Traxxas TRX4 Axle Disassembly - Portals & Selectable Locking Differentials

The new Traxxas TRX4 features solid axles with portal boxes and selectable locking differentials. This video shows how these axles go together and what they are made of.
Buy your Traxxas TRX4 Here: bit.ly/3eHSIvE

[@SteriluxGaming]

This is an amazing showcase of the differential and drive shaft components aswell as the axels, amazing video! Can't wait to see the disassembly of the transmission.

[@RCCrawlerWorkbench]

I have a feeling that if maintenance is not made a priority with this truck, the cable system will go all to hell. I keep thinking of a bicycle brake system, and what a pain it can be if not properly maintained. Thanks for taking on this video Josh. I have been wanting to get a good look at the internals. Thumbs-Up

[@alimaleki217]

Your videos are extremely helpful; I kept referencing this video while installing the locking differentials kit to find out all the things Traxxas failed to mention in the "instructions". Thanks!

[@BackdraftSeven]

Hey man, I just broke my Axle housing last night, and this video is a LIFE SAVER. Appreciate you taking the time to do such a detailed breakdown. That all being said, the cable length thing scares me. I’m not sure how I’m going to get that exactly right. You got time for a drive to New Hampshire? Lol

[@SonnetGomes]

Very nice video. Amazing to see how far RC technology has come. Thank you for sharing this video.

[@jrandom2995]

Great video. Thanks for taking the time to make this. You saved me a ton of time. I just replaced a portal gear and this was a huge help. Thx man.

[@tommy23490]

I like what I see. I wish you could switch from 4 to 2 wheel drive for some reason, I think it would be cool.

[@artministratorle]

Hehe, thats what my summit VXL did in the past (front driveshaft cracked) and which was pretty funny. From time to time i release the front-drive-shaft now for that reason (bashing with full rear speed like a 2WD Bandit)

[@jamieharr4459]

@@artministratorle it

[@ka4172]

Build your own driveshaft disconnect.

[@KTMcaptain]

Reverse a Capra transmission and run the dig unit to the front axle. Grind down the locking lugs so it’ll only operate drive or freewheel and no more lock. I’ve driven my trx6 in fwd and rwd just for fun and it’s crazy how much less traction it has. Especially fwd lol

[@ovationpdh]

Very good video. My TRX4 has been a favorite of mine since the day I got it. It just keeps running and running.

[@Number74er]

Awesome video! Thank you so much. I am teching a TRX4(first time teching a crawler) right now and this video made it much easier

[@cragv]

What a brilliant video. Just got my truck today and your video here is GOLD. Thank you!

[@charlesswank6401]

I have one so thanks for this, Josh. To person below making a comparison to bicycle brakes, I'm a bike guy. I work on IT stuff in a bike company and wrench my own bikes as I have for years. That cable gauge and wrap is ever so slightly smaller than that of high grade bike cables what last for years if taken care of. In short, flow a little lube down the top ferrule once in awhile and pro'lly doesn't need saying around here, don't apply high pressure air/water when cleaning. If you mess with servo placement, etc, mind the bends and check for smooth cable movement and adjust those servo limits. Should be worry-free. It's a ridiculously beefy cable. My worry? That shift horn looks like fragile crap. Mind those servo limits. Not diggin on the plastic diff cup. I took a quick look on the Traxxas site and it appears they don't offer replacement cables. Surprising as they offer everything else down to the screws. Pro'lly on there somewhere but if not just keep packing grease down that thing and it'll live at least 7 years, even with water immersion. It's stupid-beefy for such a small thing. I'm guessing most users will get bored with the lot of it and somehow hack it to permanently locked or there will be aftermarket locking stuff. I've only had mine a few weeks and I'm almost at "Meh, don't see truly useful functionality in this. Just lock it" Still, kinda neat I guess. Nerd factor 7, useful factor 3. I have a few rants elsewhere about how I reduced mine to all lock/unlock vs. that goofy front/rear thing. Bless them for trying? The rest of the axle seems gravy for sure though! Portal are awesome!

[@BrothrBob]

WOW~! that's some serious parts going on there.

[@ka4172]

Hey Traxxas,its time for an TRX4 axel kit!

[@MrStingraybernard]

Wow ton of work

[@DVRKSIDE_]

i installed a long arm lift kit and lost my diff lock in the process somehow... this video should help though ! thank you

[@TheTankRC]

Disassemble, Reassemble, Disassemble, you getting to be a pro at this... LOL Good job on your video they are very informative. 👌😀🏁👍

[@HarleyDesignsInc]

+The Tank RC yeah I'm definitely aware of how to service this truck now!

[@davidaarons2488]

Hey, I think it's a nice truck, but what I find with most rc cars is the fit of the bearings in their respective housing. As an retired auto tech I don't like slop. I know I know but it drives me nuts. I usually shim them. Your thoughts? God Bless Ya Dave

[@rustandoil]

David Aarons I agree it would be very easy for manufacturers to put a few raised ribs in the bearing housings (like a internal spline) if they feel that they can't hold the tolerance on the moulding to make the bearing a snug fit

[@thegoodgoodcompany9088]

5:04 your welcome

[@Haugalandet]

Thank you 😀

[@Mr.XJ.96]

Just like a real Diff.....The scale is amazing!!

[@franku211rc]

thanks for this.... very informative

[@allmightygreatone1048]

Thank you

[@crawlerrc]

Thank for the video!! Like from Crawler RC

[@jamessawyer8744]

Is it possible to make a trx4 sport axle an OPEN diff. Like for just the rear! And leave it that way no selector

[@kirkleaman6863]

Great video 👍🏻

[@sgtlt]

very informative, thanks

[@scenefromabove]

I have some marine grade grease (for boat trailer wheel bearings). Would this be a good choice?

[@tomv3361]

Definitely, everyone recommends it

[@tim0339]

Harley would it be possible to put these portals on wraith axles just wondering

[@blakelove7588]

Harley Designs , can the diffs be locked somehow and just do away with the cables?? it would be just one less thing to worry about for me. I'm just going to be using the axles for a custom build and dont want to mess with more servos and servo placement...

[@HarleyDesignsInc]

Yes, there are several options for solid spools popping up now.

[@moosc]

Harley Designs it'll be cool if you did a upgrade with the new Traxxas spool n any upgrades like metal cup..

[@CHRISTOUFRANCIS]

Where to buy just this axle kit?

[@HarleyDesignsInc]

You can’t buy just the axles.

[@Federico94000]

No grease in it????

[@liamherman3072]

I know what’s wrong with it, it ain’t got no grease in it

[@aldovega2922]

muy interesante

[@roancraenen1385]

Has the truck any plastic gears that break fast?

[@AlphaPhaseSleep]

no,only some metall parts that break sometimes(gears in transfer case ,portal gears) ,but very cheap to replace(stearing servo too)

[@bassamboss8394]

Nice

[@joshcross5379]

Great video for a first time stripper😎

[@harley2007eric]

hey guys is it me or I did not see too much grease when it took it apart...

[@HarleyDesignsInc]

+harley2007eric 100% true.

[@Pokaille]

where is the grease inside de diff??? lol

[@HarleyDesignsInc]

+Pokaille the only grease was on the ring and pinion. The truck needs more grease.

[@gregoryguza4623]

Harley Designs-yes, why didn't Traxxas put any grease on those metal gears? I wonder if all TRX-4 trucks will leave the factory this way or was this just a case of skimping or forgetting so they can rush these things out the door so we can see them?

[@HarleyDesignsInc]

+Gregory Guza it seems like a common thing for RTR vehicles to have too little grease. Tearing into a RTR after buying it is always a good idea. This isn't a super high RPM car so it would probably be fine, but more grease would be better in my opinion.

[@gregoryguza4623]

Harley Designs-I'm actually considering getting one of these (one of these days) if my finances allow it and there is definitely a lot of disassembly and parts in this truck to get used to. Definitely way more involvement than my Rustler and 2wd Slash.

[@evoxer87]

Which grade of grease has to use into differentials? the same for both?

[@OtherSide..]

I had to take it apart today total nightmare

[@clitcommander6946]

Damnnn 4th day with my trx k5 blazer, I was showing my sisters boyfriend and ran over a fishing line:(

[@yamahaJDM]

trx4 is high maintance to repair.

[@HarleyDesignsInc]

+yamahaJDM in comparison to our other trucks, you're completely correct.

[@bharatsakhat9390]

Give met

[@samadkins6727]

Never watched your stuff, just searching for everything to do with the trx4 and I wasnt watching just listening, I thought George Clooney was talking for a second 😂

[@martintaylor984]

Aluminum portals will be the first upgrade needed. I have a feeling those little bitty screws will strip rather easy. Other than that when is vanquish gonna make trick housings lol

[@justdoinit8824]

Martin Taylor I swear I Been looking all week with vanquish & boom racing 🤦🏽‍♂️😫

[@waynetate6940]

Martin Taylor try Yeah Racing RC. They have brass replacement for the diff covers, portal boxes and I think inner C for the axle.

[@Sgtfroso1]

Just got my trx4 and upon inspection the front driver side portal hub was missing a bearing! (Loose wheel slop) Check yours as soon as you get it!

[@thegarage161]

the scx10 is CRAP compared to this traxxas

[@tomv3361]

the garage Not really. It has many more upgrade parts and bodies and everything. But I agree, the traxxas is better.

