Upgrade Your Slash's Speed and Durability in Three Easy Stages
Traxxas 8712 tool kit
You can use the tool kit that comes with the Slash to install all the parts in this article, but upgrading your tools can be just as important as your vehicle modifications. The Traxxas 8712 tool kit includes premium hex bits and nut drivers to perform upgrades or maintenance on your Traxxas model. The kit also includes an overmolded grip and convenient embroidered storage case.
Phase 1 - Heavy-Duty Suspension Arms
Add Phase 1 Accessories to your cart with one click!
Heavy-Duty Suspension Arms
The Heavy Duty nylon composite Traxxas developed for the E-Revo VXL and also put to work on the X-Maxx and Maxx trucks is now offered for Traxxas 2WD vehicles including the Slash. This material is formulated for extra strength in even in cold conditions that make other materials brittle. And, it comes in a variety of colors. You can get it red (like we’re using here), as well as blue, green, white, orange, and black.
The red really pops, but note the revised shapes, also. The Heavy Duty arms’ new design balances rigidity and flex for maximum performance and durability.
Front HD arms installed
Rear HD arms installed
Those red arms look really nice against the black and grey parts, and this Slash is now even tougher than before.
Phase 2: Aluminum Options and Servo Upgrade
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Add Phase 2 Accessories to your cart with one click!
Next, we’ll dial up even more durability and colorful style with aluminum option parts, and boost steering power, precision and durability with a 2250 High-Torque 330 servo. Like the HD arms, these components are direct replacements for the stock parts.
High-Torque 330 servo
Servo comparisonThe High-Torque 330 servo is a real powerhouse, delivering 330 oz.-in. of torque—that’s more than three times the torque of the standard 2075 servo. A coreless motor and metal gears make it super-responsive and extra rugged, too. And of course, it’s waterproof.
Servo installation is easy
Don't forget the servo saverVibrant red anodizing makes the steering blocks, caster blocks, bellcranks, and rear uprights shine. Compact parts like these are an ideal application for aluminum.
Bonus Upgrade: Big Bore Aluminum Shocks
After adding the HD arms and aluminum suspension components, we couldn’t resist adding the Big Bore Aluminum Shock set. These beauties feature hard-anodized bodies with slick PTFE-coated bores for extremely long wear, and scuff-resistant Titanium Nitride-coated shafts that reduce friction on the X-ring seals to the absolute minimum. Progressive-rate springs and silicone shock oil are included, just fill ‘em up and bolt them on. The stock Ultra Shocks are excellent composite-body units, but the Big Bore’s hard-anodized bodies and TiN-coated shafts offer even slicker operation and longer wear. They look pretty cool, too.
5862 Big Bore Shocks
Shock comparison
Installed Big Bore shocksPhase 3: Velineon Brushless Power-Up
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Add Phase 3 Accessories to your cart with one click!
Phases 1 and 2 went a long way toward improving the Slash's durability, appearance, and steering authority. Now it’s time to dramatically increase horsepower and speed, and we’ll do that with the Velineon VXL-3s brushless system. With the Traxxas Power-Up Program, you can trade in the Rustler’s stock XL-5 speed control and Titan 550 motor for a discount on the Velineon system. You can make the exchange by mail, or at your participating Traxxas dealer—get all the details here. Simply remove the XL-5 speed control and Titan 550, and replace them with the VXL-3s and 3500 motor. The VXL-3s has Sport, Race, and Training modes just like the XL-5, and it programs the same way.
Stock Gearing Vs Brushless Gearing
For maximum performance, we’ll replace the Slash’s 16-tooth pinion and 90-tooth spur gear with a 23-tooth pinion and 86-tooth spur gear, as used by the Rustler VXL. The Velineon system will also work just fine with the stock gearing and your Slash will still go a lot faster, but not quite as fast as it can go with the VXL gearing.
Gear comparison
Stock Slash gearing
Velineon brushless gearingOut of the box, the Velineon is set up for use with LiPo batteries with Low Voltage Detection turned on, as confirmed by the green LED when you turn the system on. If you’re using NiMH batteries, switch Low Voltage Detection off by pressing and holding the EZ-Set button until the LED turns from green to red.
Green light for LiPo batteriesRed light for NiMH batteriesDon’t forget to let the world know your Slash is now Velineon brushless-powered! There’s a decal sheet in the box so the other guys can see what you’re packing.
Velineon decals
Decals applied
This Slash is rad, red, and ready for high-output brushless off-road action!For helpful Traxxas how-to videos, be sure visit the Traxxas Support channel, Like, and subscribe. Click here to go to the channel now.
