Traxxas Maxx- Installing Longer Sledge shocks- This is Awesome!!!

[@kamurashev]

Just did the same with rear. On the front side I put sledge springs and shock shafts, did not need spacers as I left shock bodies stock. With this setup the length of the front shocks is about 4mm less than the rear ones. I had to grind front lower arm a bit where it gets into contact with the C bracket, thus enabling more travel to front suspension. I put 80 oil to the back and 70 front. Maxx v2 is almost ideal now.

[@macmccartney5760]

Rear shock tower geometry is the main problem , xmaxx is same way but doesnt sag in rear. I just used sledge rear springs on mine the stiffedt ones , seemed to fix it. With 80wt oil landed better on jumps

[@iso23081981]

Works great , with 8mm spacer just perfect! The shocks have ideal length. Looks and Handels much better! Thanks man!

[@rcilluminati26]

Nice, I think its so much better. The ultimate solution would be no spacer and mount the shock further out on the arm. I wish RPM would make new rear arms to do it.

[@dustinroadway6108]

8 mm spacer go inside the shock ?

[@iso23081981]

Exactly

[@snoozeflu]

great video! very helpful and informative. thumbs up. I really appreciate you explaining the details and pros & cons of doing this mod. I'm thinking the ultimate setup might be this sledge shock mod in combination with a Wide-MAXX. If the truck is sitting a little higher, the center of gravity will be a little higher and a Wide-MAXX would help with that.

[@rcilluminati26]

Thanks, I also have the wide kit. It’s a great combo with the Sledge shocks.

[@paulsimons1164]

22 shop tubes. The original the original shafts 2 new. O-rings inside of the Pisto. Tube on the shaft. With the longer Springs. From this sledge One arranged on the outside of the pistol team. So when it bottoms out, it has a bushing. 58 oil. That's my exacthat's my Zack set up. A taunt Spring. Did barely needed to be adusted. A quarter inch to a half inch down and it was perfect

[@paulsimons1164]

I use the longer shock bodies with a shorter shock rod. Add with the heavy duty Spring from the sledge shock. Didn't have to put. No lemon or inside the shop and it works perfect

[@timothylott4092]

This is the Mod I willl be using when I get my Maxx. Thank you Both

[@twisteds2fast4u]

ive been running the longer shock ends for over a year now and love it more compared to stock.

[@rcilluminati26]

Yes, its a big improvement. The longer shocks add even a bit more and the spring rate is perfect.

[@paulsimons1164]

All you had to do is use the shock tubescan you use the original piston rods? And use one bushing O. Ring. Inside the shop, the extra long shock rods. You don't need just shock therself from the sledge, the longer tube. In the shorter Pacific ride makes it the way you don't have to. Worry about anything minding. Shall I have mine?

[@squib3083]

Clever upgrade thank you for sharing. At some point I will do this to my Maxx.

[@RCPropaganda]

Might do this soon. Been really wanting to get my landings better.

[@macmccartney5760]

Rear shock tower geometry is the main problem , xmaxx is same way but doesnt sag in Rear

[@FASTRCbasher]

When looking at rear shock, fully extended, eye to eye, measure’s 139mm. This is safe in terms of binding

[@mickeysrc]

Very informative. Thanks for uploading!

[@dannejohansson258]

Thnx for another great video, will for sure do this upgrade cause I almost never drive the maxx just because of this. This is way cheaper then redoing my whole yard... :D

[@rcilluminati26]

Its a big improvement and I didnt have to use really heavy fluid so the suspension actully works on smaller bumps too.

[@Dakmaxx1218]

You'll need 2 shock bodies. They are sold as singles. I'm doing this over the vitavon lift spacers because I got MJM3D Solutions mud guards.

[@Povell81]

@RC Illuminati : I am pretty sure that the shock body bag ( 9665) only comes with one in it for $18. It may be discouraging if someone follows your instructions to find that only one shock body arrives in the mail.

[@rcilluminati26]

Thanks, I prob was mistaken or said the wrong thing. Lots of parts and bags lying around. Lol

[@davidwillocx8127]

Other solution that works for me: - original shocks - m2c shock pistons - 60 wt in front - 70 wt in back - vg racing springs for the sledge - e revo 2.0 wheels Info: maxx v2 comes with 60 wt in the shocks

[@rcilluminati26]

I tried the M2c and VG setup. Its good but the rear still bottomed way easier than the front. The rear shocks really need to be mounted closer to the wheels

[@davidwillocx8127]

Have you tried it with the vg racing springs for the sledge?

[@jamesfranke]

Great video! I’m definitely going to be doing this upgrade 💥🤙

[@jamesfranke]

Waiting for the parts to arrive! 😁

[@jamesdolan2274]

Vitavon also just came out with a bracket that accomplishes the same thing. It would be a much cheaper solution. I’ve yet to see someone test them yet though.

