Traxxas TRX4M Bronco BUILD - MORE UPGRADES!! Long Travel Shocks, Body Mods, Crawling & More!

In this video I give an update on the mods and upgrades I've done to our Traxxas TRX 4M Bronco! Upgrades are coming fast and furious, and this thing is evolving on the daily, but I wanted to share the progress so far! Some highlights include upgraded double barrel shocks, chopped fenders, high clearance linkage, and more! Check out the video to see how it performs!
Affiliate links:
5% off RCAWD: rcawd.com/?ref... - discount code CapeCrawlers
$10 off any order $50 or more: www.fmshobby.c... - discount code Capecrawlers
10% off the FMS FCX24 Power Wagon: www.fmshobby.c... - code Capecrawler10%
Amain Hobbies:
5% off any Injora products: www.injora.com - code Capecrawlers05
High clearance links: rcaddiction19h...
Jo RCs Design parts: www.etsy.com/shop/JoRCs
Shocks: www.ebay.com/s...
Email me with suggestions or collaboration inquiries: [e-mail]
Follow us on Instagram @capecrawlers!

[@CapeCrawlers]

Timestamps Exterior mods: 1:31 Chassis and Suspension: 8:08 How it all works together with crawl footage: 14:00

[@aydenroark8182]

What chassis is it

[@burfmech6675]

Out of all the RC channels I subscribe to, yours is my favorite. You always answer all my questions. And you have unknowingly talked me into buying alot of RC crawlers! Lol So thanks !! 👍🏻👍🏻

[@seewell8168]

You are the ultimate Guinea pig! Thanks for trying so many setups, will make it much easier to cherry pick the best parts after seeing your tests.

[@CapeCrawlers]

Absolutely!

[@yotehunter3468]

Pretty easy to be a guinea pig when all the parts are given to ya fir free 😂😅🤣 Different when you're buying each part to try, then ya don't try too many part options, ya study other people's videos to find the options ya wanna go with 😂😅🤣

[@bassinup5184]

The thumbnail is freaking awesome! I just got the stock white one and a couple extra batteries. I love it! 😅

[@CapeCrawlers]

It's a fun truck! Enjoy! Thanks for watching

[@rcaddiction1956]

I am very impressed with all those mods especially that flex and articulation. Well done‼️definitely the brass HC links is 🔥 😅

[@CapeCrawlers]

Thank you! Brass links FTW 😉

[@jamieo6290]

Looks amazing!! Try out Losi mini T rear shocks. Gives you around 10mm more travel and are oil filled

[@CapeCrawlers]

I will give those a try! I do miss the smoothness of the oil shocks

[@ajgray9353]

Idk if you saw but he did what you said. 👏🏼

[@jakevann2309]

On the frame mount shocks replace the bolts where you mounted the shocks with the bumper mount bolts

[@OrnalGriffith-qp3pw]

🎉 Cool Content 🎉 Sir, You have a Nice Bronco!! I have the Blue-Grey one so far I've put brass plates, brass links, and brass bumper. I wanna tint the windows. I like your bumpers and your shock setup but I don't like that servo rub. That flex is crazy.

[@429supercj]

I just got one a week ago but I've gotten a bunch of stuff ordered already. Can't wait to get this thing all souped up!

[@CapeCrawlers]

Have fun!

[@Orangetaco22]

Thank you for posting this update the bronco is definitely coming along with all the mods you have done‼️definitely flexes way more love the articulation on the suspension 😎👍🏽

[@CapeCrawlers]

Thanks for watching! It is coming along nicely!

[@andrewrichey7374]

I love it looks awesome, yeah those rims really complements the black body. Will catch you on the next one

[@CapeCrawlers]

Thanks! I’m really liking how it all looks together.

[@80SWoods]

Thanks for posting all of the cool things you’ve done! Towards the end you mentioned wanting to increase front weight. One thing I saw someone do with those wheels was replace the middle ring section on the back wheels with aluminum rather than brass to increase the front/rear bias.

[@CapeCrawlers]

Great idea! I’ve got extra Injora wheels I wonder if those rings will fit. I’ll give that a try!

