TRX-4 Monster Truck?
 

I've been toying with the idea of making a monster truck with Clod-sized tires using the TRX-4 platform in combination with the Traxxas lift kit. We already know Jconcepts Fling King tires work on a lifted TRX-4 because it's been done several times. The tire sizes compare as follows:

Jconcepts Fling King tires: 1.83" wide, 5.72" high.
Jconcepts Monster Truck tires: 4" wide, 5.8" - 6.3" high (depending which tire)

Inevitable part breakage aside, I'm mostly wondering if fitment/clearance would be a major issue. The monster truck tires are only a little bit taller, but much wider and I'm not sure if the wheel offset would allow it to work, or if the front tires would hit the chassis and severely limit steering. Lets ignore the body because it could always be lifted or trimmed, and I wouldn't be using a stock one anyway.

Thoughts? Has anyone tried this?

Re: TRX-4 Monster Truck?
 

I have not, but plan to with a trx-4 sport due to lack of inner fenders. Inner fenders would likely cause issues. That being said I am running 5.8" proline 2.2 tsl 's with them...https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...7dacb7e7d1.jpg

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Re: TRX-4 Monster Truck?
 

There's an awesome one on Facebook. Here are two of his photos.

https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net...25&oe=5CDF6910

https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net...00&oe=5D1C9432

Re: TRX-4 Monster Truck?
 

Good stuff. I wonder if he gets rubbing with those Firestorms when he steers it.

Re: TRX-4 Monster Truck?
 

Looks like MIP makes a wide track kit that would probably help with that. Hmm...

https://www.amainhobbies.com/mip-trx...SABEgKx4PD_BwE

Re: TRX-4 Monster Truck?
 

I'm not sure. Are you on Facebook? If so I can link you to a post.

The JConcepts wheels have an SLW-like removable hub and 3 different offsets are included with the wheels. 1" offset is the max.

Re: TRX-4 Monster Truck?
 

MIP gives 4mm extra, Hot Racing has a 10mm kit. Another problem would be the extra strain thrown on the steering servo but some of the recent monster torque servos would probably handle that okay.

Re: TRX-4 Monster Truck?
 

It's probably a TRX4 group, right? I'll poke around and find it.

True about the servo. There would be other details to work out as well, but I see tire clearance as the main hurdle and it's looking kinda promising with these widening kits. Exciting 8)

Somebody made a monster truck with an Axial builder's kit and it looks cool from a distance but the geometry on that front suspension is a nightmare. This is why I'm looking at the TRX-4 because the Traxxas lift helps retain the geometry.

https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/6TgAA...v0G/s-l300.jpg

Re: TRX-4 Monster Truck?
 

Yes, you'll find it on some TRX-4 groups. He also has a slot motion video somewhere that I can't find at this time. It appears to drive like an old school truck.

Re: TRX-4 Monster Truck?
 

So I'm gonna go ahead and try it. I'm still fuzzy on some details but this is the current shopping list:

- TRX-4 kit (not the new kit, the original. I want all the gadgets)
- TRX-4 lift kit from Traxxas
- Hot Racing 10mm axle extensions front and rear
- Jconcepts tribute wheels
- Jconcepts monster truck tires (style TBD)
- Body TBD, probably a 12.3" crawler body

I think those big tires will hit the inner fenders so new shock towers without integrated fenders will likely be needed too. There's probably several hundred dollar's worth of other mandatory odds and ends that will make themselves known as the project progresses. :lmao:

The goal is kind of a jack-of-all-trades truck. A unique, cool-looking monster truck that can do some crawling but also some high-speed bashing. Good spare parts availability and a big aftermarket to deal with the inevitable breakages and modify to keep things interesting. Will probably go brushless at some point. Should be fun!

Re: TRX-4 Monster Truck?
 

Very cool! I'm excited to see what you do with it!

The Tribute wheels and JConcepts tires are awesome. I have a couple of sets of those.

Re: TRX-4 Monster Truck?
 

You all are a terrible influence in the best possible ways. This sounds like a killer build!

Want. But can’t.

Excited to see it come together!

Re: TRX-4 Monster Truck?
 

The defender (and tactical?) also has no inner fenders, but all the gadgets...might be worth pricing both ways.. depending what you want for electronics and what the shock towers and things cost

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Re: TRX-4 Monster Truck?
 

