Traxxas TRX4M Defender BUILD - Upgrades, Trail Runs, Crawling & More!

[@CapeCrawlers]

Timestamps Appearance: 1:50 Chassis and suspension: 4:31 Drivetrain: 7:42 Performance assessments: 9:47 Trailing/crawling footage: 14:37 Final thoughts: 17:45

[@originalkontrol]

I absolutely love my Defender. It's my go to of crawlers. You do a great job showing what all of these rigs can do, and what can be done with them.

[@CapeCrawlers]

It's such a cool truck. Thank you!

[@zteacherr5992]

A crawler defender would be amazing! But very much enjoyed the little man’s build.

[@SacrosantSoul]

How much do you need a defender to crawl? I've gone over some crazy stuff on my channel.

[@coriesmith2196]

I picked this up a few weeks ago love it I recommend removing the fake spare tire and put a real one back there makes it look so much better

[@George-zt5ll]

Cool idea actually! How did you fixed it place?

[@Warloghe]

Just got back from running my Defender in the wild for the first time, I was really impressed with it's handling of rough terrain.

[@CapeCrawlers]

It's a lot of fun!

[@Dk20Silver]

thank you for being such a high caliber of content creator with your standardized tests and they way you take your channel seriously. i really hope to see you up there with the million subscriber channels and more. God bless you.

[@CapeCrawlers]

Thank you, I appreciate that!

[@michaeldorich4485]

The Defender looks great and very realistic. It was neat to see your son excited about it. The upgrades seem to help it perform on the trails and make it more durable.

[@ryand4786]

Great job Adam , yeah my kids prefer the defender too, so they each have one and I have the bronco. More of a challenge dealing with how top heavy those defenders are but it’s another way we spend time with our kids , win-win. Keep up the great content !!

[@CapeCrawlers]

Thanks! win win indeed.

[@greggrube2948]

Awesome trail and crawling shots. It's cool to see your son involved in the video with you. Music was spot on with the rip. Keep um coming Adam! Great video brother 😁

[@CapeCrawlers]

Thank you! It's always better when he's into it. We've been hitting the trails a lot lately now that its getting warm out. I absolutely love it.

[@80SWoods]

Great footage and perfect timing, my son and I just got back from trailing our TRX4Ms at the local forest preserve trails and are watching this now! We’re opposite from you and your son though, I have the Defender and he has the Bronco.

[@CapeCrawlers]

Thanks! Have fun out there!

[@airhart-highflyingmedia1906]

I’m just about to jump into the world of rc crawlers with my son, I can’t wait. We have just purchased the green tr4m like this. Can’t wait! Love your videos!!

[@suzannegreaves2395]

Just done my first upgrade on my scx24 gladiator which is a set of 1.0 proline hyrax cos of your videos keep up the great content

[@CapeCrawlers]

Thanks for watching! The hyrax is a great tire

[@backshedrc]

Fun Run! The Defender is looking great and we want more Defender. :)

[@CapeCrawlers]

You got it!

[@TheDekimasu]

Nice work mate. Youve inspired me to purchase a crawler to share with my son. youre a great Dad!

[@Ariautoace]

Hi 👋🏼. I bought the TRX4M because of you.

[@CapeCrawlers]

I hope you love it!

[@laddridgerc3828]

Excellent looking mini vehicle. I was thinking about getting one, but I started to get sidetracked on making a scx24 3d printed build. It's going to be a fun build though. You can't have enough mini crawlers in your collection. They are so capable, even on the rugged trails in the outdoors. Love the song choice you have for the running footage.

[@CapeCrawlers]

Thanks for watching! Never enough, I completely agree!

[@Sparroh]

I love this hobby

[@rcjoe406]

That's a mighty fine rig for your boy ..good time to be a kid ..I did a build on mine for the trail painted it ts60 a pearl green with all black accents ..gonna do that brass you got can't wait looks sooooo clean

[@CapeCrawlers]

Ohhhh that pearl green is so sharp! It must look gorgeous.

