How to: Lower Your TRX4 High Trail Truck!

[@110everyday6]

I love the lifted high trails, back in 1984 I had a 1977 Blazer with a 12 inch lift and 44” Fun Country tires! These remind me of the good ole days!

[@CSL33]

Thank you for taking the time to share your experience on this particular endeavor. Very much appreciated!!! ....as it certainly will by many others as more of these High-Trail models fly off the shelves in the coming months and years.

[@PurfsMcGurfs]

No problem. Customization is half the fun!

[@TheKeeganc]

This is a huge help. Thank you!! I am trying to get this K10 to resemble my 1:1 also! Thank you for doing all the legwork for us and breaking it all down. Awesome!!

[@varmintsniper2551]

My High Trail is a trail truck. It goes thru streams like a champ. My buddy’s low trails all get carried across. Especially these past weeks of rain.

[@PurfsMcGurfs]

Yeah, they are very decent for trail running at full height. When it comes to hard crawls and steep climbs however, the center of gravity is too high and the truck tends to flop.

[@varmintsniper2551]

@@PurfsMcGurfs it’s better to just buy the low trail if you crawl more. Trail trucks don’t need much mods. Send it!

[@PurfsMcGurfs]

@@varmintsniper2551 it comes down to body choice. I wanted a regular height k10. So it was better to lower a high trail than body swap my land rover.

[@JimbobJames-n2p]

I got myself a TRX 4 Ford F150 high trail 1/10 metallic brown only last week 18 July and after running it only once I decided to put the 1.9 wheels and tyre from the TRX 4 Landrover Defender. Mostly for asthetics because I thought the big 2.2 wheels and 5.3 tyres looked kind of Goofy. This also lowers the truck really easily and looks great too. Plus the black wheels and black windows along with the metallic brown all fit together really nicely. Shame though , I brought the truck becase ii liked it so much then realised those big tyres kind of look silly. Still got the lift kit and looks realistic like a 1:1 scale real life truck. That Chevy K10 you have there purfs is beautiful 👌👍

[@sgthulk9]

​@@JimbobJames-n2p The 2.2 wheels look goofy, you're right. That's why i just bought nylon M3 spacers(male) and put them between the framework and clipless mountings, therefore lifting the body 10mm, instead of the chassis. Looks perfect now👍🏼

[@stephenr6427]

Brought the sport high trail lowered it the same day as they didn’t do the normal one in the grey and green. Great informative video

[@benjaminbrown7127]

I did this to the f150 hightail and it looks stunning

[@bluzrc7640]

Bro, thanks for making this video. I just got a high trail sport, and I'm finding out it really needs to be lowered. The part about the front battery tray...🤦‍♂️ should've seen that a mile away.

[@crocsonletsgo9665]

Great point. I was wrong. Haha I ended up removing the shock spacers, getting 1.9 canyon trails, and cutting springs. I'll keep the links for a slightly longer wheelbase since the bumpers stick out. Ill try the servi mount next. So far, its all ben free for me though.

[@christopheralves2026]

how did the servo mount go?

[@crocsonletsgo9665]

@@christopheralves2026 I actually ended up Dremeling the top of the Hightrail servo mount and mounting the servo from above. Works great!

[@rccvs4355]

Great video thanks for showing us, so easy to covert back to original. Now I need to go to my local hobby shop !!

[@MrScby11195]

I personally enjoy the lift kit I have found I can do I lot of stuff my buddy’s with stock trucks cans do of course that means there stuff they can do that I can’t but still really fun

[@PurfsMcGurfs]

I wanted the scale look since I was replicating my 1:1 truck. I figured other people might want to lower theirs for scale or comp. Nothing wrong with it lifted, it's pretty cool either way.

[@MrScby11195]

@@PurfsMcGurfs definitely they look good both ways

[@topqualityfi8216]

Under 60 dollars you can put 250g on front weight to wheels so it wont tip but u get the high clearence

[@rolexr]

If I like no High Trail…I buy the standard TRX-4…because I have two of them…I want a High Trail!!! 🤜🏼

[@SoulXD8]

I plan on changing up my k10 high trail drastically. one of the ways I'm changing it is by lowering it. I was able to pull that off by just getting the normal GTS shock super soft springs (8042) and i was able to achieve a similar ride height to what you have. I do also plan on getting the wheelbase shortening kit to fit a different body since I got the K10 from RC4WD and that one just looks so much better and I don't like having multiple cars with the same body. I may run into issues once I shorten the wheelbase but I'll be back to watch this video again if/when I do 🤣

[@PurfsMcGurfs]

The biggest reason why I didnt keep the long shocks is because even though you can set them lower, they do not compress as far as the shorter shocks do. If this isnt an issue for your build, lowering it with the stock shocks is a great way to save some dough for other parts. 👍

[@SoulXD8]

@@PurfsMcGurfsyou got a point there; but where I lost points in compression, I gain in droop. I haven’t actually ran it yet so I don’t know if the lack of compression is going to screw me over or if I’m better off with going with more droop. Time will tell

[@Motovlog865]

Any rubbing with 4.75 tires? Looks great. Thinking of doing the long wheelbase conversion on my TRX4 sport

[@PurfsMcGurfs]

@@Motovlog865 it rubbed pretty good at full compression but, I raised the body 1/8" and the sliders 3/8" so I didnt have to trim too much off the fenders. It still has a slight rub on the grill and rear of the front fenders but only when turned and fully stuffed.

