Get Maximum Performance from Your Stampede
Getting Started
Traxxas 8712 tool kit
You can use the tool kit that comes with the Stampede to install all the parts in this article, but with so many parts to install we recommend a full tool kit. 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.
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We’ll start off in the suspension department with the new Heavy Duty arms used on the Rustler 4X4. In addition to being molded in a new, more resilient material, you can see that the new arms have a different shape than the original (black) arms. You can get the arms in blue, orange, white, red, green, and black. We're also replacing the plastic towers with blue-anodized versions (6838X, 6839X), which bolt right on. We really can’t knock the plastic towers, they’re great—but the aluminum versions look amazing, and they're even stiffer.
HD suspension arms
Aluminum shock towers
Shock tower comparisonWe'll swap the plastic Ultra Shocks with ultra-high-performance aluminum GTR shocks (7461, 7462). The GTR shocks hold more oil for improved damping consistency and their PTFE-coated bores and TiN-coated shafts provide ultra-low friction for long seal life. The GTR's threaded aluminum bodies allow precise pre-load adjustments and their screw-secured spring perches can’t pop off. GTR shock colors include blue, green, and hard-anodized dark grey. Note: the GTR shocks do not include springs. Springs come in a variety of different stiffness levels (or “rates”), and we went with “black” springs (7444, 7446) as used by the Slash 4X4 Platinum and Ultimate. The springs are all white, the “black” refers to the spot of paint that color-codes the springs.
Blue aluminum GTR shocks
Large bore GTR shocks
Colored bars denote spring rateReplace your stock composite steering and caster blocks with these great looking anodized aluminum parts. They're machined from tough 6061-T6 aluminum for superior strength and light weight. They come in a variety of brilliant anodized colors like red, blue, green, and orange. We opted for red caster blocks (6832R) and blue steering blocks (6837X), plus red-anodized rear carriers (1952A). The steering blocks also include fresh bearings.
Red aluminum caster blocks
Blue aluminum steering blocks
Brilliant anodized colorThe Titan-powered Stampede 4X4 kits use convenient one-piece plastic camber links and steel turnbuckles to set front toe-in. The optional TUBES camber links (3643R, 3644R) and toe links (6742R) offer increased strength and adjustability. The ultra-strong TUBES toe and camber links come with brilliant red, green, or blue anodized finishes. A premium 7 mm wrench comes with each set of TUBES to protect the anodized finish while making precise adjustments to your suspension.
Red TUBES camber links
Red TUBES toe links
Make precise adjustmentsWhile installing the suspension parts, it's a great time to upgrade the driveshafts with the extreme heavy-duty units from the Rustler 4X4. As you can see, the Rustler shafts (grey) are beefier than the stock Stampede parts. The shafts are sold as singles, so you’ll need two each of the fronts (6851A) and rears (6852A). The Stampede 4X4’s modular construction makes it easy to remove the front and rear suspensions as complete units, which is a lot more convenient than wrestling with the entire truck while you wrench.
Extreme-duty driveshafts
Rear module
Front moduleWhile the suspension modules are off the chassis, we can dig into the center drivetrain. The stock motor plate is already aluminum, but the optional machined version (6890X) has reliefs that shave weight and improve cooling. The machined motor mount (6860R) further increases cooling and boosts chassis stiffness.
Machined motor plate
Machined motor mount
Machined aluminum comparisonAnother Rustler 4X4 upgrade that’s perfect for the Stampede and Slash 4X4 models, especially when you go brushless, is a set of aluminum slipper pads. The pads are included with the (5352R) Heavy-Duty Rebuild Kit. The kit includes extra parts for other models; all we’re using are the aluminum pads.
Upgraded aluminum pads
Heavy-duty rebuild kitIf you’re modding a Stampede 4X4 VXL, your truck already has an aluminum center shaft. Since we’re working on a brushed truck, we’ve got a plastic shaft. We went with a red-anodized shaft, you can also get it in blue or green. The splined aluminum shaft is more twist- and flex-resistant than the plastic version. To install the aluminum shaft, you’ll also need the (6888X) front drive hub.
Aluminum center driveshaft
Installed aluminum center shaftThe Velineon VXL-3s speed control and 3500kV motor combo (3350R) turns the Stampede 4X4 into a 60+mph machine when you install a 3-cell Power Cell LiPo battery. Stick with 2-cell power and you’ll still be clocking 40 mph. For proper gearing with the Velineon system, we replaced the stock 9-tooth pinion with an 11-tooth gear (6747).
Velineon brushless system
Installed brushless systemWe upgraded to a High-Torque 330 servo (2250) to steer the Stampede 4X4 with 330 oz.-in.of torque—that’s more than four times the torque of the standard 2056 servo. A coreless motor and metal gears make super-responsive and extra rugged, too. And of course, it’s waterproof.
High-torque 330 servo
Full metal gears inside
330 servo installedBrushless horsepower means you WILL be doing wheelies, so the (4974) wheelie bar is a must. It snaps into four different height settings, so you can go low for maximum control on drag launches, sky-high for stunts, or choose from two positions in between. Wheels are sold separately, and you can them anodized in red (5186) or blue, complete with ball bearings and lettered tires.
Aluminum wheelie bar wheels
A wheelie bar is a must-haveLet’s take a look at the front and rear corners before we bolt the wheels on. Can’t go wrong with red and blue, it works every time!
Titan-powered Stampede 4X4’s include Maxx tires (left) with very prominent tread bars that are great for car-crushing, but for enhanced high-speed performance we swapped them for a set of Talons (3669A) as used by the Stampede 4X4 VXL. They look fantastic on their black-chrome All-Star wheels, and the multi-terrain tread rolls more smoothly for hard-surface action while providing great all-around grip everywhere else. Blue-anodized nuts (1747R) hold the wheels on. They score a few bonus style points, but the real benefit is underneath: the nuts’ sharp, machined serrations grab the wheels to resist loosening.
Chevron vs Talon tire comparison
Serrated blue aluminum wheel nutsHere's a before and after comparison of our ultimate Stampede 4X4 build. The Stampede 4X4 kit includes a clear body, which you can paint any way you like.
Before
AfterA clear body is a blank canvas for your custom ride. Not everyone is a professional painter, and that's okay. If you don't want to paint it yourself, check with your local hobby shop or ask around at the nearest RC track. Chances are you'll find someone who can paint your ride for a reasonable price. We're lucky to have some pretty good painters here. Check out this amazing job by Jason, one of the employees and RC fanatics here at Traxxas.
Paint it your way
Jason's custom-painted body
Now this is one fine looking Stampede!Our Stampede 4X4 is even faster, tougher, more adjustable and better-looking than before! If you liked this build series, check out some of the helpful how-to videos on the Traxxas Support channel, Like, and subscribe. Click here to go to the channel now.