[@rcjoe406]

@@CapeCrawlers very pretty gonna definitely stay off the the rocks lol

[@jimkrug2586]

That is one really nice Defender. You did a great job on it and I'm a little jealous of those axles too. I think the TRX4M's are a perfect rc for the little ones. Definitely interested in more Defender and Bronco content for sure.

[@CapeCrawlers]

Thank you! I agree, the M is great for kids and beginners. It's tough as nails and user friendly!

[@Joshlikesbanjos]

Great video! I'm pitching in a vote for a crawler build.

[@VS666]

Awesome video my man I just threw the entire indoor Injora catalog at my rig I can't wait almost $500 in parts

[@CapeCrawlers]

Thanks! Have fun with your build!!

[@octavarium707]

Im looking for this kind of build for a long time,it look so good.

[@CapeCrawlers]

Thank you!

[@kjs6469]

Nicely done video. I like the Defender because of it's scale ability. You should put an interior with a driver in it for your son.

[@CapeCrawlers]

Thats a great idea, thanks!

[@kjs6469]

@@CapeCrawlers you could also cut some branches for log's in the trailer or get a mini 4wheeler.

[@waynecastleman1363]

Just get my Defender in a couple days ago and so I've been doing a lot of research on the build ideals and it's a sure thing that its top heavy, so I will run it stock for a bit and decide how to approach my build. I als ordered in the Axial 1/24 Power Wagon and Bronco from Amain and some good pricing for the models I chose with good quality out of the box. Thanks for the video . 👍

[@andrewrichey7374]

Yeah them trailers are cool, yeah we’re here watching appreciate you sharing

[@themidwestconnect]

The young'n has good taste!!! Not only the Defender but in green with gold accents???? 💪💯🎯

[@CapeCrawlers]

Yes he does!

[@gradeywarey4448]

I subbed ! Your enthusiasm and attention to detail with very clear and concisely articulated language inspires me . Teaches me too ! Thank you

[@CapeCrawlers]

Thank you, I appreciate it!

[@Gibsonlife573]

Just say all that to say that I'm proud of you buddy keep going

[@andrewrichey7374]

Yeah the set up table best thing I ever bought,

[@dylanwinterholt8389]

Rock crawler defender would be sweet. I just picked one up and gave it a few brass upgrades. Very good trail rig

[@CapeCrawlers]

For sure. I'm going to slowly chip away at it

[@jordanallen7072]

@cape crawlers definitely do a crawler defender build! Dying to see its capability as a crawler. Just picked one up. Gonna sit in it and see how I wanna do it

[@gfabian2]

Hello Adam, that green defender is fantastic. I would like to see more videos about him because he is the one I have. I put some 58 mm Injora wheels with gold rims stamped in depth. It looks great. A hug.

[@CapeCrawlers]

Thank you! I'll get some more content on it

[@Gibsonlife573]

Your boys favorite colors are the color of money LOL he knows what he's doing the ride looks really good

[@CapeCrawlers]

Haha! I didn't even make the connection with the colors!

[@andrewrichey7374]

I’m sorry but I love it all, that defender is pretty awesome I’ll watch for it

[@farmboyrc]

you need to get a 3d printer! I got mine 2 weeks ago and its awesome! I'm making my own flex blades right now and I printed a lcg chassis and a little tool crate! with as much creativity with your builds you could make some awesome things with a 3d printer!

[@CapeCrawlers]

It is very tempting!

[@rodz017]

Great video .....I luv my FCX24 but this trx4m is growing on me with a few upgrades.... it's my daily

[@danielpadro511]

Stunning driving test, I do like it😊

[@Gibsonlife573]

Sure you have noticed this with Bud since I started watching you this 3 months ago 4 months ago maybe you have grown 4000-5000 subscribers almost and getting like 20 to 30 thousand views in a month that's doing really good man I mean really good

[@CapeCrawlers]

The channel is growing very fast. I am super grateful for all of the support!

[@The_bradesterboy]

OH MY GOSH THANKS I NEEDED THISSSSS

[@johnlujan8706]

Thank you for stating fun facts about these cool 1/18's!...

[@CapeCrawlers]

Thanks for watching!

