FLEX BEAST! Full build overview of the Axial SCX24 Jeep gladiator.

In depth build overview of our scx24 jeep gladiator. The goal of this build was to find a nice blend of aesthetic appearance and rock crawling performance.
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Full parts list:
Exterior
Little Guy Racing Parts Trail King M/T Tires littleguyracingparts.com/products/trail-king-m-t-1-0-tires
Crawler Innovations Lil’ Nova Foams (medium) crawlerinnovations.com/lil-nova-single-stage-micro-medium/
Injora Stamped Steel Beadlock Wheels www.injora.com/products/4pcs-1-0-injora-stamped-steel-beadlock-wheel-rims-for-axial-scx24?variant=40195221225520 with Injora brass rings: www.amazon.com/dp/B09G2NB4SD?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_TJWCXNGYM5YN5VVA628X
Injora Steel Stinger Front Bumper www.amazon.com/dp/B09HXLB4DK?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_0QC5AGBAZ19VXF2X52K1
Injora Steel Rock Sliders www.amazon.com/dp/B09Y4FT8YK?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_TWHQSTD8RGQ3DHXAMRD0
Chassis and Suspension
RCLions 43mm Double Barrel shocks www.amazon.com/dp/B09CYPV2C8?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_9WZYD7WG8X4G5HXZV18B
MOFO RC Flex Blades www.moforc.com/products/mofo-rc-flexblade-xrs-for-axial-scx24-now-even-flexier-than-before
Injora Skid Plate www.amazon.com/dp/B08XLPTYRM?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_GVQDCFMQFFPEC8VHSEDV
Injora High Clearance Links (four link conversion) www.amazon.com/dp/B09VL5PLZH?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_C6YZQTAMA7491NFSY4Q0
Grizzly Works LCG Chassis Kit www.etsy.com/listing/1157556196/scx24-lcg-set?click_key=7f19152933c7eb72f948d95a4e6a2d63b41dc17d%3A1157556196&click_sum=9609a20d&ref=hp_opfy-4
Injora Aluminum Steering Linkage www.amazon.com/dp/B08XM3BG61?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_QR9EG82W9T31GPAXQ3RV
Emax Analog Servo with Injora Aluminum Servo Mount and Servo Horn www.amazon.com/dp/B09M6ZSY9C?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_FDDN57TT3EVHS1J9BYYS
Drivetrain and Axles
RCAWD Portal Axles rcawd.com/products/axial-scx24-portal-axle-full-set-upgrade-parts-rcawd
Coda Racing 10.4g Wheel Weights www.amazon.com/dp/B08JKBQGF8?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_YDFEHGE11DBQK9HRQ8Z2
Injora Steel Driveshafts www.amazon.com/dp/B09WHY77FK?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_QPSQ3S7QKYC0TG21ZNGB
Injora Pro 050 High Torque Motor www.amazon.com/dp/B09XMN5MPH?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_DYCH82VPPQ0PQXJ6VQD3

[@CapeCrawlers]

Build details start at 2:47

[@ClassicIronAddict]

HAPPY FATHERS-DAY DADDY CAPE! 🎉😂

[@Juicehucks]

Great build and video man! I appreciate the level of detail. Lookin forward to the next vid

[@All_RC_Fun]

Thanks for sharing the information and your learnings. Awesome little truck.

[@MegaFrydaddy]

I greatly enjoy watching your videos. You are well informed and very organized. I just built my first scx 24 gladiator. So pumped!! I deff feel your obsession!! Lol keep up the good work Adam!!

[@CapeCrawlers]

Thanks for watching!

[@boiledtea479]

Yeah same lol. Just that im just starten out

[@Dr.Feelgood]

Love how the fenders look, I’m gonna try and model mine off of yours. Great videos, you have played a big part in my venture into crawling and the 1:24 rigs!

[@CapeCrawlers]

Awesome, thank you!