[@rcjoe406]

Coming for a 1/10 perspective I never add weight to the rear just more weight to drag up the climb

[@tariqkhan8864]

Crazy build man I have a 4M as well, going to follow your footsteps

[@jeremy9612]

To mod the suspension order the furitek frame rails. It is wider and that will clear the servo. Kind regards Jeremy

[@CapeCrawlers]

I’m going to order one tomorrow I think! It looks great.

[@ethantsai8634]

Yes! I’ve been waiting for this video

[@CapeCrawlers]

I hope it was worth the wait!

[@rcfungames]

Hi bro 👋 Your build is looking pretty epic 💯 And you shared some great information thank you! Happy holidays 🧑‍🎄☃️🎄

[@CapeCrawlers]

Thanks for watching! Happy holidays to you as well!

[@Rs817t]

Nice I was thinking of cutting the fenders off too thanks for the info

[@greggrube2948]

Love all the mods you did, it looks awesome 👍 can't wait till mine comes in. Great video and all the information you give

[@CapeCrawlers]

Thanks for watching! I hope you love yours as much as I love ours!

[@Glowingtomato]

Nice video! My Defender is being delivered today so I'm hyped to finally try out the TRX4M. I was checking out aftermarket parts and there really are some cool parts out there already

[@CapeCrawlers]

Thanks! Parts are coming out rapid fire now! Injora and Treal are really on the gas.

[@MIKEC2000]

Just ordered my Defender right now lol 👍

[@IcelandicGoblin]

i got my first crawler a few days ago, i've been looking at them for a while before i just decided to get the 4m with the ford pickup body, i am having so much fun even though i was really embarrassed first 2 days lol would have it in my backpack and go out of town, but i ordered a lightkit and new heavier wheels i get tomorrow, seems like its going to be a fun hobby :) been wanting to get the trailer for it and paint it white and see if i can get a small orange light for it, would be cool to make it a utility truck i think, what do you all think? might not be super fitting for a crawler

[@hunterbasselite6826]

How would you minimize the ride height but also have alot of flex ? I love the build , but way too loose for me, it has almost no rebound, edit: I just noticed you don’t run springs

[@rhensley05]

Check out Etsy there is a guy that sells a bumper delete kit to help with approach angle. Also saw a 3D printed interior with a driver hahaha.

[@CapeCrawlers]

I'll check that out, thanks!

[@rhensley05]

Nice. Injora has the links as well. I have them on order as well as all the brass parts like knuckles, skid plate and what not.

[@CapeCrawlers]

Injora keeps slowly releasing things, which is killing me! I wish they’d drop them all at once so I can buy them in one shot and not wait for the overseas shipping! The suspense is killing me 😂

[@rhensley05]

@@CapeCrawlers furitek has a carbon fiber frame that has multiple holes for different shock mounting locations. Price is reasonable too. I ordered one.

[@CapeCrawlers]

@@rhensley05 I just saw that! I am almost certainly going to order that. With those positions I think we can best utilize the stock shocks and keep that smooth action while gaining articulation.

[@rhensley05]

I want the brushless system they sell.

[@ravenhg]

@capecrawlers I​ love the videos your making. I’ve loved RC’s since i was little with my first cars The Hornet and RC10 Aluminum 😁 I’ve been watching the RC rock crawler videos and checking out what ones are out there and I’m loving the Traxxas 1/18 TRX-4M . I’m picking one up this week at my hobby store. I like your 2.1 setup a lot. If its not asking to much could you post the parts and links to the upgrades you did? There’s some I’m having trouble finding. Joe RC’s chassis kit, the steel driveshaft, which size Flubber Stufferz Slyme Ballz tire inserts just to name a few. Any and all help is greatly appreciated. It’s been easily 20 yrs since I’ve touched an RC car, this whole RTR thing is new to me as well lol😂

[@petejones6827]

ahhh YAY you did the wheel mounton back like in my comment in the first vid you made of the bronco. i run the same wheels and vented also i love them the stock foams are not bad for injora IMO specially when vented. i run the exact same wheels too man our brancos are almost identical

[@CapeCrawlers]

Yes the spare tire tip was a great one! I agree about the foams: they’re really good considering how inexpensive the tire/wheel setup is. I did end up putting some flibberstufferz in but I haven’t tried them yet

[@petejones6827]

@@CapeCrawlers i was wondering myself if i cut a V into the foams would it keep alot of sidewall rigidniss and create more balloon effect

[@KenMrKLC]

Nice mods! Looks like that servo has an appointment with a dremel for a edge shave 🪒

[@CapeCrawlers]

Thank you, and yes, that servo needs some body contouring!