[@johnlujan8706]

@Cape Crawlers I've invested in all Traxxas upgrades for my first. I was going to purchase at least one or two more and build them up using some aftermarket parts..you know. I really like what you and others have been able to do with and wanted to do something kind of original myself. I've been working on my Deadbolt. It's in need of some taller tires and rims. I purchased a Reefs 99 and an aftermarket 3d printed servo mount that should fit perfectly. Happy Rcing!

[@mikescherrer4923]

Great vid, nice rig! I was gonna start upgrading mine but I'm gonna sell it and build a different 1/18 after the recent attack on the community by Traxxas. They almost had me back after 10 years, but they lost me again. Boycott Traxxas.

[@JUSTHAVEFUNRC]

The bronco body will fit if you modify it like you did your black bronco. Cut the mirror/cowl support bar out. Also I think traxxas makes springs for the trx4m. Maybe the heaviest stiffness one might help sag. I think axels defender is definitely heavy enough to make them flex.

[@CapeCrawlers]

It definitely needs stiffer springs in the back. I'll check out what Traxxas offers

[@jazzcatzadventures]

Excellent filming. Good stuff.

[@RawstreamRC]

Tell your son its very similar to my Defender build! Awesome looking!!

[@CapeCrawlers]

You guys have great taste!

[@aspren7912]

Love that defender looks great😊

[@RCCrawlerz209]

Another place for upgrades would be, Club 5 Racing Parts, they sell some great add-ons to these rigs.

[@CapeCrawlers]

They make amazing scale parts!

[@RCCrawlerz209]

@@CapeCrawlers oh no doubt!

[@rcglock9608]

My bronco weighs 775.5g now with all the injora stuff I got for it lol plus metal bumpers and sliders

[@CapeCrawlers]

Beefy!

[@cgnovice2969]

Just got one and i am immediately looking to get the aluminium front bumper to offset the high, rearward center of gravity. I also want to widen the wheelbase somewhat but i am unsure about what available there. Then more metal components around the bore of the axels to bring the centre of gravity closer to the ground as well

[@andrewrichey7374]

Heck yeah that was awesome, nice driving I do like that trailer, need to rig up some lights On the trailer tail lights and side markers just a thought

[@CapeCrawlers]

Thats a great idea!

[@garabdorje]

I wonder what the low gears could do with the new Injora motors. Can you do a video review for both the 55t and the 48t paired with the low gears? Thank you 😊 The defender performance could also improve a lot with the Injora high clearance steel links or some HC brass links to compensate for the top heaviness. I will put the Injora ones in my bronco build. Because we'll OCD kicked in when I had to upgrade them when my daughter destroyed one. She is trigger happy. Drove over a pile of clothes and cut the driveshaft clean from the motor end. Maybe that saved the gears. Now they need to match! 😂😅

[@CapeCrawlers]

Yes! I am going to do a motor test this week with stock gears and crawler gears.

[@alexandertaggart4369]

Yeessss!! More defender content I love it brotha!!

[@alexandertaggart4369]

Oh and definitely do a crawler build I wanna see what your thoughts would be on upgrades for crawling since the defender is so damn top heavy lol

[@rex_s80]

I made some soft sway bars which massively helped with torque twist and side hilling. Music wire at hobby lobby is pretty cheap.

[@CapeCrawlers]

Thats a great idea!

[@rex_s80]

@@CapeCrawlers if you decide to have a go at making them I’d be glad to share the details. I’ll send you a DM on IG

[@RebeccaMackenzie-y4f]

This video helped me so much!!! Thank you!!!

[@LoganBurdzel]

Would love to see more content on the ultra 24. maybe comparison to the ripper? Love you sons rig!

[@CapeCrawlers]

I can do that! I will be starting my ripper this week.

[@porsche550s]

I’d love to see the side hill and uphill numbers without the accessories on the roof rack.

[@CapeCrawlers]

It would be pretty impressive I think!

[@northernlightsrc8994]

Looks great, my only 2 cents is I think if you found wheels the color of the diff covers . The bronze against the green looks great. 👌 very cool rig.