I've been in the same dilemma! I've been asking all around another 2 forums about this exact same thing, without any help! Sorry, first post here. I got the lift kit a few months ago for my bronco, almost got the jconcepts ranger tires and wheels to go the old school lifted look. Unfortunately I now have swamper 2.2 xl tires and beadlocks, the light kit etc. So this truck will likely stay this way with all I've done as a trail rig to run with the GF new trx4 blazer (picking up in 1 week) but really want to do a MT with solid axles, but dont really like the clod, and heard they're really poor performing. I can get a smoking deal on a new one ($100 off) and wanted one when I was a kid, but honestly think a trx4 base, with lift kit, and a mt body, ttibute mt wheels, a good savox servo, and a castle sensored 2850 system would be awesome. Think about it, open diffs for bombing around, lock em to go up a snowy slope, down shift into low.....all from the remote! Parts support is the name of this game. Almost got a smt10, use to be all over Ebay, now one will pop up and go for a lot of money for what it is. Traxxas has parts for the next 100yrs lol. Sorry, rambling! Just super passionate about this hobby. Ease keep us updated with your build!

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Re: TRX-4 Monster Truck?
 

Oh, sorry, real quick, do you think the blue truck is 2.2 or 2.6 wheels? I like the higher profile sidewalls.

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Re: TRX-4 Monster Truck?
 

The blue Bigfoot shows both. The grey wheels with BKT tires are 2.2 from Axial. The white wheels with Firestorm tires are 2.6" from JConcepts.

Re: TRX-4 Monster Truck?
 

Thanks! I cant believe I didn't notice that! I kinda like the 2.2s better now that I'm looking at it. Thinking I need a project for next winter hahaha.

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Re: TRX-4 Monster Truck?
 

You're welcome.

Winter projects are great, but that's a long way away and spring and summer projects are fun too!

Re: TRX-4 Monster Truck?
 

Oh I know, but unfortunately I have too many hobbies, summer I mainly run and maintain my fleet of RCs, motorcycle, ATV, camp, hunt etc. That and my rc budget is going to the girlfriend's first crawler, the trx4 blazer so I'll have to wait until winter lol.

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Re: TRX-4 Monster Truck?
 

I’m in agreement with traxxas parts. I used to make builds out of axial parts but that stuff is drying up. Recently converted an old tmaxx to brushless. Literally a 20 year old truck and had no issue getting stuff. Had several vendors to choose from.

If you really wanted just the monster truck look I can say a maxx with silicone stuffed diffs performs well. As long as you don’t go crazy with the size of the motor they aren’t too fragile either. It definitely falls short in the looks if you’re after solid axle MT. Throw in an emaxx transmission and you can have 2 speed as well.


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Re: TRX-4 Monster Truck?
 

Sorry to jump off subject, but I've got a Tmaxx 3.3 and want to convert to brushless. I bought a brushless motor mount from How2RC already and I believe I already put the fwd only kit in my tmaxx(its been a long time.) Any other issues doing the conversion?

Re: TRX-4 Monster Truck?
 

None for me. Used one of his mounts too and a vxl3s combo. I did eventually destroy the old driveshafts and converted to 3.3 shafts and pillow blocks. Has been reliable since and a lot of fun.

I’m the one that jumped off subject by bringing up a basher to begin with.


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Re: TRX-4 Monster Truck?
 

I've thought of a E-Maxx, never owned one of those either, and love the 8 shock look, but believe anytime I'd run the emaxx, I'd rather run my xmaxx. No offense. Now if traxxas came out with a solid axle 8 shock licensed big foot monster truck, 2 speed transmission, 2 and 3s, 1/10 scale, they could charge $799 and I'd still buy it! I like 1/10 scale, easier to clean in my girlfriend's kitchen sink : ) hahaha

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Re: TRX-4 Monster Truck?
 

If I was starting from scratch, I agree. But I already have the T-maxx, motor, and ESC. I just needed the $18 motor mount and maybe a pinion gear.

Re: TRX-4 Monster Truck?
 

I didn't read the article, but it looks like Big Squid is building a TRX-4 monster truck.

Monster Truck Madness – Building High Horse « Big Squid RC – RC Car and Truck News, Reviews, Videos, and More!

Re: TRX-4 Monster Truck?
 

Yes! Actually it's a continuation of a article from 2007 when the ranger tires were first released. Thinking of getting a set for my trx4 bronco for floating over snow and bombing around. But before dropping $$$ on the wheels and tires I wanted to make sure they fit. After 2 weeks of looking around and asking, nothing. I wrote to the author of the article and he responded! He said he would go back to the build and he just simply forgot. I was very shocked as I'm still waiting for a response to my Taylor Swift wedding proposal email hahaha. But seriously, the more involved I get in the online community, the more impressed I am with the generosity of knowledge and ideas. I'll have to read the article!