[@CSL33]

FYI, the Traxxas part# for the Servo mount is 8239

[@J_T_Outdoors]

Thank you

[@rcjono]

Sweet video mate new sub here 🤘

[@MillyAire]

I can only find aluminium mount. Where can I find these illuminum ones you mention?

[@jonathanbokemeyer570]

I think you did a good job. Looks good. In turn though instead of changing all of the suspension you could've taken a stock trx4 and changed the wheel wells to clip ons, as well as got the the k10 body and painted it the color that you wanted. Other than that I think it looks great, good choice on the ssd wheels and the super swamper tires. Love those tires, it's like never ending grip.

[@PurfsMcGurfs]

Thanks. I wanted to just convert the body on my other trx4 but, after looking into the parts differences, you end up needing frame rails, an extension plate, the driveshaft kit, fenders and, the body. Price is basically the same either way but, at the time, a lot of the parts weren't in stock so I just decided to get a high trail kit and lower it. If I was going to do it again, I would convert a regular trx now that parts are available.

[@jonathanbokemeyer570]

@PurfsMcGurfs Absolutely, you know I didn't even think about the longer frame rails. That is Absolutely necessary if you want the k10 or the f150 body. I have both the f150 as well as the k10. I didn't lower mine though because I like the high stance.

[@voidreapergaming9230]

Ty I got a k5 blazer on a trade to add to my other trx but it had high trail installed and I honestly don’t like the look of how big of a gap between wheels and body

[@stephenr6427]

All i did was lower the front tray 1.9s took the spacer off the shocks and put it inside and got the standard servo panhard mount seems like you spent alot of money for the same result all i brought was a servo tray snd mine was fine no shafts no links

[@allthingsmotorized1885]

just so you know rather than replacing the servo mount, i just cut off the extended part. saves money

[@CSL33]

....however, the High Trail servo mount does more than simply lower the servo; it also pushes it forward by maybe 3 or 4mm. (to coincide with the longer HT links)

[@polarlicht4758]

@@CSL33 Which is also the reason they lifted the front battery tray by 10mm, to make room for the now more forward servo

[@oldmanmtb1443]

How does it crawl after the lowering kit? Mines is super top-heavy.

[@1ubby]

I purchased the 336mm conversion kit and my longer rear links have same rod ends as my shorter links so what shorter rod end will I need purchase to bring my rear axle in few mills?

[@204_rc]

Great info! Thanks!

[@NWTMasterWolf]

LOL why not just by the other version? Seems to me if you want it lower you should have bought the lower sitting model LOL. They were side by side in the hobby store when I bought mine

[@PurfsMcGurfs]

They don't make a normal height k10 so no, they weren't side by side when you bought yours and I didnt want the "other version"

[@sprather84]

Hey, I have a question, so does that make it like a 12.8 wheelbase again so would that body fit like the defender if I got the right inter fenders?

[@PurfsMcGurfs]

No, the wheelbase is over 13" still. The frame is longer and there is a 13mm extender plate under the transmission.

[@reddeerrebelrc6674]

So front links from regular sport etc?

[@PurfsMcGurfs]

Yep. Just your standard front links.

[@ericwagner3223]

I just added a 2mm spacer where the pan hard bar mounts to the axle.

[@polarlicht4758]

Do i also need shorter diff lock cables?

[@PurfsMcGurfs]

Nope, the stock ones will work. They are just slightly longer.

[@112244bob]

It looks like they added a link spacer to the skidd I bet if you just removed that you would not have to change the link ends

[@PurfsMcGurfs]

The extension is 13mm long. I only needed to remove 5mm to correct the wheelbase.

[@CSL33]

That skid plate extender is what is being used to get to the longer 13.2" wheelbase from a 12.8" wheelbase (from 324mm to 336mm)

[@crocsonletsgo9665]

Why would you pay an extra $200 for the lifted version and then lower it? 🤦‍♂️

[@PurfsMcGurfs]

Because they dont make a non lifted version of the k10. If you convert a different trx4 kit with the longer chassis rails, the extension plate, body kit and fenders, the price is still basically $200. The truck works better when it's not lifted stupid tall.

[@SVTCobre]

I'm here to agree with Purfs and to also do this to mine. It was cool to basically have a "mud truck" out of the box but a crawler it isn't. Thanks for the video by the way!

[@adamhill1216]

@@SVTCobre it crawls pretty well unless your super serious or competing,

[@MrScby11195]

Who paid 200 more anyway It’s only priced 50 more then the standard trucks and at that price hard to beat

[@AMikeOnLine]

Sooo... With your conversion you are not only reducing the Height but also the wheel base at the same time.

[@PurfsMcGurfs]

Yes, it drops an inch, and the wheelbase is reduced by 10mm or so.

