The Traxxas TRX-4M stands out as one of our top picks for a ready-to-run (RTR) scale RC truck platform.
This four-wheel-drive crawler is available in Land Rover Defender and Ford Bronco body styles. Each RTR truck is preassembled at the factory and comes with a rechargeable battery and USB charger, allowing you to hit the road right out of the box.
Measuring approximately 10 inches in length, the 1/18-scale TRX-4M is a compact version of Traxxas’ 1/10-scale TRX-4. Despite its smaller size, it retains many features found in the full-size RC rig, such as oil-filled shocks, a robust steel ladder frame, a four-wheel-drive drivetrain, and a fully articulating suspension.
One attribute of the TRX-4M that stands out is its customization potential. Traxxas provides a wide range of upgrade parts that can transform this small truck into a formidable crawler. We set out to enhance our TRX-4M Land Rover Defender, aiming to create the ultimate crawling machine.
All Traxxas Mods
Diving deep into the extensive Traxxas catalog of modification parts, we left no stone unturned in our quest for enhancements, both functional and visual.
Our first decision was to bid farewell to the original red body that it came with, opting for a factory-painted green body that exuded rugged elegance. We thought that British racing green on a British legend like the Land Rover Defender was quite appropriate.
To brighten our path, we incorporated the Pro Scale LED Defender light kit, transforming our night drives into immersive adventures. This lighting setup includes features like daytime running lights, headlights, taillights, reverse lights, and hazard lights.
Additionally, we installed the TRX-4M’s LED light bar kit for extra illumination. Strengthening the truck’s durability, we added an aluminum motor heat sink and servo mount beneath the body, ensuring our TRX-4M was prepared for any challenges ahead.
It’s amazing how many RC upgrades are available; like real-life trucks, most every part can be upgraded. The list of upgrades includes an aluminum steering link, metal servo horn, aluminum suspension links, and aluminum bodied GTM shocks, all upgraded from plastic parts for a robust and responsive driving experience.
HD driveshafts, a hardened steel axle set, aluminum center shafts, and a hardened stub axle further strengthened the Defender against the toughest terrain.
Added Weight
When adding unsprung weight to a RC crawler, the scale truck becomes more capable and gains a more realistic look and driving feel.
We incorporated Traxxas’ heavy brass caster blocks, steering blocks, axle covers, spring retainers, and wheel hubs for better stability, improved climbing prowess and an overall more authentic driving feel.
The 1/18-scale rig also gained a more realistic appearance when tackling rocks and trails with the added weight too.
We jettisoned the stock wheels and tires for Traxxas’ licensed Method Race Wheels 105 beadlock wheels, complemented by brass wheel weights and BFGoodrich Mud-Terrain T/A KM3 tires. This setup not only looks authentic, but it also gives the Defender incredible amounts of traction.
Final Thoughts
Upgrading this RC crawler was a fun and rewarding experience. Like modifying a real-life rig, the performance benefits are self-evident and greatly added to the enjoyment of our TRX-4M Defender. Crawling at the campsite just keeps getting better with every modification we add.
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This article originally appeared in OVR Issue 09. For more informative articles like this, consider subscribing to OVR Magazine in print or digital versions here. You can also find the print edition of OVR at your local newsstand by using our Magazine Finder.
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