open end of the hose in liquid (the oil) to prevent air from entering on the 'rebound', as you fill shocks. Great vids, love your explanations!

[@TheRoadTaken]

OT: I thought it was this video you made but I can't find the reference. You mentioned you setup FPV in one of your trail/crawl rigs but I'm having trouble locating it. All I can find are you flying FPV. Can you share the video where you set this up, please?

[@user-tb1sp5se8b]

You're doing fine !!! it turned out great 💝👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@filipwennergren2712]

Great video! Greetings from Stockholm Sweden.

[@sammygonzalez7627]

RC Girl too tell you the truth beside looking mad cool, in the test I looked very closely. But pretty much even... to me that is