[@thegarage161]

WaterTester when it comes to aftermarket upgrade parts and accessories and I think the SCX10 and the clod Buster maybe the Kings

[@nealedmondson3191]

Just wait till all that useless garbage in that axle start failing lol. Unlockable diffs on a crawler lol yeah cause i want to unlock my diff while crawling and lose traction. This is a basher truck plain and simple.

[@WaynePryce]

How do you know the names of these things

[@strawberrymochiiz]

So helpful. I just picked up a used TRX and it's making weird noises lol. But it was dirt cheap and worth trying to figure out. Thanks.

[@lastone100]

Does anyone know the overall axle-ratio of these axles including the ring/pinion and hub-reduction gears? Lower ratio = less torque-tist on the chassis.

[@CarminesRCTipsandTricks]

I really want to not like it!! It's Gimmicky and Overpriced in its field. Now the SPORT! There's a lot more to like about that!! 👍👍 I actually think I would GET a TRX-4 Sport, and just add a selectable Front Diff, leaving the Rear locked.... Josh, I know you're a Comp Crawler, and the idea of ANY open Diff, could make you break out in a rash!! 😂😜 LOL I would really appreciate the extra Steering control, and the MUCH lower stresses on the whole Front Axle. Lock it only if I need it. 😉😎 I do hope by now - SOMEONE is making a Metal Diff Housing for this... With all the Fan-Boys, surely somebody is making one. Thanks! That was a good look inside. Carmine 💥 ⛽

[@waynetate6940]

PoorManRC Yeah Racing RC has brass diff covers, portal boxes, and I think inner "C" for the axel. There's a guy "Mateo RC Movies" he does a conversion. It adds more weight down low and is stronger parts. Appears to be exact fit. I haven't ordered mine yet but I will soon.

[@phatzo9]

Hi, super helpful video. thank you for sharing. my question i have tho is what do i get /order when the cable from the front axle diff cam out and is not lockable anymore… i am new to this kind of RC modeling and do not really know where to or what to reorder… any help is greatly appeciated. - i am located in Hungary (Europe). thank you.

[@RichardMyers-u7t]

Thanks for this great video. Just purchased some brass and now I have no fear of installing it.

[@steine-chris1533]

Very interesting video, thank you. I hope I never have to disassemble my TRX.

[@rcfrenzy]

Looks quite beefy. I am skeptical of the longevity of the cable and diff locker. I guess time will tell!

[@HarleyDesignsInc]

+RcFrenzy I have no experience with it but Summit owners may have a better idea.

[@wadecaton4017]

I have had my TRX4 for 4 months now. I run it every day and absolutely no problems with it. I have worn out a set of tires already but no issues what so ever. I use high temp wheel bearing grease, red, in trans and axles. Runs quiet and smooth. I also put a small amount of grease inside the slips of the driveshafts. This is one of my best RC's.

[@sergeyp921]

Hi guys! Can somebody explain me, how 2 differentials are connected to on 3pos channel? How it operates?

[@G4x4squared-RC]

I cannot remove the outer bearing!!! It’s stuck. I have been fighting with it for long time. It’s not as smooth as it looks in the video. Any advice?

[@GamerTd5]

Can you link me the part number for the plastic diff cup thing the spidergears are inside i want to try find a steel 1

[@maximus7714]

I greased portal's and diff with cheap smelling marine grease is this safe long term for plastics ??

[@OtherSide..]

Should have watched earlier love the video though checking my work

[@surfside75]

I was able to adjust caster using longer rod ends and adjust😁

[@artministratorle]

Your video saved me couple of hours of "finding out / try and fail" as my (pretty) used TRX4 i bought is different from my SummitVXL Model. Thanks for that as well as the professional spoken / short video and perfect instructions. It is now working nearly perfect :)

[@blackdiamondrcranch897]

Hay is there a way to talk to you about designing a needed upgrade parts for TRX axles ??? But with out telling the world...lol

[@giopirmisashvili5514]

Thank you ❤

[@sammyfuentes2561]

This is the Truck that I want to buy. But I want to know if is worth the money to buy it.so please help me with it. Thank you

[@justdoinit8824]

Sammy Fuentes definitely worth it Bt it is very top heavy & it does roll very easily

[@nealedmondson3191]

Sammy Fuentes steering servos, shifting servos and portal axles are breaking left and right. Just a warning. If you want a reliable rig get a scx10 or scx10-2 or gmade komodo.

[@OtherSide..]