[@Elisplushies360woodierc]

Same thing happened to me. I’ve always been a old school bronco fan and love the new version ford came out with.When I saw that axial had a scx24 bronco I went down to local hobby shop and bought one and took it out a couple days later to local mountain area on a picnic with wife and kids.Well let’s just say I now have a scx24 tan gladiator and now a kyosho mini z jimny on the way and parts from Amazon at my door step it seems every other day.I love the how scale they look and operate and see the improvements of the aftermarket parts I install.

[@CapeCrawlers]

Yep, you caught the bug same as me! Upgrades for the little rigs are much, much cheaper, but they seem to come much more frequently, so I dont know if they're less expensive in the long run LOL

[@andrewrichey7374]

Just did my red bronco all mofo 90% of it all the brass just waiting on front lower high clearance links she is weighing in now at 562.1 g will increase once get the front lower links, love your gladiator looking awesome. Will catch you on the next one peace and chicken grease 👍👍😎

[@andrewrichey7374]

I watch the guys video here on KZbin, relocation front bumper brackets they bolt on the chassis and just straight out instead of drop down then out they work great I got three sets of them liked Them so much

[@TrevorParkJones]

Very cool information, love all the details! I'd be very interested in learning how to get such flex and mobility from these, especially the Bronco. Looking forward to more in the fututre, thanks!

[@CapeCrawlers]

My son has a red bronco that’s pretty much stock. It would be a great video series building it out!

[@TrevorParkJones]

@@CapeCrawlers That would be awesome, I also have the red Bronco! I have done a few mods already, but still learning.

[@GazooRC]

I have a built bronco on my channel if you wanna check it out. I’m here to help if you guys have any questions.

[@Thisbajabug]

great Video.. thanks for all the Info can't wait to Start building mine...

[@CapeCrawlers]

Thanks for watching!

[@sarip79yt72]

Thank you for your partnership, to us. And we fasten with the enlightenment you have given, and we appreciate what we have received from thank you. 👍✅🇲🇾

[@Canadian_RC_Adventure]

Wicked build!!

[@CapeCrawlers]

Thank you! It’s been a ton of fun to build!

[@joshbeere2472]

Awesome man, love it. Would be good to get a few vids of this thing in action!

[@CapeCrawlers]

Thanks! Run videos coming real soon.

[@getinloser3442]

Making a mod for my dad for Christmas to match his gladiator , im going through your videos for guidance. First time doing anything but having fun!

[@CapeCrawlers]

That’s awesome! Feel free to reach out to me via email if you have unanswered questions

[@rcboys619]

great video bro

[@user-bm2qb4rn1t]

That red axle an supports arms are awesome for that jeep

[@pgammans89]

Awesome build! Mine is pretty similar. When going brushless I recomend going back to plastic drive shafts or you will break something. Nice detail of the build and great explanation of your reasoning. Subbed.

[@CapeCrawlers]

Thank you! And great advice on the driveshafts.

[@Calcapwn300]

This is why I went full metal before I ordered the micro komodo

[@pwrofgrayskull]

I love Gladiators (big and small). Subscribed!! 👍✌️

[@CapeCrawlers]

Thanks, me too!

[@andrewrichey7374]

Yeah right on I’m back watching again, love watching them go over obstacles watch the suspension work, best therapy there is and cheap. Hi imagine therapy bills could be expensive, I wouldn’t really know because I never needed therapy too much fun with the RC yeah in the money you save upgrades yeah 👍👍😁

[@the_car_guy5915]

I have a set of 1.0 Amazon Special wheels that seal up well enough to run the tires without foam on air pressure. Nothing beats the way it handles.

[@CapeCrawlers]

Nice! I like to run with no foams on smaller tires. I find that these big ones really shine when they’re vented and running a soft foam.

