Traxxas TRX4 Overdrive Gears Install and Test

This is the first time I have done this!
According to the smart people, having the front wheels spin faster than the rear (with the overdrive gear set) helps the truck turn in a smaller circle and helps the truck pull the rear tires when going uphill.
I decided to give this a shot and see what happens on my TRX4.
In this video, we install the Traxxas front overdrive gears (part number TRA 8287) and then give it a test!
Want to get these gears for yourself?
Pick them up here: amzn.to/33nNkeP
Get previews and insights by following us on Facebook: RoadsideRC
Please subscribe, comment, and like!
Music provided by T2NATE - go check out his other work: / @t2nate137

[@gadgetmantwincities]

We have overdrive and underdrive in ours and if you drive the truck for to long the motor gets pretty hot! So keep an eye on temps.

[@RoadsideRC]

Thanks! I am hoping that if I use only the overdrive that it will keep it more tame.

[@Serial_Enthusiast]

I just did this job by following your video and got the job done with no issues and everything worked on the first try! I had a few extra steps because my fenders were in the way of the top screws for the c shaped brackets that hold the portals, but that was easy. Thank you!!!

[@RoadsideRC]

Great! Really glad to hear this. I always appreciate hearing that this work was helpful. Thank you!

[@nicolaemates]

Great video. I just received this upgrade, and this video makes it look easy to install. Thank you

[@RoadsideRC]

Glad it helped

[@thor_4017]

Overdrive front axle is great in summer conditions. On packed snow/ice it's not the best. Ones you start spinning on the front wheels the rear wheels will lose traction easily. It's easier to modulate the throttle and search for grip with the same gearing on both axles.

[@RoadsideRC]

That makes sense! I don't get a lot of snow/ice around here.

[@sprather84]

Awesome job my friend i love your vids best looking sport on KZbin the wrap is amazing 👍 running the overdrive was probably one of the biggest noticeable differences I did to my truck out of all the mods and upgrades

[@RoadsideRC]

Great! Thank you for the compliment. I sure am happy with how it is doing with that gear in there.

[@ruftime]

Nice Upgrade! I start and stick with rear underdrive(12%) for my less technical trail/crawlers.....I'm always looking for less top speed and more throttle resolution. My serious crawl truck runs 30%.....2.low trans. but makes it a less capable truck overall...except for just pure hard line crawling😁 You guys should check out 1tenth scale SOA in metal from shapeways.....it's a pretty darn cool and solid piece and is a 4 link set-up. I'm using it on a Brazin ATL trx4 build. Then you can run a smaller super low battery (850 3s) up front where the servo currently is. Happy crawling boys!

[@RoadsideRC]

Thanks - I appreciate the tip. After trying this gear, I really am thinking if throwing the underdrive in the rear also. But, I do tend to do a bunch if trail stuff, so figured it would be too much. Thanks!

[@KurtsRCs]

Nice upgrade, if you only do the front over drive it does not help that much but if you do the under drive in the back also it help a lot, The truck is looking sweet

[@RoadsideRC]

Thanks! Yes, I am weary of doing both over and under since I do a bunch of trails with this truck also.

[@nelsonmercado4594]

Thank you for your video. Great job.

[@RoadsideRC]

Thanks! Glad it was helpful!

[@TrekRC]

Nice little upgrade 👍

[@RoadsideRC]

Thanks!

[@nobodyspecial...4680]

Nice, I run overdrive and underdrive on mine. A bit of weight at the front and you’ll probably make that wall, seems like you’re at the point where a TRX starts to tip backwards due to the geometry. If you’re interested I did a video on how to adjust the front and rear geometry to climb up steep things easier?

[@RoadsideRC]

Thanks! I went to check out your video, but I do not see it on your channel. Can you direct me there?

[@nobodyspecial...4680]

Roadside RC aah yeah sorry, this is my watching channel (and my old drone one). Video is here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hnTcqqqufMmXjKs Really liking your journey it’s nice to see someone taking a nice route and testing it. Wish I had the chance to drive your course as it looks amazing!