[@CSL33]

@@PurfsMcGurfs Actually, the wheelbase remains exactly the same. Given the use of links, wheelbases dynamically change throughout suspension travel: increases during suspension compression, and the wheelbase decreases during suspension expansion. A high-trail model has longer links simply because its resting position is much higher.

[@PurfsMcGurfs]

@@CSL33 I understand what you are getting at. The high trail trucks wheels do not line up with the wheelwells from the factory. By reducing the wheelbase they line up. The wheelbase is extended by the link spacer at the back of the trans skid, the lift links also add more length. It's traxxas using already manufactured parts to save some coin. Maybe they are accounting for a larger tire to have clearance at the front fenders but, I doubt that was a priority for them. I reduced the WB to center the axles by a few millimeters so in a way, the wheelbase is basically the same while technically being shorter.

[@SYST3M_OVERIDE]

What do you have the panhard bar screwed into by the servo mount?

[@PurfsMcGurfs]

It screws into the fender like a stock trx4.

[@SYST3M_OVERIDE]

@@PurfsMcGurfs what part# is it?

[@PurfsMcGurfs]

@@SYST3M_OVERIDE I dont know but, it's the stock fender on the k10 so you shouldn't need to order any new parts.

[@SYST3M_OVERIDE]

@@PurfsMcGurfs Awesome! Thank you

[@alexmarinescu2873]

But...why?!

[@PurfsMcGurfs]

But...why not?!

[@anthonyguillen2564]

That’s what I don’t understand can’t you just buy the regular version and if your not a fan of the monster trucks why even build one if you don’t like them your still making a monster truck just a smaller version

[@PurfsMcGurfs]

There isnt a regular k10 or f150. They come in high trail only. So no, you cant just buy a "regular version". Converting a base trx to the longer chassis and body costs more anyway. I wanted a scale replica of my full size truck and, this was how I did it.

[@gary19222]

​@@PurfsMcGurfs will the body fit on a trx4? Cant you do it that way too? Buy the body?

[@PurfsMcGurfs]

@@gary19222 you can buy the body and mount it with body posts I suppose. You would still need to stretch the wheel base and probably remove fender liners if you have them.

[@gary19222]

@@PurfsMcGurfs are you sure about the wheelbase? Not trying to argue genuinely asking. When I first saw these High trail trucks the first thing I thought if they would be cooler if they weren't so high with such big wheels

[@PurfsMcGurfs]

@@gary19222 I'm positive. I dropped the body on my land rover and there is a 1/2" difference.

[@AngryAmerican1945]

What kind of wheels are those?

[@PurfsMcGurfs]

They are SSD steel wheels. I ordered them from amainhobbies.

[@DTW-bx2vy]

Since 1986, Traxxas has not listened to what the customers really wants. Maybe they will start listening with in the next two decades. We want full race vehicles not silly backyard bashers.

[@PurfsMcGurfs]

I agree, my biggest issue with traxxas as of late is the proprietary parts and accessories. Their plug, battery, charger setup for example. Other companies offer freedom but, traxxas wants you to buy their products. Once your in, you wont want to buy a new charger and packs so, you have to buy their ESC plugs. They make cool stuff but, they definitely like to bait people into their RTRs so they can sell more product.

[@JimBoBJames-no5db]

@@PurfsMcGurfs that's really not good. I've got a high trail F150 metallic brown on pre order here in Australia and I'm seriously thinking of getting a refund. I don't like what Traxxas do to customers. Been waiting since around March this year too so maybe I should just get a refund on this Traxxas junk. I don't need any more expenses after the initial purchase. Thank PurfsMcgurfs for your great advice,👍👌

[@PurfsMcGurfs]

@@JimBoBJames-no5db The TRX4 is a great rig for what it is. In reality, you will probably upgrade electronics eventually anyway. If you already have an esc in your spare parts, it's easy to swap over to your current packs. My initial comment was focused on people new to RC who wouldnt have any other parts laying around. (Mainly people who want RTR rigs and not build kits) I wanted the trx4 to replicate my fullsize truck so rather than mess around with building a scaler from parts, I sold off my other trx and bought the high trail.

[@JimBoBJames-no5db]

@@PurfsMcGurfs yeh I understand you. I'm just not really happy with Traxxas screwing their customers around. I get you , and if it's more a build in progress and a hobby and one has the time and patience to mess around then fine. But Traxxas don't respect their customers period. I haven't got my truck yet and now I don't think I want it. Unless of course I want to spend at least $1000.00 Australian dollars extra above the initial purchase price of $1100.00 Australian dollars . Traxxas 👎💩💩

[@TomsPropertyCare]

Pretty easy. Sell your HT and buy a normal TRX4.

[@slottygw2wvw842]

traxxas 101............cannot do nothing out of the box that is decent. Always need a subscription to their parts they are worse than APPLE!

[@PurfsMcGurfs]

I actually agree with you here. I was big into rc as a kid but, I bought this just to replicate my fullsize. If I was going to buy any other r/c's, I wouldn't look to traxxas first either.