“Speed” immediately springs to mind when you think of the Traxxas Rustler 4x4 VXL. This remote-controlled car is an absolute beast on wheels. It’s capable of touching over 65 mph – as fast as a sprinting cheetah! For this reason alone, the Rustler is a top pick amongst most RC racers and enthusiasts worldwide.
Now, if you, too, bought yourself one of these bad boys under the impression of it being a basic entry-level model, you might want to rethink.
Why, you ask?
Well, with the right aftermarket accessories and parts, the Rustler can be transformed into a high-performance monster. Everything from its wheels to the battery and even shock absorbers can be upgraded to outperform the competition.
In this piece, we’ve handpicked and put together a list of some of the best Traxxas Rustler 4x4 VXL upgrades that are currently on sale, along with links to buy them. Don’t worry about overspending. We’ve made it a point to include options that won’t burn a hole in your pockets. Plus, all of the things listed here are easy to fit and don’t require any complex tools or skills.
Why Upgrade the Traxxas Rustler 4x4 VXL?
After hearing that the stock Rustler can match the speed of the fastest animal on land, you must be wondering, “Why bother upgrading? Isn’t it already fast enough?”
Well, for some, sure. But not for those who crave speed, power, and control.
Before we get into our compilation of the must-have Traxxas Rustler 4x4 VXL upgrades, let’s go over why you should consider upgrading in the first place:
- Go faster: Speed is king in the RC world, making it one of the main motives behind many enthusiasts upgrading their Rustlers. The stock 2-Cell 25C battery offers decent performance. But switching it with a more powerful battery pack can instantaneously increase the vehicle's top speed. The same is true for the gearing. Adjust its ratio to a higher pinion gear or a smaller spur gear, and you'll have a supercharged drag race car!
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Better handling: Improving your RC's speed isn't everything. It needs to be complemented with good control. The suspension, tires, and shocks all play a role in this. Going for higher-quality shocks can make a huge difference. And when paired with more durable suspension arms, your RC will be able to absorb even severe impacts. Switching to tires with a stronger grip will help prevent any unwanted slides and give you the confidence to push the acceleration lever to the max.
8 Cool Rustler Upgrades for Speed and Performance
It’s time to get to the heart of our discussion. Here are the top 13 upgrades for your Traxxas Rustler 4x4 VXL.
1. 3S Soft 25C LiPo Battery
First on our list is a 5000mAh 11.1V 3S 25C LiPo Battery, a must-have for any serious RC fan. When compared to the stock one, this battery pack gives the Rustler not only better mileage but a boost in acceleration, too. Each battery is fitted with a connector plug that makes the installation process effortless. Just disconnect the stock battery, gently plug this one in, and you'll be ready to race. It’s that simple!
Key Features:
- Traxxas certified iD®-equipped
- 25C continuous discharge rate
- 11.1V power output
2. Talon EXT TSM 2.8" Pre-Mounted Tires
Next, let’s give your Rustler some cool kicks! These all-terrain tires work like magic in the dirt and grass. The Talon EXT TSM has a proprietary substance that not only improves durability but also prevents “ballooning” (a phenomenon when the tire loses traction) at high speeds. No more flipping over while taking those sharp turns. And the best part is that these tires come pre-mounted and glued, so all you have to do is unbox and bolt them on. You can find them in a rainbow of hues to complement the body of your Traxxas RC car.
Key Features:
- High-performance all-terrain design
- Pre-mounted and glued
- TSM® rated
3. GTR Long Hard Anodized Shocks
Want to make your Rustler drive even more smoother? Then, the GTR Long Shocks are the upgrade you need. These 1/10 scale long shock absorbers provide excellent damping and ride quality. With their hard-anodized, PTFE-coated aluminum body and 13 mm bores, the GTR shocks can hold over 70% more oil than the stock ones. The titanium nitride coating on the shafts prevents sticky friction, offering consistent suspension on any surface. These shock absorbers are built to last. They are sealed with X-rings to keep dirt and dust from getting inside and clogging them up.
Key Features:
- Increased oil capacity
- Durable coatings
- X-ring seals
4. Slipper Pressure Plate and Hub
Moving on, let’s talk about the heavy-duty slipper pressure plate and hub, another excellent upgrade for your Rustler. With this part on, your RC car will be able to efficiently take on high speeds without compromising control. This is because it's made of CNC-machined hard-anodized aluminum, which is more durable and dependable than the stock TRA 5556 slipper plate and hub. Besides the Rustler, this accessory is also compatible with other Traxxas models, including the Bandit, Jato 3.3, Rally, Rustler, Slash 2WD, Slash 4X4, Stampede 2WD, and Stampede 4X4.
Key Features:
- CNC-machined aluminum construction
- Compatible with stock pads
- Fits multiple Traxxas models
5. Heavy Duty Suspension Arms
Key Features:
- High-performance composite material
- Extreme durability
- Simple installation
6. Carbon Fiber Slipper Clutch Kit
Next up on our list is a slipper clutch kit. What makes this an essential upgrade is the material it's made of — carbon fiber. Compared to the stock kit, this one can withstand higher temperatures and is lightweight. Its size is another differentiating feature, offering 25% more surface area. This slipper clutch assembly has low rotational mass due to its narrow width of 2.5 mm and lengthy length of 18.5 mm. All of this combined results in superior performance and seamless acceleration.
Key Features:
- High-quality material
- Increased surface area
- Compact dimensions
7. Rear CVD Drive Kit
Investing in a rear CVD Drive Kit is another excellent way to upgrade your Traxxas Rustler. What is it you ask? Okay, here’s a breakdown in simpler words. CVD stands for constant velocity drive. What it does is provide a smooth flow of power from the motor to the RC’s wheels. It accomplishes this while maintaining a constant angle, even on turns or rigorous suspension movement. This drive kit features a unique splined steel structure and is completely rebuildable. This means you can easily replace any damaged or worn-out parts, giving you great value for money!
Key Features:
- Strong steel construction
- Heat-treated components
- Black oxide coating
8. Fully Painted Body with Clipless Installation
Now, let’s shift the focus to a cool aesthetic upgrade. While speed is important, so is looking good on the track. That’s why you should consider switching out your stock Rustler’s body for a fresh new look. There are plenty of vibrant and whacky designs available that will definitely turn heads when you drive past. Fixing is straightforward, too. This accessory comes fully assembled with body mounts, roof skid, rear body support, and wing. Besides being visually appealing, this pre-painted body is constructed from tough poly polycarbonate. So, no worries about bumps or scrapes. Plus, its aerodynamic shape aids in cutting through the wind and making the Rustler go even faster.
Key Features:
- Stunning ProGraphix® paint
- Pre-applied decals
- Durable polycarbonate construction
RC Visions
When it comes to upgrading your Traxxas Rustler 4x4 VXL, don’t fall prey to subpar products and shady vendors. Here at RC Visions, we sell only the best, high-quality RC car parts from trusted manufacturers in the RC industry. Be it RC car batteries, tires, or shock absorbers, we have everything to make your dream a reality.
Here are a few reasons why you should consider shopping with us:
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Expert Support: We only employ people who share your enthusiasm for remote-controlled vehicles. They are well-versed with the Traxxas rustler and are prepared to help you choose the right upgrades.
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Competitive Pricing: The products listed on our website are pocket-friendly without compromising on quality. We also run exclusive offers and discounts.
- Fast Shipping: With RC Visions, you get your parts delivered promptly and at the comfort of your doorstep. We also offer a seven-day money-back guarantee as long as you keep the original receipt.
So, if you haven't already, checkout our website to find genuine RC parts and accessories. Also, feel free to contact us if you need help upgrading your Traxxas Rustler 4x4 VXL.
Conclusion
The key takeaway from this piece is that upgrading your Traxxas Rustler 4x4 VXL isn't complicated. With a few parts, you can transform your vehicle from an entry-level car to a stadium-ready racecar. But keep in mind where you source your parts from matters as much as the upgrades themselves. Consider shopping from a trustworthy retailer like RC Visions for reliable components and maximum value, all in one go. So, go ahead, start upgrading and have fun watching your Rustler turn into a speed demon!
FAQs
Is the Rustler 4x4 VXL Waterproof?
Yes. The Traxxas Rustler 4x4 VXL is designed with waterproof electronics. This allows you to operate it in wet conditions, including rain and puddles. However, even though the vehicle is waterproof, it's still important to carry out regular maintenance. Wipe the RC to avoid moisture buildup and corrosion.
What is the top speed of the Traxxas Rustler 4X4?
Although The Traxxas Rustler 4X4 VXL is an entry-level RC car that’s just 18.78 inches in length, it can hit speeds of 65 mph and beyond. With a good-quality battery pack and gearing upgrades, the Rustler is capable of going even faster.
What does the VXL abbreviation mean for Traxxas RC vehicles?
VXL are high-performance Traxxas RC cars that use Velineon brushless power systems. These components are designed for high speed, lower maintenance, and consistent power.
What motor is in the Traxxas Rustler 4X4?
The Traxxas Rustler 4X4 comes factory-installed with a Titan 12-turn 550 modified motor, while the VXL variant has a Velineon 3500 Brushless power system