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Re: TRX-4 Monster Truck?
 

Hey now! She's one of my future ex-wives! Don't go stepping on my toes until the divorced is finalized! :evil:

:lmao:

Re: TRX-4 Monster Truck?
 

Bummer, now it's gonna look like I'm just copying him. :cry:

It won't be completely the same because I'm going full retard on the tire size with Jconcepts Firestorms. Those are quite a bit bigger than what he's using, but I might have trouble fitting them. Time will tell.

Anyway the parts are rolling in. Should have some pictures worth posting in a week or two.

Re: TRX-4 Monster Truck?
 

The Bigfoot photo that I posted is a TRX-4 with Firestorms...

Re: TRX-4 Monster Truck?
 

It will be interesting to see how the portals hold up to the added force caused by clod sized tires. I honestly dont know which way to go. Buy a trx4 roller, lift kit, 2.2 monster tires, brushless castle system? Or turn my bomber into a monster truck? (Not too crazy about the looks of the carbon fiber chassis and ground clearance) ordo i take the parts left over from my trx4 lift kit, the ar60 axles off the bomber, and weld my own aluminum chassis with short wheel base and 2.2 mt tires? The more i think about it, the more im inclined to get the clod kit for $100 off.....

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Re: TRX-4 Monster Truck?
 

True, but I see he also runs SMT10 wheels/tires so the Firestorms may just be for display. What will happen when you steer to full lock with some suspension compression? Do the front tires collide with the chassis and lock up? Inquiring minds want to know 8)

You sound like me, desperate for a good monster truck build but not finding any really excellent options. I've done a mild SMT10 build before but I wasn't too thrilled with some aspects of it so I'm going my own way this time. The TRX-4 route could easily have some breakage issues because, yeah, those tires. They just came in the mail today and I forgot how heavy they are. Gonna be fun. :mrgreen:

Re: TRX-4 Monster Truck?
 

I've found so much info on this sight about smt10 and axial builds, though excited at first, the only thing axial I would use due to parts availability (smt10 used are almost non existant) and so many columns are about trying this and that to handle the clod tires. Which begs the question, just get a clod? And do a mod here and there...... but I'm sure a set of those jconcept cowboy rims and ranger tires will make it's way onto my trx4 next winter for snow runs, and use the super swampers for the trails.

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Re: TRX-4 Monster Truck?
 

Whoops, forgot to say only things axial I would use would be ar60 axles and trans.

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Re: TRX-4 Monster Truck?
 

Ha! I thought I was the only one who said future ex-wife!

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Re: TRX-4 Monster Truck?
 

Since we're on the subject (and because this thread lacks photos), here's the old SMT10. I was really happy with the look but Axial cheaped out in so many different ways on that platform it always bugged me. Decided to sell it instead of spending a fortune on upgrades, but if they ever did an improved re-release kit version I'd give it another go.

https://i.ibb.co/YyxSFsh/IMG-5642.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/dDSgLsc/IMG-5643.jpg

Re: TRX-4 Monster Truck?
 

To do a smt10 right from the ground up as a solid brushless weekend basher id imagine would run in the $2k price range......which begs the question, how much can i get for one of my kidneys? Hahaha

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Re: TRX-4 Monster Truck?
 

That's beautiful! The SMT10 chassis was awesome, but I agree that the driveline just wasn't up to the task. And the stock speed was pathetic. Axial really failed with that truck. It's a reoccurring theme with Axial - they consistently build low quality and problematic vehicles. I know I constantly harp on it, but it's true and very disappointing. I hope Horizon turns them around.


I'm building a 2.2 SMT10 from the ground up so eventually I'll be able to tell you how much it hurts. :lmao:

Re: TRX-4 Monster Truck?
 

LURC has still got a GraveDigger for sale in his demo fleet section...

Re: TRX-4 Monster Truck?
 

She's coming along. A quick mock-up to check the progress:

https://i.ibb.co/1z7yN2x/IMG-6523.jpg

Flexing it out. Not bad! :mrgreen:

https://i.ibb.co/XS66y9Q/IMG-6525.jpg

Re: TRX-4 Monster Truck?
 

That's hilarious...

:lmao: