Gnarly Sledgehammer Tires - Project Rustler 4x4 VXL Update | RC Driver

A short while back we featured the Traxxas Rustler 4x4 VXL in a full factory upgrade project series. This truck was a blast to drive before and after the project build and then we extended the series after getting some more parts in. Well we just got another noteworthy item for the truck and wanted to show you. We have the Sledgehammer tire option for the Rustler 4x4 or Stampede 4x4 and give you a look at the tire up close in this video. Then we bolt them on and take them for a drive at the local BMX track. If you’ve been thinking about using these tires, you need to see this video, there are things you need to take into consideration before using them.
PRODUCT FEATURED
Sledgehammer Tires
By: Traxxas
Part Number: 6792
Price: $38
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#RCTrucks #Traxxas #RCDriver

[@rcdriver]

What’s the driveline noise? 8:05

[@the-drifter-42]

Bad slipper pads?

[@fcsthememe7987]

You need a Slipper bad

[@fcsthememe7987]

@@the-drifter-42 and no he's got a center diff now.

[@the-drifter-42]

@@fcsthememe7987 Shut up

[@Hunter_Kennedy1]

@@the-drifter-42 I'm so confused.... what did he do?

[@DB-qm4jx]

Hey Greg! I like how you talked us through the test drive and did not play music over it. I think it's better that way so we get your real and immediate response to what we are seeing. Great job. I was waiting on you for this review. Worth the wait!

[@petechipps9770]

I was going to say the exact same thing. Really like the play-by-play during the driving portion.

[@scottfirman]

Sledgehammer Hammers are great, but make sure your slippers clutch is not cranked down too far, unless you like replacing Spur gears often. Mine came alive after swapping the tires on my new Stampede. Yeah, they are awesome!

[@ChrisHirner]

That Rustler is a crazy little truck right out of the box. I always hand it off to new drivers as its pretty tough and its so nimble they learn pretty fast.

[@Dyledelic]

Awesome vid!! Cant wait to try some sledgehammer tires myself!

[@JLary71377]

You've sold me on the Rustler. Gonna get the VXL

[@doylemiller-e2u]

I like your videos the way you do product testing keep me updated on the rustler 4x4 I would like to see videos of the rustler 2wd

[@Ericeng57]

Love these tires on my 4x4 rustler vxl. Much more of a basher now. Keep a eye on the wheel bearings, they tend to get chewed up.

[@nathanchild3256]

How’s the ballooning on them? Thinking of adding them to my stampede 4x4

[@Ericeng57]

@@nathanchild3256 Not too bad, but it will hit the underside of my body over jumps. Stampede should have better clearance. Worth it.

[@thebandit188]

We’ve been using the Sledgehammer tires on the Rustler for awhile. We changed the diff oil front and rear, kept the hearing the same. Note though, sharpe turns those tires will catch the body and tear it. Apply some body armor neoprene.

[@jordank8422]

Yes I asked for another one of these I love the rustler sires

[@thornmatthew8395]

I love them. I have had no issues.

[@SargentSkroonk]

Traxxas made their own Trencher. And it breaks axles! Take my money!

[@oliverhairston2937]

I have these on my rustler 4x4. I have a 9 tooth pinion and a fan on the motor. On 3s she still gets hot. These 95 degree days aren’t helping much. Looks so mean though and after getting used to handling I love them.

[@uncreatedfilm]

Try cooling the esc too!

[@arandomvenipede7604]

I fitted mine with a 9 tooth pinion too and I set the gear mesh and everything and it just wants to keep shredding spur gears after about 20 mins

[@oliverhairston2937]

@@arandomvenipede7604 I didn’t have that problem. I didn’t keep them long though because I ride a lot of flat smooth surfaces and these were better for rough terrain. Wanted to flip with the big sidewalls.

[@MrRamman04]

I used to love Rc, bought 6 in one year ,got bored and now over 6 grand in in my basement, trying to sell them but you gotta give them away, all like new and get back 1/2

[@MatthewKnight-k9o]

Its a "Dead Money" hobby People need to realize this before they dive in, especially if you have kids who change hobby's on a whim.