You're the man

[@ragsixracing]

If anybody is still paying attention to this, I have an issue. On my trx6 the rear axle does not lock it stays open the cable is moving the center diff locks and unlocks. When I get in there I want to take apart as a little as possible what exactly am I looking for? Any help would be appreciated 👍

[@malcolmSC]

The engineering in the portal axles is just amazing. Thank you for your video, def helped in a teardown today.

[@stankovic7150]

Thats dry

[@ToGrimmToWin]

so I know traxxas did a running change and the transmission now has metal gears not plastic and metal. any other running changes that you know of

[@FinMcMurder]

Didn't see how you removed the rear axle :(

[@ToGrimmToWin]

id like someone to do a video of the new trans with metal gears cant find it or the metal gear parts anywhere

[@chriskross1660]

your videos are very nice, good explain and show the steps ! perfect.

[@forrestcrabbe]

🤘🍻🤘

[@joseamaldonado6469]

Does the vanquish body fits the trx4 sport kit

[@TheRob916]

I installed strc diff covers now my lockers don't work. Any ideas? I just swapped them out...

[@HarleyDesignsInc]

Could be just improperly machined. I’d contact them and get new ones.

[@kongkongkkongor4930]

What is the actual size of the differential?

[@kongkongkkongor4930]

What is the size of the ring gear?

[@Lilljoescratch]

Dude thank you !!! well done

[@luke_atthat]

Nicely done. Great demonstration.

[@S9RUT]

I wish there was an option to only lock the rear axles and unlock the front! (Fully locked, Front locked, Rear locked or Unlocked)

[@AlphaPhaseSleep]

You can make it easily ,just switch both channels 4/5 in a recieverbox ,and reprogramm it in a Radio ,video on YT is somewhere to find ,i did it with my both trx´s and it work perfect

[@borivojetravica569]

Can you bay just differential, like part?

[@HarleyDesignsInc]

Do you mean the actual gear differential or do you mean a complete axle assembly? Every part is available separately, but you there is not a single part number for the whole axle.

[@borivojetravica569]

​@@HarleyDesignsInc 5:07

[@borivojetravica569]

​@@HarleyDesignsInc good video, very

[@dantesmith3664]

great video. is anyone aware of a way to buy these axles?

[@HarleyDesignsInc]

+Dante Smith piecing them together from spare parts is going to be very expensive. Spare parts are not available yet however.

[@dantesmith3664]

yeah thats what i tried. ill just have to wait come time. thats cool though. thanks

[@HarleyDesignsInc]

+Dante Smith being from Traxxas, I'd expect the resale value on these to be quite low. Buying second hand and stripping it down may net you a cheap set of axles!

[@dantesmith3664]

yes also a good idea. im sure in the near future they will start to pup up places

[@justdoinit8824]

Wish I could find steel or aluminum Axles! I keep find the replacement plastic 🤦🏽‍♂️

[@TrailRider]

I was told all the pre-order's have plastic gears in the differentials and transmission but I don't see any here.

[@HarleyDesignsInc]

+Sask Trail Riders the transmission has some plastic gears in it on this truck but the axles are all metal. The new versions have all metal trans gears.

[@TrailRider]

Should I be afraid of buying a pre-order truck?

[@HarleyDesignsInc]

+Sask Trail Riders I wouldn't be afraid of it. They are still solid.

[@AlphaPhaseSleep]

no @@TrailRider

[@Bagman57]

Another great vid.

[@OgFu3L]

Thanks!

[@LosLos-Sensei]

the thing inside is made of what?

[@HarleyDesignsInc]

The thing inside? There are lots of parts inside, which one are you talking about?

[@LosLos-Sensei]

@@HarleyDesignsIncoh sorry,I mean the gear inside the axle mostly made of what

[@jimocampo6237]

I just watched your video on disassembly of the axles. I noticed there doesnt seem to be any grease or oil in these assemblies. Did you take apart before video or is this how it is? What grease or oil is recomended for these assemblies?

[@HarleyDesignsInc]

That’s how they shipped it. I used Vanquish grease on my truck, but any decent bearing or marine grease is fine.

[@AlphaPhaseSleep]

simply use some harley-davidson gearbox oil ;))

[@morris4069]

So the only thing keeping from a 4ws setup is the offset front axles. I'm seeing a option set coming soon.

[@HarleyDesignsInc]

Actually to make it rear steer you would have to do quite a bit of work. You would need new rear axle shafts and upper portal gear, new back half of the rear portal that is built to screw onto the C-hub, a rear servo mount of some sort (axle mounted unless you want to figure out a panhard too), plus steering linkages.

[@morris4069]

Harley Designs Forgot about the built in caster of the front c hub, but sounds like most front axle parts could be made to work with a few new parts needing to be made from traxx. I'd go axle mount servo for the rear.

[@بسامالعراقي-ص7ع]

good man

[@PhiddyPford]

Hmm sintered gears