[@CapeCrawlers]

Thanks! That's a good idea. We have gold stamped steel wheels, but that may be too blingy. Some brass wheels would be sharp.

[@northernlightsrc8994]

@@CapeCrawlers happy crawling!

[@xHolset]

You should keep the stock gears and get the new injora 55t motor and make a video on that.

[@CapeCrawlers]

I will do that. I got both of the new brushed motors today!

[@jake_willis1635]

@@CapeCrawlers Can’t wait!

[@The_bradesterboy]

Adam should I get a defender or bronco. I cannot decide. I’m going to the hobby store later to pick one up.

[@CapeCrawlers]

Depends on what you want to do. Trails: defender. Crawling: bronco

[@The_bradesterboy]

Thanks, i got an Area 51 colored bronco and ordered another colored body.

[@andrewrichey7374]

Love those accessories but missing one thing fishing pole how are you supposed to catch lunch 😁😁👍👍😎

[@CapeCrawlers]

Haha! Very true!

[@jackiethompson9052]

Can you do an overland build with the scx24 c10

[@CapeCrawlers]

Yes, I can do that. I'll have to think about which model to use. But that would be a fun project.

[@kfxrc9169]

Beautiful 👍👍👍

[@nate2929]

Got any future plans to buy the panda hobby terta 24? Would be interested to hear your thoughts on it compared to your other 1/24 crawlers

[@CapeCrawlers]

I would like to check it out. My son has so much fun with the Atlas. I think we would both really enjoy the Panda trucks!

[@tlkyle6896]

This video was great and inspired me to get my own defender, which now has a few upgrades on it as well, thanks to your tips. The suspension does seem to not flex much in the front, however, and it seems like the upper control arms are "binding". I've double checked and they are mounted correctly. Any thoughts?

[@tlkyle6896]

Pretty stupid on my part. Had the drive shafts switched. Flex is good now. Live and learn.

[@Gibsonlife573]

Very precious man thank God everyday for my children and I thank God for your children as well and all the children of this earth

[@rigneynathan]

I did the same thing - bought my kid a defnder and a bronco for me. :P

[@DadsRCGaragePNW]

I too run the metal gear black case servo from traxxas. I still have my blue one and am picking up a rebuild kit to fix the bad gear to have a space. Need to see if I can locate the metal gears in the black one to put in my blue one.

[@CapeCrawlers]

That metal geared version is tough. Sticker shock initially though, but it's been solid!

[@DadsRCGaragePNW]

@@CapeCrawlers yeah I was in a pinch and needed back on the trail. I spent the bucks. Lol

[@johnlujan8706]

@Cape Crawlers good to know, I haven't installed it yet, along with brass diff covers. Good to know.

[@tlkyle6896]

Don't know if you have ever installed the interior set available for the Defender, but it includes a small cooling fan to cool the motor as it would be more enclosed. However, with an optional light kit already installed, there is no place to plug this little fan in for power. Any ideas would be appreciated. Thank you!

[@EastTexasCrawlers]

Do you think those injorna wheels help against the beadlock Traxxas wheels with weight like performance wise

[@CapeCrawlers]

I think they help a little bit. They aren't super heavy, but you can add brass rings super cheap and add a bunch of weight

[@deviousrcngkrew]

Awesome videos bro love the builds question which do you prefer if you could only buy one scx24 or trx18m and why seems like if anyone should know it be you, thanks bro

[@CapeCrawlers]

Thank you! If I could only buy one scx24 it would be the gladiator. The wheelbase and the appearance of it just work for me and it performs very good. For the TRX4M, I would buy the bronco. It's lighter and lower, so it performs better (but not by a huge margin), and I just prefer the looks of it.

[@SYST3M_OVERIDE]

I'd pick up an Ecopower 640T if you need to replace the servo again. It's ever so slightly too tall to fit in without adding spacers under the side "wings" but it's fast, all metal geared and only $30. One thing I am curious about is whether or not you're noticed and binding with those driveshafts. I bought a set and the front binds quite a bit.

[@CapeCrawlers]

I will check out that servo! I haven't had any binding issues with these. I bought some RClions shafts for my bronco and they bound up horribly. Good luck so far with these Injora's.