[@rcjoe406]

The new furitek tr4m chassis looks really nice 👌

[@CapeCrawlers]

Agreed!

[@rhensley05]

I think it’s back ordered though. I ordered just not sure when it will ship.

[@chaoshansen1665]

Awesome looking rig.

[@CapeCrawlers]

Thanks! It's coming along really nicely.

[@chaoshansen1665]

Can’t wait to see it in its final stage

[@mikeyryan1995]

What website is good for all the aftermarket parts im new to RC. i know this is old so if you reply id be shocked and very appreciative

[@richhewitt1996]

Ride’s beautiful

[@CapeCrawlers]

Thank you!

[@TKim103]

Seems like people are jumping on the Furitek since they’re first on the scene with a brushless motor. I’m trying to hold off until something more buttoned up shows up from either Holmes or HobbyWing because if you get the Lizard Ultimate ECS since it’s waterproof, it’s already going to get expensive.

[@CapeCrawlers]

I would love to try a Hobbywing setup. I hope we get some good options and some variety soon!

[@LeGrinch8346]

mine won’t flex more by mounting my shock a the same location (stock shock)

[@honda4life604]

Very helpful 👍

[@martink4205]

To keep the front end down for free couldnt you put a spare wheel on the bonnet/hood of the truck? the same wheel as the spare on the back then just play around with placement untill you get the balance right

[@CapeCrawlers]

I’ve seen someone do that with a magnet on the inside of the spare and the underside of the hood. He would just toss the spare on the hood for climbs!

[@danielnilsson2770]

What size drillbit did you use to bore the new shock mount?

[@roxanebybee]

My son wanted to ask: what type of bead lock tire rims did you use on the trx4m rock terranes?

[@somethingfishy1947]

Furitek has the grasshopper chassis for this.

[@CapeCrawlers]

It’s arriving in my mailbox Saturday 😎

[@bradyloe311]

Do your shocks sit bottomed out?

[@2blades_rc650]

I wonder if there is a way to put a bow in the chassis on each side of the servo to give it 1/8 or so of an inch of extra clearance at the servo

[@CapeCrawlers]

I bet you could. In subsequent videos I found out how to get it to slide under the chassis and achieve some gnarly articulation.

[@jesseedgell8698]

Nice build mate what are are those tires like compared to little guy racing swamp kings

[@wvlfkvnt]

If you drill out the pivot balls to fit Traxxas shock bolt would that be better than removing the balls entirely?

[@CapeCrawlers]

That's a great idea, and certainly a better option than running no pivot hardware! I may have to try that.

[@caseys_cozy_garage]

I was wondering when would be the first time I see some high clearance links for one of these

[@CapeCrawlers]

I had some 3D printed ones on prior but these brass ones are sharp 👌🏻 I saw Injora just released some too

[@michalego4110]

Where did you buy the shock absorber for the Trx-4m model because I can't find it.

[@CapeCrawlers]

These are what I am running: amzn.to/3Yi6kUI

[@imabigfanbro]

On your old set up how did you let your front links move up and down fully? I've got the Injora high clearance links and a Injora 11kg servo and I tried replicating your old setup but it seems like the shocks won't extend all the way, I really wanna save this and hope not to buy another Chassis

[@CapeCrawlers]

I found the RC addiction 19 links were the links that allowed the front to drop the most. The problem is the linkage binds against the servo mount before the shocks fully extend

[@imabigfanbro]

@@CapeCrawlers Okay thanks alot!

[@imabigfanbro]

@@CapeCrawlers SO if i buy those links do you think that ill have a functional and similar set up as what Black Betty had

[@LMH710]

Hey just got a question for the Trx4m because the front doesn’t wanna go down all the way even without shocks it doesn’t wanna go down. I’m very new to the hobby so

[@CapeCrawlers]

The front upper links are colliding with the servo mount. It's just how Traxxas designed it unfortunately. That setup will always limit your vertical axle drop.

[@LMH710]

@@CapeCrawlers oh so there is no work around that flaw?

[@digitaldoom3593]

Would have used some Motherboard Stand offs to make the shock be away from the frame a little more

[@CapeCrawlers]

Thats a great idea

[@ericf_0923]

Love it 🔥🔥

[@CapeCrawlers]

Thanks for watching!

[@tievox_gsr]

He sure does like his insanely flexible suspension 😂

[@CapeCrawlers]

Can't deny that!

[@awesompy907]

So, the shock you got, are they meant for the scx 1/24 because the link to the shocks brings me to the 58mm shocks, but it says they are for the 1/24 instead of the 1/18.

[@CapeCrawlers]

Yes they are. I retrofit them to the Traxxas. Not ideal, but they worked. I moved on to Losi mini B rear shocks all around and those are far superior to the scx24 shocks.

[@OklahomaDailys]

Did you use stock Traxxas low gear plastic set or did you use steel ones from injora?

[@CapeCrawlers]

Traxxas at first and eventually switched to Injora steel

[@THEhwCOLLECTOR]

Idk if bc of my links or what but the front doesn't drop as good as your does. I still have the stock links on.

[@CapeCrawlers]

The links I have are really nice, they pivot extremely well! RC Addictions 19 is where I got them.

[@alfredyost7972]

It is hard to get one of these Traxxas trucks right now. I guess they are very popular. Thoughts?

[@CapeCrawlers]

It depends where you are I guess. My local shop has them on hand and piles of parts and accessories. But other shops further away are totally sold out.

[@alfredyost7972]

@@CapeCrawlers I was able to get one directly from Traxxas. However , they are sold out too. They do still have some parts.

[@somethingfishy1947]

Great video. I haven’t been able to find these shocks. Are they the 48mm double barrel! Thanks

[@CapeCrawlers]

They’re the 58mm shocks but I think they’re out of stock. I don’t see them online anymore

[@aNT440EX]

Messed up when you called the tires “ Beefy”

[@Beamerville]

What wheels and tires are those?I’m loving the look of them

[@CapeCrawlers]

Injora brass bead locks and 64mm rock terrain tires. Great combo!

[@Beamerville]

Thank you. Awesome build thank you for the videos, giving me some ideas for my build!

[@andreasbitsch7229]

How did you cut the inner fender flairs?

[@CapeCrawlers]

I trimmed off the fender flares and left the rest. I had to cut out the small plastic piece that holds the windows in, and the cross member in the front to hold on the wipers.

[@ZacheryPentecost]

Hey I love your builds you you’ve got some good talent I’m just curious if I have the trx4m lift kit will that work with these shocks

[@claypoort3518]

Which shock oil do you use?

[@CapeCrawlers]

Team Losi 20wt

[@jasonchausse1070]

The trx4m

[@CDubs720]

Have you tried using a different axle housing with a horizontal servo, like an FXC24 or SCX24? Not sure if they are wide enough though.

[@CapeCrawlers]

I have not. I like the Traxxas setup, so I am hoping someone will develop a modification to maintain the stock axles but flip the servo

[@jasonchausse1070]

I need some ideas how to build a cool bridge that it could be left outside that the TRX 4 m that could be used all summer long I have all the material to build the bridge I just need some ideas

[@CapeCrawlers]

What material do you have? I used some sticks and rope to make my rope bridges, and those work well.

[@jasonchausse1070]

Well I've got 4 pieces of plywood

[@jasonchausse1070]

That I'm going to use for the base

[@jasonchausse1070]

I got some White pine trim

[@jasonchausse1070]

I'm going to make the bridge big enough to where the bronco can go underneath the as well

[@sparta9542]

Have you put spacers on the injora high clearance links?

[@CapeCrawlers]

I did not use the spacers

[@Go_kart_media13]

Why do you have no springs on some of your vehicles

[@CapeCrawlers]

It allows me to mount the shocks down low for more axle drop but keep the vehicle height down and the center of gravity low.

[@Go_kart_media13]

@@CapeCrawlers ok

[@jaceswavely3962]

Are they just scx24 shocks?

[@CapeCrawlers]

Yes in this video they were. I have since went to Losi shocks and then to Injora 59MM

[@Ibitsm]

I was wondering if any1 knew a fix for my trx4m since when I push the shocks down they stick in that positions any fixes?

[@brandenbudzyn]

Where can I get the rear Bumper from? I know you said Joe's RC but have a username, or have a way where I can get one from??

[@CapeCrawlers]

Here is his Etsy store: www.etsy.com/shop/JoRcs?ref=simple-shop-header-name&listing_id=1378162028

[@jasonchausse1070]

I would like to know an idea how to build something for my TRX m4 rock crawler

[@CapeCrawlers]

What do you want to build?

[@thatkidkyle1]

Did u have to glue tires to rims ? Mines keep coming off

[@CapeCrawlers]

You shouldn’t have to with beadlock wheels. If installed correctly the tires shouldnt come off. Stock tires and wheels are different. Those things slid off all over the place! Big part of why I upgraded wheels and tires so quickly

[@thatkidkyle1]

@@CapeCrawlers haha thanks for responding. When I bought them they came with the rims and tires on already thinking I had to just screw it in. Then I realized I had to take the whole thing off . Worked out for me and love em

[@aknmtbr]

Man I need to chop my fenders but don't want it to look like crap! Wanna do mine?!

[@CapeCrawlers]

It was nerve-wracking enough doing my own! But at least Traxxas sells the fenders separately at a decent price, so even if you mess up it's not a terrible thing!

[@millertime391]

Sounds like you’ve got a booger whistlin on ya

[@BigMountainCustomRC]

Adam!! That Bronco is SICK!! Dude, get in touch with me...seriously, I'm interested in doing a collaboration build with you...seriously.

[@CapeCrawlers]

Thanks! Shoot me an email (address is in the description). Happy to chat about a collab.

[@JuanVargas-ud5dg]

How did you make the stand to be more wide ??

[@CapeCrawlers]

I used some extended hexes. Something like this: amzn.to/3ThV6Pl

[@nbkxcustom4721]

@@CapeCrawlers what mm did you use

[@mzungumikern]

So are you doing same mods on defender or different?

[@CapeCrawlers]

I'm doing something different. The Defender is really my sons rig and all he wants to do is drive it around with the utility trailer and haul snacks around LOL So I am doing more of a scale ovelander approach to that one.

[@24Krawlers]

I want!.. I want I want I want lol.

[@Isaac804ab1]

When are we gonna be able to buy trx specific shocks

[@CapeCrawlers]

Hopefully soon. I do miss the oil shocks and these powerhobby shocks are not ideal for this chassis

[@gaffle-411]

@@CapeCrawlers thanx for pointing that out. I have the Traxxas aftermarket shocks. I haven’t even open my trucks yet. Waiting for Xmas.

[@Rs817t]

Please make a video about an aftermarket brushed motor that’s faster than Stock

[@CapeCrawlers]

For the TRX4M or for another brand?

[@Rs817t]

@@CapeCrawlers trx4m i have a max smasher with the speed motor and it’s completely different than the high speed gears on the trx4m

[@CapeCrawlers]

@@Rs817t I’ll keep my eyes open for a brushed replacement

[@Rs817t]

@@CapeCrawlers maybe try and fit a fms speed motor in it

[@ullisesarias3990]

what nuts did you use for the rims because the rim has a small hole for the nut to go into but my tool doesn’t fit in there how did you do it?

[@CapeCrawlers]

I removed the six inner screws from the wheel. With those gone I can access the wheel nut to tighten/loosen it.

[@ullisesarias3990]

@@CapeCrawlers although you can take out the 6 screws but the tool doesn’t fit into the small hole the rim has how did you do it with that?

[@RCCrawlerz209]

Welp...got my Treal driveshaft on my 24 Gladiator...works pretty awesomely, & it doesn't unhook from me, unlike the stock one did, pretty happy with it. Recently, got me some 24 Trencher tires that are currently on my Gladiator also, looks pretty good until I get me some Treal wheels I'm interested in, to put on those tires & get away from the plastic wheels that come on them. #OneModAtATime #SlowlyButSurelyGettingItDone #ComingAlongNicely

[@CapeCrawlers]

Sounds like good progress!