[@rcilluminati26]

I haven't seen that yet, does it move the mount closer the the axle? That what it really needs combined with this longer shock. I'm going to try to make something

[@cturnbull802]

i saw someone else do this but didn't change the shock shaft and they claimed they didn't have to limit them internally.

[@rcilluminati26]

Yes, I think thats the easier way. Just longer body

[@RuisRcAdventures]

Very interesting that, thanks for sharing mate. 👍

[@nickmoe16]

I have a maxx v2 with metal axles also, and I noticed the the slege shock shaft is longer and that you added a spacer, so I was wondering if it would be a better idea to just buy the slege shock body and spring and using the maxx shock shaft?

[@rcilluminati26]

Interesting idea, you would get the added length of the body and it could end up being the perfect overall length. I dont see how it could case any issues. I say give it a try and let me know how it works out.

[@cayenne7857]

These just showed up for mine. The body and shaft are ~8mm longer. Makes no sense to bother with a 8mm limited shaft. Longer body and spring, moved outboard should net your same result

[@cayenne7857]

Update... One of my favorite mods on this truck. Running 80wt and this mod has just made it stick every landing. Thanks for the vid!

[@stevenpaulin448]

very informative. great explanations. Thanks!

[@wise--men]

I'm from Brazil and I have trouble finding parts. I looked a lot and never found these blue central tire nuts. From the HR brand.

[@rcilluminati26]

I think I got mine on eBay.

[@macmccartney5760]

The maxx is horrible at air control esp compared to kraton 4s. Figured it would be comparable to xmaxx just smaller but its not at all, very unpredictable

[@ArkansasInfidel]

Between this video and one other. Im doing this upgrade on my maxx this weekend. Regarding the spacer to disallow axle binding. What would you reccomend? Plastic washers? A metal or plastic nut? All withing the measurment limit of course.

[@rcilluminati26]

I’d use plastic spacers or a short piece of tubing. Metal could scratch the shaft or the shock body.

[@ArkansasInfidel]

Did the upgrade yesterday and what a difference it made.

[@TheRookie1216]

All fours or just the rear?

[@ArkansasInfidel]

@@TheRookie1216 just the rear.

[@nox1010]

I have parts coming to do this mod, I have the rear springs on so far and can already see an improvement, chassis slaps less and not as hard

[@rcilluminati26]

Cool, it works great. Just be sure to limit to down travel just enough to prevent shafts from binding

[@raulchris2903]

Great Video ordered mine do you know what weight oil comes stock?

[@rcilluminati26]

Sorry, I forget. Traxxas typically uses 30

[@terryharvey4639]

Park flyers rc has a video with all part # from traxxas. Video been out for a year.

[@heavychevycb1]

Park flyers RC video regarding this subject has been out for a year now. However he doesn't tell you about internally limiting the shocks due to axle interference. He also doesn't mention that you can reuse the same shock caps I know it shows the original shock cap installed on the rear shocks later on in the video but there's never any confirmation of that. Also doesn't mention that you can possibly use the springs (from the Sledge) to stiffen up the front end suspension. Either way it's nice to have two different videos about this modification.

[@olds97lss]

How much longer is the sledge rear shock body than the maxx shock body? I've read that just changing out the shock body helps.

[@rcilluminati26]

I forget the measurements but that could work too

[@macmccartney5760]

What kind of tire ims are those. I like the way they look, I have a Maxx v2.. the ones in the thumbnail

[@rcilluminati26]

The tires in the thumbnail are UDR copies from Ali express. Search for 1/7 Mojave or UDR wheels

[@grumpygrandpa3640]

Couldn’t just have used the longer shock springs on the stock shock body ?

[@rcilluminati26]

No, longer springs alone won’t give more travel.

[@dragongamer8253]

Ive tried another Oil in the Shocks of my Maxx V2 and that worked fine but a Friend of mine has a Slede and may i try that too

[@rcilluminati26]

I tried a bunch of different things but using the longer shocks made the biggest improvement. Just be sure to limit the down travel enough so the shafts dont bind

[@dragongamer8253]

@@rcilluminati26 So i not drive this Thing Hardcore just a littl Street some Jumps and a littl offroad, so do you think that upgrade makes sense for me? I mean did it only improve the jumps or performs this thing offroad better to?

[@donald2818]

Have you tried putting sledge shocks on the front yet? I would think returning the truck to the original rake of the suspension sloping from front to back might be better for handling. That way it's raised up overall but has the original rake.

[@rcilluminati26]

No, the front has dual rate springs and M2C pistons and seems to work fine. The rear was my only complaint

[@thelurker9472]

Standard fuel tubing?

[@rcilluminati26]

Yes, its just a spacer so doesnt need to fit perfectly

[@74SAMOS]

Hey, is it also possible Sledge Shocks in the front ???

[@rcilluminati26]

Yes, same Idea but my front always worked ok so I didnt bother. You can also just change the shock body and use stock shaft and you shouldnt have to use any spacers to reduce travel

[@sarvove]

Didn't show anyfhing less woffel more action

[@nickpacello2597]

Did you change out the hubs to get the backflips to fit

[@rcilluminati26]

Yes, Hot Racing hubs

[@OshKoshWorldwide]

Anyone using GPM L-shape shocks on the Sledge? I just installed them and cant seem to fit body shell back onto chassis. Any tips?

[@kinlynortron3221]

What size a fuel hose did you use for the spacer. Great video.

[@rcilluminati26]

I forget the exact size, maybe 1/8. It just needs to fit over the shaft without being too loose

[@timothylott4092]

Did you ever do the front shocks????

[@rcilluminati26]

No, just the rears. Front always seemed ok to me

[@timothylott4092]

@@rcilluminati26 I compared the parts and the sledge and Maxx from shocks parts are the same. I am going to be doing paulsimons1164 idea with the longer shock body and the shorted rod to eliminate the need for the spacer

[@M3rwin6]

Genius upgrade! Any thoughts on shaving down the sleeve that nests the dog bone instead of limiting the shock stroke?

[@rcilluminati26]

I think that could make it pop out. It works really well with just the limited bump in travel, any more might make it handle worse.

[@appleslider999]

👍👍👍

[@mikeblankumsee4668]

What wheels are those?? Not the backflips....the thumbnail ones

[@rcilluminati26]

Those are off Ali Express. Search for Traxxas UDR wheels, they are copys but work great and they fit the larger axles. You can use stock UDR wheels if you have the stock plastic driveshafts.

[@hanslea5197]

where did u get the rear a arm mud guards?

[@rcilluminati26]

T-bone racing

[@AMM0394]

What wheel/tire combo do you have on your sledge hanging there? & did you need any adapters to fit or they bolt right on

[@rcilluminati26]

If its the white wheels, Traxxas Response 3.8" 5375R I believe. You need the correct dish and they bolt right on. Suoer light weight, I dont think I'd recommend for bashing though, more of a track setup

[@djfacebones8621]

What city is this?

[@rcilluminati26]

Parsippany NJ

[@djfacebones8621]

@@rcilluminati26 your neighborhood reminds me of the suburbs of Chicago

[@FASTRCbasher]

Do you have binding issues due to the longer sledge shocks? I used my 8mm shorter shock arm so I wouldn’t have to insert a spacer

[@rcilluminati26]

I had to limit the shock travel a bit so the metal driveshafts wouldn’t bind at full extension.

[@FASTRCbasher]

Sorry, rewatching vid… 139mm is safe for no binding

[@smitheshn6637]

Hello.. What is the part number of that RPM shock end???

[@rcilluminati26]

Look up RPM Long Traxxas rod ends. They replace Tra5525

[@donald2818]

Why wouldn't you just buy a pair of rear Sledge shocks and shelve the Maxx stock rears?

[@rcilluminati26]

I knew they would need some mods to work so figured this was the way to go from the start

[@eliasroman1076]

So being the sledge shocks are a little too long, would a perfect solution be rear kraton shocks all 4 front and rear? I'm talking about the 133mm rears from the kraton. I see it would be a better solution since they are a nicer quality shock absorber but I want to know what you think. Edit(the rear kratons are 30$ per pair)

[@rcilluminati26]

Possibly, depends on how they fit in the arms and on the shock towers. Another option someone mentioned is to use the longer Sledge shock body with the shorter Maxx shock shaft. I havent tried it so not sure on total length but it could be just right.

[@gonzodetroitify]

@@rcilluminati26 what would this accomplish please my man I hear you I just can’t see why unless for more fluids in the body for more packing on landings so to speak🤔 I’d like to know

[@rcilluminati26]

@@gonzodetroitify the longer shocks allow the rear arms to droop more and that means more travel. IMO the Maxx needs longer rear shocks like these and they should be mounted closer out to the wheel. Essentially just like the Sledge.

[@xXxREDEEMEDxXx-yc9ne]

That's interesting 🤔 I want to just slap them on lol

[@rcilluminati26]

Do you have the plastic or steel driveshafts? Its possible that the plastic will be ok but I'm not positive.

[@xXxREDEEMEDxXx-yc9ne]

I have wide steel axles running it on 8s

[@gonzodetroitify]

Plus1 sub ‘Narti😎

[@rcilluminati26]

Thanks!

[@roddyroddyt]

Talk too much..

[@rcilluminati26]

Fast forward, lol

[@heavychevycb1]

Traxxas does have a heavier spring rate option for the Sledge rear shocks pt#9657 rate 1.671. Do you think this heavier spring rate would be problematic?

[@rcilluminati26]

Maybe too stiff but depends on what youre doing with the car

[@atvlifefam2424]

Just you 80 weight Jesus chirst

[@rcilluminati26]

Tried that, tried M2c pistons, tried dual rate springs. All fine for bashing but then it rides too harsh and will still bottom out to easily on small bumps. Suspension is very unbalanced, bad design by Traxxas.