What Does Traxxas Brushless Ready Mean?
Traxxas Models are Equipped from the Start for Maximum Speed, Power & Fun.
Inexpensive ready-to-run RC models usually come equipped to handle their rated power, but no more. They aren’t built to handle the speed and extra power that come from brushless systems. Without costly upgrades, this can lead to shortened life and drivetrain failures. At Traxxas, we build our trucks brushless ready from the start.

Traxxas models are built to handle brushless power the minute the tires hit the pavement. When you decide to upgrade your Traxxas model’s Titan® motor and XL-series speed control to the Velineon® Brushless Power System, no modifications are required. Your Traxxas truck already has the strength and durability required for extreme Velineon horsepower. Let’s take a closer look at the features that equip Traxxas trucks for the ultimate power and performance upgrade.

When you decide to go brushless, you can trade in your brushed system in for a discount on the Velineon power system using the Traxxas Power-Up Program. Click the link for all the details.

Traxxas models are designed to accommodate the Velineon brushless motor and built-in mounting positions for the VXL-3s speed control. Everything fits like factory for easy installation and Traxxas Tough™ durability.
Starting Strong: Metal Transmission Gears
When Velineon horsepower pours into the drivetrain, the gears must withstand extreme loads as they transfer torque and rotation to the driveshafts and wheels. The Magnum 272 transmission used in Traxxas 2WD models utilizes metal for all its internal gears. Metal is stiffer and stronger than composite, so gear teeth don’t sheer off under the strain of hard launches on high-traction surfaces or the jolting abuse of on-power jump landings and punishing terrain. In addition to withstanding loads that would cause composite gears to fail, metal gears far outlast composite gears when it comes to normal wear.
When Velineon horsepower pours into the drivetrain, the gears must withstand extreme loads as they transfer torque and rotation to the driveshafts and wheels. The Magnum 272 transmission used in Traxxas 2WD models utilizes metal for all its internal gears. Metal is stiffer and stronger than composite, so gear teeth don’t sheer off under the strain of hard launches on high-traction surfaces or the jolting abuse of on-power jump landings and punishing terrain. In addition to withstanding loads that would cause composite gears to fail, metal gears far outlast composite gears when it comes to normal wear.

Metal internal gears are the core feature of a Brushless Ready drivetrain. Here we see the ring and pinion gears of a 4-Tec (left), and the inside of the Magnum 272 transmission as used by the Bandit, Rustler, Stampede, and Slash 2WD models.

All Traxxas models support the transmission gears and differential with high-quality ball bearings for precision and long life with high-output brushless power.
Inside the Torque Control Slipper Clutch
A slipper clutch can contribute significantly to drivetrain durability by allowing the spur gear to slip under extreme load instead of transferring that load to the internal gears. That slipping action is where the term “slipper clutch” comes from. The Traxxas Torque Control Slipper Clutch is built robustly to withstand heavy use with brushless power. The design features three friction pads affixed to a cast-alloy spur gear mount, and the pads slip against a polished steel plate for smooth action. The clutch doesn’t slip under most driving conditions, but when the pounding of rough terrain jolts the drivetrain, the clutch will “give” by slipping so other parts of the drivetrain don’t have to absorb the force.
A slipper clutch can contribute significantly to drivetrain durability by allowing the spur gear to slip under extreme load instead of transferring that load to the internal gears. That slipping action is where the term “slipper clutch” comes from. The Traxxas Torque Control Slipper Clutch is built robustly to withstand heavy use with brushless power. The design features three friction pads affixed to a cast-alloy spur gear mount, and the pads slip against a polished steel plate for smooth action. The clutch doesn’t slip under most driving conditions, but when the pounding of rough terrain jolts the drivetrain, the clutch will “give” by slipping so other parts of the drivetrain don’t have to absorb the force.

The Torque Control Slipper Clutch is engineered for durability and consistent performance with brushless power.

The clutch slip is fully adjustable and the Torque Control design allows the spur gear to be removed without altering the clutch setting.
Heavy-Duty Shafts for High-Power Driving
Driveshafts pose a unique design challenge, especially in powerful off-road cars and trucks with long suspension travel. The shaft must not only be sufficiently strong to transmit torque to the wheels without twisting itself up, but it must also accommodate the change in length between the wheel and the transmission as the suspension goes through its travel range. The Traxxas solution is one well proven in every full-size car and truck on the road and in the dirt today: a telescoping, splined shaft. For brushless-ready strength, Traxxas driveshafts feature deep splines and thickly molded universal joint yokes joined by a large-diameter steel “spider.” To prevent slipping at the transmission, the shaft yokes are keyed to fit flats on the transmission outputs, and a threaded pin passes completely through output and yoke to secure it. When you’re ready to pour on brushless power, you’ll have all the driveshaft strength you need.
Driveshafts pose a unique design challenge, especially in powerful off-road cars and trucks with long suspension travel. The shaft must not only be sufficiently strong to transmit torque to the wheels without twisting itself up, but it must also accommodate the change in length between the wheel and the transmission as the suspension goes through its travel range. The Traxxas solution is one well proven in every full-size car and truck on the road and in the dirt today: a telescoping, splined shaft. For brushless-ready strength, Traxxas driveshafts feature deep splines and thickly molded universal joint yokes joined by a large-diameter steel “spider.” To prevent slipping at the transmission, the shaft yokes are keyed to fit flats on the transmission outputs, and a threaded pin passes completely through output and yoke to secure it. When you’re ready to pour on brushless power, you’ll have all the driveshaft strength you need.

Steering Torque for Brushless Speed
Brushless power means higher speeds, and higher speeds means higher wheel RPM. As may have experienced yourself if you’ve ever spun a bicycle wheel in your hands, higher RPM results in greater gyroscopic effect. That gyro effect demands more servo torque to steer the wheels, especially for models with larger, heavier tires. All Traxxas 1/10 scale brushed-power models are equipped with the #2056 servo (80 oz-in of torque) or the #2075 servo (125 oz-in), so your model has all the steering power it needs for precise, responsive control with brushless power.
Brushless power means higher speeds, and higher speeds means higher wheel RPM. As may have experienced yourself if you’ve ever spun a bicycle wheel in your hands, higher RPM results in greater gyroscopic effect. That gyro effect demands more servo torque to steer the wheels, especially for models with larger, heavier tires. All Traxxas 1/10 scale brushed-power models are equipped with the #2056 servo (80 oz-in of torque) or the #2075 servo (125 oz-in), so your model has all the steering power it needs for precise, responsive control with brushless power.

Traxxas-Tough Glued Tires
Doubling your model’s speed with brushless power also means double the tire RPM. As RPM goes up, so does the the centrifugal force that tries to pull the tires off the wheels. Traxxas bonds tires and rims using high-quality cyanoacrylate glue that won’t let go when you unleash full Velineon brushless power.
Doubling your model’s speed with brushless power also means double the tire RPM. As RPM goes up, so does the the centrifugal force that tries to pull the tires off the wheels. Traxxas bonds tires and rims using high-quality cyanoacrylate glue that won’t let go when you unleash full Velineon brushless power.

Traxxas engineers every model for exciting RC fun right out of the box, with extra strength and durability built in so you can go brushless with confidence. When you’re ready to experience the ultimate in speed and power with a Traxxas Velineon® Brushless Power System, your car and truck will be ready too. Brushless Ready, right from the start.

Click here or on the image to see the 4-Tec 3.0 Corvette Stingray get upgraded to the Velineon Brushless Power System, step by step.