[@saleen12]

I wish I could buy something like this completely done. I have zero interest with tinkering or building but I want it ❤

[@PakWahyu]

Wow i am lucky to found your channel. Great video my friend 🤩🤩🇮🇩

[@CapeCrawlers]

Thanks for watching! I appreciate the support!

[@GazooRC]

Great video bud! Very addicting and glad to see you diving into the hobby. For years I’ve been a basher and my wife wanted something slower so I got her a crawler and she loved it. Now I have 3 crawlers. Lol 🤦🏻‍♂️ like I said, addicting! New sub here from RI. Hey neighbor 👊🏼

[@CapeCrawlers]

Thanks! These little things do multiply! What size are your crawlers?

[@GazooRC]

@@CapeCrawlers ha yea tell me about it. For crawlers I have a Scx24 bronco all modded up and a custom built 1/24 size crawler. I started with my wife’s 1/10 TRX4 Bronco. Thinking about building a 1/10 belly dragger next.

[@chrishester2928]

Another great video 👍

[@CapeCrawlers]

Thanks for watching!

[@rcbuilder111]

💯💯💯 Amazing

[@deanweller5789]

awesome Video, thanks for being so honest about mods! your JT looks like it needs to enter some competitions ;-)

[@CapeCrawlers]

Thank you! And thanks for watching! I hope to hit up some 1/24 meetups and comps sometime soon.

[@andrewrichey7374]

I like it 👍👍😎 I just been learning to drive with stock axle housing love my gladiator it’s my most custom, got both broncos the gray and The red bronco, The red is going to be all mofo RC stuff appreciate you sharing love learning new things I’ll watch for more 👍👍😎 Catch you on the next one peace and chicken grease

[@CapeCrawlers]

Thank you! Glad you enjoyed! Lots more stuff coming!

[@taylor22222222]

Very nice looking truck! Excellent build. I have the same model but in beige and I'm trying to get my shocks to not hike upwards so much when it drives. I had it right at one point and then I had to upgrade to portal axles and something went wrong somewhere... I think I might try those shock plates you showed, didn't even occur to me.

[@CapeCrawlers]

The flex blades helped a lot with getting my ride height under control. Definitely a good trick!

[@texomarc]

Dunno how I wasn’t subbed already. Lookin great bro. Nice video and sick g’iator!

[@CapeCrawlers]

Thank you! This is by far my favorite rig 👍🏻

[@texomarc]

@@CapeCrawlers Yessir! Maximus, my g’iator, is amazing. Just blows me away. Love watching the cars move!

[@woodleyusana5543]

Ohhhhhhhhh yeah

[@chrislilly8657]

Add the micro Komodo stinger combo! Just forked out for it and it's unreal how slow and powerful it is

[@CapeCrawlers]

I’ve been seriously considering it. It looks like a great combo and exactly what I’m looking for.

[@zachattacks2785]

Nice

[@jercsgn]

Very nice

[@CapeCrawlers]

Thank you! The gladiator is still my favorite build.

[@RCCrawlerz209]

Been moving this idea in my head, to add actual head lights & maybe a light bar on top, for that scale realism, maybe. 🤔 Even rear headlights would be cool, as well.

[@CapeCrawlers]

I’ve thought about that too. I recently added mirrors, door hinges, and hood vents. Headlights and/or a light bar are on my mind also.

[@RCCrawlerz209]

@@CapeCrawlers Awesome dude! 🤙🏻

[@georgiahertzler9403]

Were do iget one, can't find one on Amazon

[@motosessions]

Hey Adam, I’m getting ready to start my first ever scx24 jeep wrangler build and am wondering why the aluminum high clearance links over brass? Strength of material in its given application, IE brass is soft compared to aluminum and it will take a beating while crawling? New to 1/24th scale philosophy. Thanks you for the great content

[@CapeCrawlers]

Aesthetics primarily. I liked the red links to match the red accents. I prefer stainless or brass for functionality but this gladiator is mostly for fun with performance being a lesser priority.

[@PC_MO_RC]

I went brushless with my Gladiator, I'm more obsessed now. Lol!

[@CapeCrawlers]

What system did you go with?

[@PC_MO_RC]

@@CapeCrawlers Furitek Lizard Pro and the MoFo Nano beast.

[@CapeCrawlers]

@@PC_MO_RC nice! If I was going to do brushless I would go with the Mofo. I’m eyeballing that new brushless motor he just debuted 👍🏻

[@PC_MO_RC]

@@CapeCrawlers I'll have check that out. I'm very impressed with the Mofo Nano Beast; I ordered another one for my JLU.

[@therandomchannel3025]

welcome to the hobby

[@CapeCrawlers]

Thanks! I’m loving it!

[@liamgour2624]

How did you flip your tires? Whenever i try to do it, there is no bead for it to grip to on the other side... 😂

[@odinsteinnes6511]

I have alot pf rubbing on my wheel arches on my scx10iii gladiator so i might trim them slightly

[@CapeCrawlers]

Do they sell the fender delete kits for the gladiator? I've seen them for the scx10iii wrangler but I'm not sure if they fit the JT.

[@odinsteinnes6511]

I dont really know bud. Im quite new in to the whole crawling game. But im sure you can find it some where. Idk even know what sites to start looking at for upgrades. Got any tips.

[@guysletsedit]

Quick question!? Why do you have the "lcg" chassis kit blocks when you re-located the shock placement and don't use those at all? I am a new mini scaler following this build and have so many questions!

[@CapeCrawlers]

Battery and esc relocation primarily. It makes a nice swap to put the battery in the front and down low. You can do this with the stock chassis, but it's not as clean or functional.

[@donslick8464]

this is sad to say but I have been doing RC cars for over 30yrs and if you like this micro crawler you will love a 1/10 scale. I have a ton of cars worth several thousand dollars and by far and away the one I have the most fun with and is the most durable is my Traxxas TRX-4. Sounds crazy cause its the slowest car I have other than this scx 24 c-10 but its a blast!!!

[@CapeCrawlers]

I hear a lot of people say similar things, that the 1/10 is the most fun. I’m slowly being converted! But the 1:24’s are just so convenient!

[@billymace9151]

What front bumper is that and where did you get it?? Looking to get one for my boys Jeep Gladiator he loves your videos he's always talking about it

[@CapeCrawlers]

It's an Injora stinger. Here's the Amazon link: amzn.to/3nfINre

[@drakorc]

nice 👍

[@CapeCrawlers]

Thank you! My favorite build for sure.

[@kiaorakid7545]

YOO! If you had to pick between the Gladiator or the JLU to use for the rest of your life, what would you go with? Dang I'm having a hard time picking between them for my first crawler... pros and cons of both? haha thanks again legend :)

[@CapeCrawlers]

Gladiator without question. It's more capable out of the box and responds very well to simple bolt on mods. The JLU with its shorter wheelbase and higher center of gravity doesn't perform as well. Plus I drive a blue JT rubicon as my daily driver, so I am biased to love the gladiator :)

[@michaelchambers8902]

How or where did you move the back hinge to make the body open so far ? Or is that how the gladiator come. I just have the dead bolt.

[@CapeCrawlers]

I did not modify the body mount. It’s just how the gladiator is I suppose

[@crisCR0SSaplsos]

Im looking to put portals on my c10. Would you suggest the RCAWD axles or do you prefer the MOFO portal adapters? Money aside.

[@CapeCrawlers]

Probably Treal. I've had issues with the Mofo set chewing up axle shafts and the RCAWD has those big C-hubs in the front. I LOVE my RCAWD portals, but the Treals have a more compact design.

[@crisCR0SSaplsos]

@@CapeCrawlers Gotcha, I will check Treal's out. Thank you!

[@jeremychin3076]

Hey im looking to buy my first crawler im deciding between the fcx24 power wagon and the scx 24 gladiator ,which would u recommend sir ?