[@JP-qq2kn]

Nice truck! Great video! I have a question about the driveshaft orientation and the driveshafts falling out at full suspension drop.. Does it matter which way they are installed? Does it matter if the big end of the shaft is on the bottom and the small end is at the top? Or other way around.. I figured having the smaller, lighter end on the bottom would be better n less likely to fall out, but it still falls out occasionally at full suspension drop.

[@CapeCrawlers]

Thanks! For these shafts they are directional, so there's only one way to mount them. I typically mount the larger end of the shaft closest to the motor if the setup allows. Not sure if it makes any difference though.

[@tylerpearce7543]

CRAWLER Defender build please!!

[@oldschooldude3500]

The trx4m is a great truck. I wish traxxas or anyone would come out with a bunch of overland stuff for the trailer. There's very little out there for it. Maybe I'm not looking in the right places for stuff.

[@CapeCrawlers]

I saw they just released wooden side rails, but thats about it. I would like to see more accessories as well.

[@oldschooldude3500]

I did see the wooden sides traxxas has. It's a start. I've found a few things on esty as well. But nothing enough to be excited for. I would really like to see 1/18 scale roof tent like the scx24 gladiator has. And a bunch of rail attachments for it. Maybe eventually if no one makes anything more ill have to try making something myself.

[@ProCstation]

Hey Adam, I have really enjoyed watching your videos on this small crawlers. I am considering getting one for my boy who is turning 4 this year. Do you think that's too young for him to control these things? I'll be getting one for myself, too.

[@CapeCrawlers]

Thanks for watching! My son was 4 when we really started getting into this. He had a little trouble at first but mastered it very quickly. I think your boy would be fine!

[@ProCstation]

@@CapeCrawlers awesome thanks! We’re going to give it a try.

[@niceonemate555]

Looks very cool! And binding or rubbing with the larger wheels?

[@CapeCrawlers]

It rubs a little bit but not bad. The Injora shocks have the preload adjustment that lets me adjust the height on the fly

[@bigislandbuiltgarage9241]

Hahahaha...and I was buying em, buying em, buying em 😂😂😂

[@CapeCrawlers]

They had me on a subscription service practically LOL

[@bigislandbuiltgarage9241]

@@CapeCrawlers they had you on speed dial lol. Truck looks killer! I just picked one up a few days ago. I'm working on edits now

[@raymondwendt6205]

Very cool build. Mine is very similar. Loving it. Have you seen the new Flex Blades Easy Suspension Travel Extenders? Out of stock when I ordered some stuff from Injora. Picked up a 3D printed set for the lower shock mount. Wow, what a difference!

[@CapeCrawlers]

Thanks! I got the flex extensions from Injora on my bronco. I like them! It’s a simple way to get lots of articulation and keep those nice shocks.

[@raymondwendt6205]

@@CapeCrawlers Yeah, lots of articulation. Glad to hear you like them. Back in stock. Ordered some. I'll give the 3D printed set to my son for his Bronco. Thanks!

[@sallyharth2055]

I am looking on buying everything for the trx4m bronco defender what things do I need?

[@Gibsonlife573]

Hopefully Traxxas don't put a stop to all the aftermarket parts I heard stuff yesterday that didn't sound real well

[@joshuazalamea1477]

hi there!! got a defender because of this video and recently did the same chassis/wheel upgrade. how do you deal with the tires rubbing the frame when articulated? thanks!

[@CapeCrawlers]

I usually experiment with shock placement on the chassis until I no longer get rubbing. Just trial and error

[@creekcreeperrc7972]

When are we going to get to see some upgrades for the gladiator 10.3?

[@CapeCrawlers]

This week hopefully! I am going to do an update on it and then start the performance mods.

[@bapojean5981]

Did he say what size tires he used? I heard the type and brand and all that but just curious what size fits under this body.

[@rubenmeza8050]

Pretty rad. Do you sell parts?

[@zunix01]

This or the high trail as a beginner? Im not planning to heavy modify my rig but I love the look of the defender just the clearance is a bit low and ive seen bad reviews on it

[@CapeCrawlers]

They're both great. The high trail is slightly more top heavy than the defender but the defender has great scale looks. I would say it comes down to personal preference as they are both very similar.

[@2Guys1ControllerShow]

Steel shafts on a 750mah battery. I guess the weight helps stability.... But that battery ain't twisting stock shafts.

[@CapeCrawlers]

I like the steel shafts more for the u joint style. I’m not a fan of the cv style stock

[@ih8france359]

You sure? It snapped mine in half pretty easily.

[@manuellopez-balcells1999]

Hello, I own a TRX4M and I would like to change the electronics. I have the Furitek avatar radio system but is it better to install the tegu 24 pro esc or pyton rxf 40A/70A?

[@CapeCrawlers]

If you already have the avatar I would go with the Python RXF. More compatibility with radios

[@ArteryBleedsBlue]

Great video, can’t wait to upgrade mine…hey what’s that song?? Super catchy

[@CapeCrawlers]

The song is Something New by Castle Heist.

[@HeavyHaulagePilbara]

Interested in the 3d printed parts.

[@davidsanderson7812]

I live in the Appalachian mountains and we have a lot of hiking trails here i was wondering what you would suggest for a decent rig to run in a wooded rocky trail been looking at the scx24 and the trx4m but they are so close i just don't know which would be better

[@CapeCrawlers]

It's hard to go wrong with either of them. I would encourage you to look at the new FCX18 also. It has the two speed transmission which is a lot of fun on the trails

[@davidsanderson7812]

@@CapeCrawlers ended up going with the trx high trail c10 in blue lol

[@Akket85]

How did you manage to keep your tires from grinding? I have the same but they drag when steering

[@CapeCrawlers]

The injora shocks have the preload adjustment which let me tune the ride height to avoid extreme rubbing on the body. They still rub a little but not too bad.

[@giopirmisashvili5514]

❤

[@thercrubber3487]

Add a mini winch

[@rhugg215]

Question 4 ya, on scx 24 front lower shock screw broke. A little is sticking out. How do I get it out. Metal axel

[@CapeCrawlers]

You can try to thread a screw in the other side to see if you can push it out, you can glue the tip of your driver to the stub to see if it grabs enough to get it, or you can drill it out

[@rhugg215]

Thank you

[@JensenSiggs]

What size are the shocks

[@CapeCrawlers]

53mm

[@JensenSiggs]

@@CapeCrawlers thank you I think 59 would look a bit off

[@HONDAJEFF05]

yeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeees

[@seniorxj2931]

What's the song title you played at the end?

[@XanderPaisley]

More defender

[@dosfeos]

Do you have flex blades on this?

[@CapeCrawlers]

Right now yes, we're running the Injora flex extensions on it. In this video I think I had them on the rear only and the Adaptive Designs model

[@dosfeos]

@CapeCrawlers I have the adaptivdesigns on the rear, would you recommend putting on the front or not needed?

[@TheDudeRc]

Love it! Just finished a High Trail build and am now on my TRX4M Defender. Literally ordered the whole Injora parts list. I was curious if you got the tail to sit a bit higher as it looks to rest the body on the tires when just driving? Also, what weight oil did you use in the shocks? Since my body will have the same add ons as yours it seems I may want to go with heavier oil. I know its unsprung but I also have the brass wheels from Injora in route which will make the body move more on drops. Great video and great build. Even cooler its with your boy! Awesome sauce!

[@CapeCrawlers]

Thanks for watching! I run 20wt shock oil but I think it could benefit from thicker in the back. Even with some pretty aggressive preload adjustment it sags pretty significantly. The optional stiffer springs could do the trick in the back but I feel like they're too stiff.

[@Fery401]

Can you make it a crawler?

[@CapeCrawlers]

I think I could! Would probably have to do a separate build. I don't think he would let me transform it lol

[@Fery401]

I have one and I’ve been waiting for you to post a video about it because you make really good crawlers.

[@rybobuno]

Does anyone know if the 62mm work with the defender body on stock suspension?

[@CapeCrawlers]

It will work. You will raise your ride height significantly though