[@TheSkinon]

Turn the wheelie bar upside down, little bit of shaving but it just gets the power down now and riiiiips. Way more fun...

[@garylafontaine5850]

I have proline badlands on mine in this size. I broke a rear drive axle in about 4 minutes. Put a set of teckno RC axles in and I ripped the center of the spur gear out of it. Made those same sounds when running around the backyard. Suggest changing out axles and metal spur gear and better slipper clutch components or differential.

[@fcsthememe7987]

Good thing I actually got a full set of the 2.8 Proline Trenchers LPs then. I kinda don't want to stress out mine. To the point that my upgrades break.

[@bakerproductions9241]

How do you like them? any overheating or broken axles? also what size pinion?

[@fcsthememe7987]

Currently got the Badlands MX28s with the Traxxas Hardened steel not these axles with the Robinson Racing 10t pinion with the Traxxas Rustler brushed gear adapter.

[@bakerproductions9241]

@@fcsthememe7987 Nice! I have a rustler 4x4 VXL and want to upgrade the tires to a bigger size, but I know I will have to lower the pinion gear a bit. Just don't want to overheat or anything.

[@fcsthememe7987]

@@bakerproductions9241 yeah I get it it's my only car I have a nice cooling setup. On the car

[@jimmysexton5634]

what gearing would you recommend with the sledgehammer tires?

[@johnabelljr1997]

Check your center drive shaft. It may be bent. Hard/bad landings will flex the chassis and bend the drive shaft

[@kalewitte1263]

What pinion did you use with the sledgehammers

[@Krideezy]

Love the videos with a little more commentary on the bmx portions. Love all your videos regardless! cheers

[@MatrixRC]

Yessir! Larger tires on this vehicle also in my experience will snap stub axles.💯👍🏼😔

[@luiscastillodelao9839]

That too

[@MrDani3lsan]

What did you change to make the car turn? With the sledgehammers my rustlers tires rub when it turns. And although i could set the endpoints i see yours can turn much further.

[@jebthapm]

Love the vids. Keep em coming!!

[@EyesOnRC]

Without fan on the ESC it will shut down fairly quick unless you are in a cold climate 🤷‍♂️😭🇦🇺

[@PerceptionFPV]

Even with stock wheels I run motor and esc fan

[@zip-tieracing4307]

You should put the stampede rear bumper on it 6777x so you can put the regular wheelie bar on

[@kishdogg1594]

Just grabed one of these for my son...any suggestions on axel replacement 4 wheel drive

[@jeremiahwhisler766]

Surprised you did not mention a new/better servo. My stock plastic servo died in less than 2 batteries after putting larger tires on the truck.

[@ruslyrc2415]

Very good video, man. I hope your day is always fun.

[@HansenRC21]

Are those to a maxx or hoss?

[@Waterfowler35]

Did you have to change the gears for the tires?

[@rcdriver]

Yes, I wound up dropping a few teeth on the pinion.

[@honokami-sama8462]

Instant wheelie machine

[@andyb9994]

I know it's a older vid but rustler VXL is fast, why so much faster than stampede VXL, either way love both and gotta get me a rustler VXL....great vid sledghammer tires are awesome also...

[@davidorr8645]

I really enjoyed the commentary and naration during the running portion of the video. Great job!

[@011joki]

my motor is getting to hot with a 54z and a 11z and these tires. the warning is on that i cant drive for a few minutes what can i do? i already have a van on the motor and on the thing where you turn the car on.

[@BUILTLIGHTWOUNDTIGHT]

AWESOMENESS!!! 😎

[@golfpro5502]

The tire didnt rub? I want the sledgehammer tires but afraid they’ll rub like my badlands. I have the older 2.8 badlands and they rub..apparently they changed them and added adjustable hubs to fix the issue. I just dont see the oFfsets listed anywhere. really like the light weight of the stock tire and the lower profile. The badlands and sledgehammers are better when they are worn down a bit.

[@jesseormond3202]

They look like a very aggressive tread eh. They hook up like a cross between the Trenchers and Badlands.

[@tedt2506]

You need the adjustable wheelie bar

[@sebbbou5455]

is it recommanded to upgrade the pinion gear with those tires on the rustler? Tks for any inputs

[@michaelrowe5896]

Yes. Try going down a couple teeth

[@sebbbou5455]

@@michaelrowe5896 better late than never 🤙🏻

[@michaelrowe5896]

@@sebbbou5455 yeah I feel you. Hardly anybody ever responds to my comments. A few do like cheeseburger rc, propaganda rc, but as far as the huge rc KZbinrs, almost always no help at all

[@sebbbou5455]

@@michaelrowe5896 yes this is why many youtube channels are dying

[@Christopher-oi9jo]

I was running 25/83 with these tires and my motor got pretty hot. Now I’m running 19/86 and it seems to run at much better temps!

[@94xltspecial]

awesome

[@i_swearimnotawaffle1356]

Question, will you ever get a rustler 2wd?

[@rhelton72]

So you mentioned pinion change possibly due to temps but did you wind up changing yours?

[@andresvillagomez75]

I’ve had these for about 2 months now...... great tires. I like them more than the pro line trenchers

[@arturosrk]

What was your experience with the Trenchers? I just got a set yesterday but haven't had a chance to run it yet.

[@Dre357]

@Andres What axles do you use?

[@robertpalmer8977]

I’m looking into a brushless upgrade soon. Which 3s battery are you running?

[@pietervandersluijs]

We also have the normal rushler 4x4. What to upgrade to make it an VXL? Can you make a video on that?

[@michaelrowe5896]

​@@pietervandersluijs vxl is traxxas' velenion brushless motor and ESC combo. Just buy those and install

[@typedrew]

So that fancy alum motor plate bent that quick? Wish you would have done a review of just the center diff and diff mods without the tires and the tires separately. So we could know how much of which was affecting the handling and constant wheelies

[@RexWui]

Just got back into RC after a 10 year hiatus. Great channel to reintroduce me into the latest - been binging your vidoes! Subscribed!

[@adamhawkins243]

What weight diff oil do you use in your rustler?? I'm cleaning mine out for the first time and not sure what to use in front and rear

[@arturosrk]

Great video. Would you apply the same tips for a similar tire like the Pro-Line Trenchers?

[@windlockatc]

I have those, and I need the adjust my gear ratio running the trenchers, as I do overheat fairly quick. I should note I am running the Belted Trenchers.

[@supboy666]

1. They catch the front of the body when they balloon on full lock steering. 2. They rock i find myself doing more rocky, taller grass bashing than cut grass asphalt i did with the stocks. 3. Im thinkingof dropping 1 tooth on the stock gearing since when doing lots of full throttle over grass my esc cuts out (red blinking). Then again im running the stock 11tooth pinion on a 52T spur instead of a stock 54T which might solve the problem.

[@ghpjerry]

Sure needs a wheelie bar, that didn't even look fun. Maybe I've missed it before, but will you try to double those 1st 2 jumps after the start gate? When you're standing on the Table Top jump, the corner is to your left & the 2 jumps & start gate are to your right...Launch that into 1 double! @ 4:37 you're looking at them.

[@nathan16253]

I have a traxxas rustler and I have those tires and it breaks the drive shafts so quick do you have any solutions

[@averyhubatch139]

Did you have to change the gearing at all?

[@renef4872]

Hey can you make a video of installing bell crank’s and servo for the russler 4x4

[@jy13_99]

Are they glued or beadlocked?

[@fishycomics]

3.8 on a 2.8 system?

[@rcpatinaguyllc2655]

Great reviews. Love it. (Aka) Rc Patina Guy)

[@fordbuesinger6972]

so they only come with 2 tires so i will buy 2 packs right?

[@HermundAOlsen]

Nice! What is the squeeling sound when the car jumps?

[@rcdriver]

Bent the motor plate at some point during that day.

[@newfonewhodis5156]

ya i had a rustler 4/4 but the lcg chassis just isnt great for bashing thts y i bought th maxx

[@pietervandersluijs]

Can you please make a video about cleaning your Rustler in a good way?

[@Kevin_Yagoonie]

Can these be used on the 2wd nitro rustler?

[@petechipps9770]

Hey Greg. I have turned my Slash 4x4 into a Rustler 4x4 of sorts. Would really like your opinion on a body for my build. I have a cut down Slash body on it now. I kinda want a body that will be long enough and fit between the tires because of the ballooning of the tires. Thanks and keep up the great content.

[@rcdriver]

I’m thinking “maybe” a Proline Sentinel body? I’m just guessing🤔 Might need the Proline body mounts too.

[@michaelrowe5896]

​​@@rcdriver not related to body I know but I am upgrading my rustler 4x4 vxl. Just got the pro line badlands for it ( item PRO117310) and the rear tires are fine. The front tires seem sort of wobbly tho and I'm not sure why. Any idea what could be wrong or is that normal for this truck? Also would you recommend center differential or slipper clutch for mostly bashing in dirt, rocks, grass and some jumping? I don't "send it" btw. I just like having fun Nice videos btw. Truck is completely stock except the tires at the moment btw

[@ianlerma8110]

I love my rustler either the badlands I put on it. The ground clearance is so much better, the car flips and wheels yes more (which I love) and overall, the trucks just feels better but the one thing I hate is that they rub even without ballooning. I’ll turn and if the shocks get compressed, the tires rub. And it has destroyed my body. Once my badlands I bald I’ll get these so I get the same results but just way less body rubbing

[@dpwood420]

nice truck, them seem like badland 2.8s

[@This_is_him]

What kind of run time are you getting with 3s lipo?

[@briandee98]

every bashers money counts what a hobby

[@livinfreerc1263]

🚙Looks good Very Kewl💨 Yeah kinda worried about overheating and gearing as well.

[@MrMetz2112]

Traxxas support told me to change to a nine tooth pinion gear to stop things from breaking due to the larger more grip sledgehammers. Has anybody tried this? If so what were the results?

[@Mike-um1cr]

I would imagine you need to decrease spur size to compensate, since it’s a fixed gear mesh and cannot be adjusted from what I can tell

[@dayadam16]

@@Mike-um1cr it can be adjusted manually if you remove the insert piece that has the different pinion numbers you can run factory. Just pick what ever hole your pinion number is set for.

[@CounselorsBand]

DO you have any thoughts or experience with the sledgehammer tires for the maxx? they seem to be similar in size to stock maxx tires, unlike with the rustler. Assuming they will be less likely to have the issues that you had with the sledgehammers on the rustler.

[@TheOminousVoidWispers]

Ever figure out why it was screaming like it was chewing internals up?

[@rcdriver]

Motor plate was slightly bent. Gear mesh still had some lash, just the angle caused the whirring noise. Option motor plate installed and all is good.

[@jimmyc8329]

Hello. On your Rustler 4x4 How long in your opinion will it run using a 3s lipo? Thank you. In your install of the sledgehammer tires you mentioned you run it in your backyard on grass, that's pretty much what I would be doing.

[@johngantner9314]

would you know is the wheely bar the same as on a stampede 4wd vxl.? Thankyou

[@scooter4699]

I dont think so the rustler wheelie bar is long and very flexible

[@Ja1976P]

Could you recommend better gearing for use with these tires? My Rustler keeps shutting down from overheating.

[@danieldesantiago6472]

I added an esc fan and motor fan to my rustler, it was overheating on 3s. Running 2.8 proline trenchers and havent had an issue since

[@roeypaster5502]

I also have those tires, same stock gears.. add fans to motor and esc and it works perfectly. 💪

[@JS-te4gz]

Will they fit the 2wd?

[@HRCCPolar]

I know this is a year old, but when I use these in my VXL it seems to slow down the truck. This normal?

[@rexbuenaventura6900]

Will these fit into a 1:/8 buggy?

[@moreletters361]

Just got these and I toasted my plastic spur gear. Are you using a metal spur and plastic spur? If yes, have they held up so far?

[@JLary71377]

I got a question for ya... Sledge vs Rustler 4x4 VXL. Which one?

[@BodofLegend]

I got the rustler only because I didn’t want to put the money for the sledge.. and the Sledge was sold out lol. IMO if you’re doing the same things with them.. I’d get the sledge!!!! But definitely get another opinion!