[@cesco_rc]

Great video. Traxxas seems to advise to upgrade to when you do this 11% overdrive mod to upgrade the 8279 in the rear to the machined 8279R. Which doubles the price of this mod. Did you experience any troubles using 8279 in the rear? The quote from the Traxxas website: "Note that 8279R duplicates the TRX-4’s stock axle ratio. But since overdriving the front axle places extra strain on the drivetrain, the machined-steel construction of 8279R is recommended."

[@RoadsideRC]

So far, no issue! I have driven the truck a handful of times since with literally no issues. That note from Traxxas is interesting since I also hear many people doing the overdrive front AND underdrive rear gear set. Think about how much force that would put on them then. If I have trouble with it - don't worry, there would be a video out! :)

[@cyclorando3559]

Thanks for your answer. Is it really an added value for you ?

[@RoadsideRC]

These overdrive gears have been useful, yes!

[@islandrc-duke1972]

Great mod and video

[@RoadsideRC]

Thank you!

[@blackwolfrc]

I see moving the bumpers around helped

[@RoadsideRC]

It sure did! Cheapest and best upgrade!

[@jrc-fabs1634]

4:46, adjust the wheelbase and maybe you can do it, also those orange grip things that traxxas makes you could do it

[@RoadsideRC]

Yes, those sand ladders would make a huge difference.

[@RichD]

This makes sense. Soon you will have to call this the TRX400 dollars in upgrades 😀

[@RoadsideRC]

Fortunately, not quite that much!

[@bobbymcgee901]

Does someone make a more sleeker looking portal axle for the trx4

[@RoadsideRC]

Not that I am aware of, no. Honestly - the sizeof it has not been an issue for me.

[@bobbymcgee901]

@@RoadsideRC Neither do I. Purely for cosmetic purposes. There’s so many options for the trx4m but absolutely nothing for it’s weird

[@danialirfan8847]

Whats the T in front that you use? is that 12T/33T?

[@RoadsideRC]

It is these: amzn.to/3qnxXR0

[@devon8419]

Nice man

[@RoadsideRC]

Thank you!

[@jdssurf]

How does this not put strain on the stock rear? Also, what’s the benefit?

[@RoadsideRC]

Overdrive helps with turning radius, and helps with climbing. I really enjoy it. Folks seem very worried about damage/wear, but it just is not a problem at 1:10

[@jdssurf]

@@RoadsideRC doesn’t it seem like the back tires would be dragging if the fronts were pulling it faster, on flat surfaces

[@RoadsideRC]

@@jdssurf Yes, it 100% induces some level of slip. Sometimes in the front tires, sometimes in the rears. Just basic physics means there has to be some, when the wheels are turning different speeds. I suggest you give it a shot and see what you think. There aren't enough forces going on here to hurt anything.

[@norhermanahmad4321]

Install rear only or rear and front?

[@RoadsideRC]

This was front only, since it was a rather aggressive overdrive. I might put the underdrive in the rear soon to really see the difference.

[@B.K._BerndK.]

Nice 👍🏻 😍 👌🏻

[@RoadsideRC]

Thank you!

[@timhunter1678]

Wow were you lucky it wasn't a unlocking diff. I just did one of them and it was much more involved UGH

[@RoadsideRC]

Yes! I skip all of the unlocking and 2-speed features. Just added weight and complexity

[@timhunter1678]

@Roadside RC I should do spools and remove everything because I don't use it enough anyway. Your color scheme rocks too BTW. I'm glad I dug into it though because some water got to my bearings. Luckily I got them back to normal with oil but they were dry and a little rusty.

[@cyclorando3559]

Thanks for your tips and upgrades. What is the best upgrades for the trx between : overdrive/underdrive or shocks tower angles ?

[@RoadsideRC]

The shock tower angles is very cheap, so I would start there.

[@gegerc3689]

💪🏼💪🏼

[@RoadsideRC]

Thank you!

[@gegerc3689]

😎😉