[@RCCrawlerz209]

@@CapeCrawlers Hell yeah, man! 😎🤙🏻

[@THEhwCOLLECTOR]

How big are the wheel spacers?

[@CapeCrawlers]

+6mm I believe.

[@THEhwCOLLECTOR]

@@CapeCrawlers ordering now thanks!

[@bts_rcsandstuff5973]

Hey where did you find those shock mounts

[@CapeCrawlers]

JoRC’s: www.etsy.com/shop/JoRcs?fbclid=PAAaaBG6m7CTteK_-fKg_xYHou9g1Q9pWVohCbA3LksRyFmTgb_RL8Escnzqw&load_webview=1&bid=EAWL8bt6FGKe0J2RZcormjzUek7F

[@troutbum3977]

Where do you buy the shocks

[@CapeCrawlers]

These are powerhobby 58mm. I got them from their ebay store.

[@troutbum3977]

I bought the shocks but the screws they sent with do not work, and the original do not fit. What did you use?

[@skottlee8959]

Is it just me or does the body come off too easily on this truck? It's my first crawler so I don't have anything to compare it to.

[@CapeCrawlers]

As long as it doesn’t come off too easy unintentionally! It does come off easy, which is nice, but it should still be secure when fastened

[@ll.7927]

U could put a foam piece behind clip so body is harder to come off.

[@Manzbig08]

@@ll.7927appreciate you bro I’ve been fighting with mine

[@Caliwarriorkent]

Bend the body clip outward so that when it locks it’s harder to pop off. Overtime these can bend inward (towards the bumper) causing it to come off

[@firfyter]

Wow it is very capable. Mine is mostly stock. On day 3 I stripped the plastic gears in my servo. Soon after that my drive shaft broke. Then my ESC burned out. Traxxas is sending me another one under warranty which is nice but they are out of stock. Seems to me like they build these to fail so they can sell upgrades. I'm really disappointed in mine so far. I am not abusing it. Just climbing rocks. I thought it was designed to do that.

[@CapeCrawlers]

Sorry to hear that! My sons servo recently stripped but that’s the only issue we’ve had. I hope your next one treats you better!

[@tysonsmith9216]

Shave the servo

[@naycenanderson204]

let me buy it please

[@CapeCrawlers]

I can't sell black Betty!

[@zanderflander7880]

Looks goofy 😂

[@CapeCrawlers]

Scale appearance has definitely gone out the window

[@smcarmel]

Man, I’m sorry but you ruined it putting friction shocks on it 😢

[@CapeCrawlers]

ehh, to each their own!

[@smcarmel]

@@CapeCrawlers I’m sure it still does better than any scx24 lol

[@RockinTrailZ]

Mehh , looks un scale. Are you just going for performance? Lol where's the fenders? Hard to believe people think that looks good but we make them how we want em!

[@CapeCrawlers]

Oh yea, I left the scale look behind in this one, which I am okay with. I like a blend of performance and aesthetics, and that oftentimes does not appear truly scale. I cut the fender flares off to make room for the big tires. I will likely keep my sons Defender close to stock to maintain a scale overlander look. The bronco will push the envelope for performance.

[@RockinTrailZ]

@@CapeCrawlers looks pretty badass

[@shaneanderson2978]

Scale is cheese go big or go home

[@CapeCrawlers]

@@shaneanderson2978 love it 🤘🏻

[@barrelbum1016]

That’s your opinion... not everyone cares about scale. Performance is king in most cases. My opinion

[@barrelbum1016]

A wider frame would definitely solve the servo clearance problem

[@CapeCrawlers]

Yes and it sounds like furitek may have solved it with their new chassis

[@sofghost6663]

Man you got some sick builds. Wish I had the money and experience you have in scx24s to just be able to know what works and looks killer. For only 1/24 scale man alive do these things get pricey quick lol

[@CapeCrawlers]

Thank you! They get expensive real quick! But it's so enjoyable to build and tinker on them. I invested a lot up front but now I am really fortunate that the KZbin channel kicks out enough money to fund exploratory upgrades. I am very grateful to you all, the audience, for that.