[@AverageRCBasher]

It’ll have a higher top speed on stock gears too

[@jaysonshepard434]

Whats youre gearging? I wanna try these but im running 17/54 right now..... ill probably need to go back to an 11t pinion yea? i really only run on 2s

[@rcdriver]

I ran this on stock gearing. I’m going to drop it 2 teeth on the pinion and add a fan to try.

[@arturosrk]

@@rcdriver So to confirm you'll be dropping down to a 9t?

[@MatrixRC]

Nice video. I finally got these tires. Question were you running the stock spur and pinion 54t/11t?

[@ar12.]

Does anyone know how to do a diff oil change.

[@GeddyRC]

The stock Talons on my Rustler are pretty beat up and appear to be coming off the bead. I like the price of the Sledgehammer, but man those suckers get expensive! They're nearly the price of mountain bike tires!

[@pipnmaz]

Awesome looking wheels and tyres (Sorry I'm in the UK and that's how we spell it). Already checked my local shop and they're expecting these in stock July 31st so will keep an eye out for them coming in and try them on my Stampede. Can I ask what drive shafts you run on that custom Rustler build? I find 3s is killing the stock Traxxas drive shafts and the Fastrax Steel upgraded drive shafts too and looking for a reliable, strong replacement. Thanks as always.

[@connorarcher7686]

My rustler shakes ALOT at higher speeds with these tires. Any ideas? I have no idea why

[@ddrmaster22]

What is that sound in the air? Are the gears stripped? Oops... I just heard you say you think you have a bearing going bad.

[@y_epy]

I just upgraded to these tires and now I'm having steering issues, I'm not sure what is happening.

[@jordanrothermel296]

I have the same car how can I stop breaking the 4 outer axles? I would be driving it on grass or sand and I would break a u joint. I wish the car was stronger and didn't have cheap parts on it.

[@MrMetz2112]

Traxxas support told me to change to a nine tooth pinion gear.

[@johnbacharjr.5258]

Bethel BMX track the best place to bash if hate your car😅

[@grc9793]

what pinion are you running?

[@Dre357]

He mentioned stock gearing, so 11 tooth

[@grc9793]

@@Dre357 I guess I need to pay MORE attention. Thanks ✌😊👍

[@ramp-hasrcs3199]

i ran bigger tires on my and found it was braking hub bearing, got so bad i had to remove the tires.

[@wingmangaming2043]

What is the difference between this and the standard tiers? I’m new to rc

[@michaelrowe5896]

Bigger, heavier, grippier. More round than flat compared to the stock. Did you watch the video?

[@cuek]

I have installed the Sledgehammer tires on and then, when I make a turn, the tires constantly hit the body. Idk if somebody had this problem or have a way to solve it

[@jacobmillard7792]

What do you mean? Like when you turn the wheel hits the chasis or the tire rubs the body all the wime?

[@ronniewilliz153]

They look like they will have have to much traction like the proline trenchers an i havent watched the series but stock axels ???

[@rcdriver]

Lot’s of forward bite. The driveshafts are the options from Traxxas.

[@ronniewilliz153]

Gotcha

[@jy13_99]

Thats the spur gear... happened to me

[@lisaledden2179]

LOVE THE MUSIC!!!

[@japyoo2248]

And they are on the mini maxx? Uh oh

[@bubblesrcshed]

@RCDRIVER_ONLINE hey man, love your channel I’ve been wanting to get into RC for a long time and I believe Traxxas is a good brand. In your opinion which you would suggest more for a beginner like me I love the Maxx and Rustler and I can’t make up my mind on which one to get, I would be in grass and the dirt bmx track most times and here and their on my street. Thanks man keep up the great work I feel your channel deserves more from KZbin because you are extremely knowledgeable. Later.

[@7294171]

if you're going to be in grass consider the maxx it'll have more ground clearance and bigger tires from the git go

[@joeystrittmatter6890]

Hey look you just made a Hoss lol

[@ar12.]

Just got some 3.3 hopefully it doesn’t fuck my rustler up their quite big hobby store said they are compatible.

[@fonicgaming6787]

Good god what is that noise coming from the rustler throughout the entire video? Sounds like it’s going to explode!

[@rcdriver]

The answer is in the video.