Ultimate Maxx Custom Build
We Build the Ultimate Maxx® Monster Truck
With its standard-equipment WideMaxx suspension, the Traxxas Maxx delivers superior traction and stability that allows you to blast through the toughest terrain and unleash full 60+mph 4S LiPo power with total control. Maxx is equipped for ultra-high performance and Traxxas Tough durability right out of the box, and with Traxxas’ deep line of upgrade and customization accessories, you can make your Maxx an even mightier machine—as you’re about to see. In this 3-phase build, we’ll give our Maxx custom colors, a big helping of extra-heavy-duty aluminum and steel parts, and even add LED lighting for Maxx monster mayhem after dark. Let’s get started.
Phase 1
Aluminum Upgrades and Custom Color
| |
| Parts List |
| |
|
| |
| |
Our first modification is strictly for style. Black suspension arms are standard for the Maxx, and we’re swapping them for identical pieces in green. You can also get them in red, blue, and orange if that’s your preference. No matter which color you choose, the arms are molded in Traxxas’ proprietary high-strength, cold-resistant composite—tough stuff. To make the suspension even tougher, we’re replacing the stock screw-in pins with the 8940X hardened steel pins. In addition to incredible strength and increased precision, the pins feature a low-friction finish for ultra-smooth suspension action.
The Maxx’s suspension arms can be installed as lefts, rights, fronts, or rears depending on how you position them. This photo shows the correct orientation for each upper and lower arm, and the five available colors.
While swapping arms, we’ll install the #8940X hardened steel pin for maximum strength and smooth suspension action.
Traxxas anodized aluminum colors are extra vivid. You can also get the caster blocks, steering blocks, and hub carriers with bright red, green, and orange anodizing.
TUBES use threaded steel ends with large-diameter aluminum bodies. The included 7 mm wrench makes quick adjustments without marring the finish.
The blue-anodized shock caps and spring retainers look fantastic on the green shock bodies.
Show-truck looks with unbeatable durability—you can’t beat that combo. You can also see the new 17 mm aluminum hubs and steel CV driveshafts—more on those next.
Upgrade Your V1 Maxx
If you’ve got an original Maxx and want to upgrade to the WideMaxx suspension, you can get everything you need in one kit—arms, springs, toe links, driveshaft halves, hardware and instructions all in one package. Or, if you’d like to add TUBES links, steel CV driveshafts, or a new body to your V1 Maxx, you can get all the parts in the correct dimensions for the standard-width V1 suspension and short-wheelbase chassis. Click Here to see all the options for the V1 Maxx.
If you’ve got an original Maxx and want to upgrade to the WideMaxx suspension, you can get everything you need in one kit—arms, springs, toe links, driveshaft halves, hardware and instructions all in one package. Or, if you’d like to add TUBES links, steel CV driveshafts, or a new body to your V1 Maxx, you can get all the parts in the correct dimensions for the standard-width V1 suspension and short-wheelbase chassis. Click Here to see all the options for the V1 Maxx.
Traxxas has your V1 Maxx covered with everything you need to go WideMaxx or add options to the original-style suspension.
Phase 2
Center Differential & Steel Driveshafts
We're trading out the Maxx’s factory telescoping driveshafts for the optional steel CV-style shafts, which are even stronger than the composite shafts and transfer power more efficiently under load. The CV axles are designed for use with the optional aluminum 17 mm hubs and nuts, which you can get in orange, blue, red, green, and black. For a complete installation how-to, click here.
Steel CV driveshafts are much slimmer, yet stronger than standard driveshafts.
The CV shaft set includes all-new sealed bearings and screw pins.
The steel shafts require the Maxx’s optional 17 mm aluminum hubs and nuts.
We’re replacing the stock Torque Biasing Center Drive with the 8980 metal center differential. This upgraded unit comes fully assembled with the same heavyweight oil as the stock one, but you can always tune its performance with a lighter weight oil. The differential’s rugged alloy housing sheds heat and resists flex for lasting performance and durability.
Stock composite case (left) and optional alloy. The alloy case sheds heat and resists flex.
The differential installs from underneath the chassis. Access is easy, and making the swap only takes a few minutes.
Phase 3
LED Lights, Traxxas Link, & Custom Body
Now we’ll give our Maxx a dramatically different look and a blazing set of LED lights for after-dark action. The High-Intensity LED Light Kit features a power amplifier that plugs directly into the speed control for steady light output regardless of battery voltage, with no draw on the receiver. We’re adding the Traxxas Link Wireless Module to our TQi transmitter to control the light set remotely via the free Traxxas Link app. The Wireless Module allows us to add the Telemetry Expander and GPS speed sensor to our Maxx for the most accurate speed reading. Traxxas Link also enables remote adjustment of all the TQi’s settings and real-time telemetry data viewing and recording including speed, voltage, and temperature. To learn more about what you can do with Traxxas Link and the TQi transmitter, check out How to Become a TQi Power User.
The high-output LEDs are integrated into the bumpers for unobstructed illumination, and everything you need to install the lighting system is included.
The Traxxas Link module plugs into the back of the TQi transmitter and enables your iOS or Android device to communicate with the transmitter and model via Bluetooth.
The Telemetry Expander is the hub for optional voltage and temperature sensors. The expander is available with or without the GPS module. The GPS module is also available separately, so you can add it anytime. The Maxx has integrated bosses and wire-routing loops that make it easy to install the lighting power module and telemetry expander neatly and securely.
The Telemetry Expander with GPS speed sensor.
Integrated bosses make installation easy and secure.
Once you install Traxxas Link and connect your device to the transmitter, you’ll find a dedicated Lights button on the dashboard.
The rear LEDs respond automatically to trigger inputs with full brake- and reverse-light functionality.Now for the finishing touch: a fresh body
We’re fans of all the Maxx color options, but we decided to turn things up to eleven with a custom paint job on the optional Maxx clear body. For even more color, we swapped the black roof skid and tailgate protector for green versions.
We’re fans of all the Maxx color options, but we decided to turn things up to eleven with a custom paint job on the optional Maxx clear body. For even more color, we swapped the black roof skid and tailgate protector for green versions.
Prefer to paint your own? Get the 8918 clear body.
We made our Maxx even louder with a green roof skid and tailgate protector.
Here’s our finished full-option Maxx, ready to rock and roll—complete with custom graphics.
The Maxx is one wild ride! Check out some of our action videos and see for yourself! Click here to watch the latest videos now.
