New (to me) clod. I've got questions.
 

Hey guys im a newb to 4wd rock crawling type rc's. I just got a clod model unknown motor info unknown. Basically all i do know it's got an msc which needs replaced to esc as my stampede also had this msc setup. Got an xl-5 for the pede with a new 17t motor for my pede as well. Basically i need to figure out what's the cheapest best upgrades i can do to the clod right now. I just dumped a poo load of money into my pede and just aquired this clod. Ik it has two mabuchi rs 540sh motors and idk what the turn rate is or what all i need to do to get this up and runnin efficiently on a nimh battery i've got two one 9.6v 5000mah and one 8.4v 3000 mah batteries. also has four wheel steer with futaba controller but no reciever so i plan to use my traxxas reciever and crystals. So any info would be great. Thanks guys.

I am guessing your clod is completely bone stock and has a plastic chassis with plastic shocks? I had mine and it wouldnt climb over a curb since is was so stiff.

So how much you looking to spend? Find you a nice chassis out there. There are so many and to much to list. I got a 4 link for 200 bux thru tcscrawlers called the NN chassis.

Pull the MSC and install ESC like you were talking about. You can run stock motors but you will get shorter run times. I do not know what turn they are but they are only about 9 bux each. You have to decide if you wanna go really slow for crawling and use lets say a 65 turn motor. If you want lil of both go with a 45 or 55 turn.

Also if you want some long run times get a few lipo battery packs from hobby king. Cheap packs but long run times. Just make sure you get a lipo battery charger.

I havent really put any money into my axles myself. They are completely stock and I have never had a problem with them. Now you can buy a lockout kit so that your tires turn the same rates which helps in crawling, or you can go the cheap way and jb weld the spyder gears all together. Its what I did and still holding strong.

There are so many diff variables out there. Just have to pick what is best for you.