[@CapeCrawlers]

The gladiator is hands down my favorite. The power wagon is super fun, and the two speed transmission is awesome, but I enjoy my gladiator more than any other rig I have

[@carsonbjork2022]

love ingora dont you i have a gladiator to i have put some upgrades on it and i have cut the fenders

[@CapeCrawlers]

I like Injora because the quality you get for such a low prices is amazing. Great value in my opinion.

[@alansmith9877]

With the foams did you buy a pair and cut them in half, or did you buy 2 pair and use the full width of each piece per tire?

[@CapeCrawlers]

I cut them in half. They're suuuuuuper wide otherwise.

[@mushee1140]

Can you do a c10 vid because I don’t know if the parts that you listed will fit into the c10 (btw nice truck)

[@CapeCrawlers]

I got one! Here’s the link: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jKWUlKd8e9Gfaa8

[@mushee1140]

@@CapeCrawlers thank you

[@TheHCR202]

Just bought my 2 year old little boy one yesterday. I’ve had several nitro trucks, truggies, and crawlers. He has picked up on it well so far and I’m going to buy one for myself for indoor play. Roughly how much do you have in upgrades total you think?

[@CapeCrawlers]

That’s awesome! I have probably $750 in the gladiator at this point I bet.

[@TheHCR202]

@@CapeCrawlers thanks for the fast reply. We are going to start doing some unboxing videos and rush into the RC scene again

[@Apasash]

😉👍

[@jaronbrandes5054]

How do you have your flex blades mounted. I have pretty much the same setup but I’m getting some crazy binding in the shocks. No binding without the flex blades

[@CapeCrawlers]

Are you binding in the front or rear? I had to remove the front because they bound up too bad. The rear I have no issues with.

[@jaronbrandes5054]

@@CapeCrawlers the rear.

[@CapeCrawlers]

@@jaronbrandes5054 Are you on instagram? If so, send me a DM and I can send you some photos of how I mount them.

[@jaronbrandes5054]

@@CapeCrawlers yes I am. It’s the same as my username on here.

[@ckadventures7767]

I just received my gladiator whats a good tire and shock size for climbing hills and over rocks

[@CapeCrawlers]

Depends how big you want to go. My favorite tire is the LGRP swamp king tire, but they’re big. A good small tire is the rc4wd Goodyear wrangler or the proline trenchers. For shocks, I like the 43mm with the springs removed

[@ckadventures7767]

@CapeCrawlers thanks keep them videos coming I enjoy watching them I'm learning alot.

[@justiceotto8049]

Hey I have a question about these axels …. I just bought them and when I installed them . The Scx24 became so much louder .. is that normal ? do I need to grease anything or do these axel come ready to go ? Please help

[@CapeCrawlers]

You might want to grease them. I did in mine and they were bone dry when I opened them up.

[@duckoboi6085]

I ordered these exact first mods for mine and the rims just spun, the car didn't even go.

[@Berkley_Sauve19]

what's the difference between a 2 channel radio and a 4

[@Berkley_Sauve19]

on the scx24

[@CapeCrawlers]

The extra channels give you expanded functionality. Ch1 and 2 are typically steering and throttle/reverse. The other channels give you customization options. You can plug in an extra servo and run 4WS using an extra channel, or an extra set of lights, or a winch.

[@Berkley_Sauve19]

Thanks so much

[@deanodoc1257]

I find those tires are terrible on rocks, only way i could get them to hookup is to cut tread out of them, Now they do pretty good.

[@CapeCrawlers]

Interesting! I’ve not tried another big tire this deep in my build so I don’t have a lot to compare to. I’ve got some of the new Injora mud terrains on the way that I’m excited to try

[@deanodoc1257]

@@CapeCrawlers best imo that I've found with the bigger tires are the rc4wd scramblers .

[@CapeCrawlers]

@@deanodoc1257 I do love the scramblers. I have them on my JLU and they work fantastic.

[@ronanrebrovich3657]

We’re can I get these parts

[@CapeCrawlers]

Rcawd has the portals. You can use my code “capecrawlers” for 5% off. Amain hobbies has a great inventory of parts and you can get a good amount of the items there. I got a lot from Amazon as well.

[@chandlerrambow338]

Take the bumper mounts off !!

[@CapeCrawlers]

If I was purely after function I would, but I like how it looks with the bumper on too much to take it off. A sacrifice I’ll have to live with I guess!

[@markwoodlief6522]

Rip the servo

[@CapeCrawlers]

I go through one about every other month. The emax's specifically.

[@notapplicable5931]

Email to contact for questions?

[@CapeCrawlers]

[e-mail]

[@notapplicable5931]

@@CapeCrawlers thank you 🙏

[@sc4rles]

You're a handsome man! No homo

[@CapeCrawlers]

😆 thank you!

[@EdgeBauer]

Why is the video super bright?!??? I know this is an extremely annoying feature on instagram (another reason why I don’t have it).. but had never seen it here on YT… why?????

[@CapeCrawlers]

I’m not sure. I didn’t see that it was much different than my others. Are all my videos super bright on your end?

[@texomarc]

Whoa whoa whoa. Spring modification? Sounds too close to, “the spring mod”. Patent pending, homie!!! Aaahahahaha. Check it out if you don’t know what I’m talking about.

[@CapeCrawlers]

Haha! I would give you full credit if I used the famous spring mod! Which I do need to try by the way. You’ve got great content by the way!

[@texomarc]

@@CapeCrawlers Thanks brother! Definitely need to try it. You can have your flex but remain controlled, then from there dial it down as much as you want. The flex is beautiful on the chunk but can’t keep up when the obstacles get big and steep. I’ve tightened Max down from initial setup and he goes more places than before. You said you struggled with ride height and the spring mod allows individual control of ride height, sag/droop, and dropout tension.

[@patrickshizo2870]

Adam, i know this it not the newest 24 scale vid you have, but honestly.. do you think its ok to write this on every SCX24 Gladiator video in 2023? I get it that the Gladiator is capable, but not really when compared to others... Honestly.. I personally was so disappointed with any upgrade I did.. the Gladiator just keeps failing and falling short and sorts off feels useless/helpless... Please skip the SCX24 Gladiator (April 2023... I have SCX Deadbolt, SCX Gladiator and a SCX24 XC-1. I swear I gave the Gladiator to my barely 3y old son (he already killed one motor) just to mess with it. It was a WASTE OF MONEY... out of my 3 i own, the deadbolt clearly wins even stock and aftermarket upgrades 100-400$ upgrades (Furitek K(i keep parts rotating around my cars to get the best out of one). People here will tell you the Gladiator impressive, but it is not if you can compare. If you can't compare, you might be asking why TF it keeps flipping over.?!?!?!... just go to a or start with a SCX Deadbolt. Even out of the box, the deadbolt just masters everything better than the most SCX24s. I youtube'd a lot and a lot and alot, and I 100% agree to every youtuber who said that's the one. You want an example.... My boy loves to sit down of the floor, legs straight and let the RC cars crawl over his thigh. He/I was able to it with the deadbolt, he/I was able to it with the XC-1 but not the gladiator (he tried it today (even with brass weights on the wheels - nope)).88

[@CapeCrawlers]

Hey Patrick! I don't think the gladiator is the best performing SCX24. I agree that the deadbolt is the most capable, especially with some minor mods, and the C10 being a close second. I would put the gladiator third.

[@DCYZ125MX]

Alt honest review* Bog stock these are pathetic! DO NOT expect anything without spending 2-3x initial RTR price to be mildly happy. Scx10 however... cool out of the box, beast after $1200 In mods.

[@CapeCrawlers]

All true!