12 MONTH UPDATE: I've just replied with pics, full mod list and Q&A after 1 years' ownership. Jump to post #79 in this thread.
24 MONTH UPDATE: another year with the same truck and a few more thoughts on minor issues (there aren't many!). Jump to post #83 to read it.
6 YEAR UPDATE: it's now a Slash 4X4 LCG, jump to post #94 to check it out. Photobucket ruined this old thread; I've fixed some of the images but it's now a bit of a mess! Sorry.
Why this thread? There are a few discussions on AusRC relating to the Stampede VXL already - I searched and found three, which are about the 'new stampede' (from 2010, thread now off-topic), a spare parts discussion and asking 'Should I buy one?'. There's quite a lot of talk about the Slash VXL and the Stampede XL-5 here, but what we don't seem to have in the Electric 1/10 Scale sub-forum is an central discussion thread that is just for owners of the Stampede 4X4 VXL. As a new owner of one of these tough little trucks, rather than adding to pre-purchase threads, it'd be great to have one place to talk mods, breakages and upgrades!
Breakages so far:
Bent rear LHS shock shaft (straightened and filed smooth; Ti shaft purchased)
Bent centre driveshaft (Not bent after all! Gravel in its cover made it look that way)
Snapped lower wheelie bar mount (will be JB-welded then upgraded if breaks again)
Slight crack in Pro-line body rear tray hole, despite nylon washer
(Photo credit: Sandman77 of AusRC)
Mods/Upgrades completed:
Pro-Line Trencher 2.8" on Desperado wheels
Lowered body mounts (looks much better now!)
2x 20mm Sunon fans on motor heatsink with Dodgy Pebble Guard (TM)
Nylon body washers affixed to rear body holes
Pro-Line Chevy Silverado HD2500 body painted Pearl White
RPM Wide Front Bumper
MIP X-Duty Rear CVD (in anticipation of 3S bashing)
Aluminum Shock Caps
Traxxas ESC cooling fan
Slash/Stampede sway bar kit
Planned Mods/Upgrades:
Thermal transfer compound between heatsink and motor
Battery expansion to accommodate 3S 6400mAh LiPO
Titanium rear shock shafts (ready to install)
RPM Front/Rear A-Arms (ready to install; awaiting breakages)
32P 9T pinion (ready to install; will fit once 3S battery arrives)
T-bone racing wheelie bar (TBR62105) - will buy if my JB-weld fix doesn't last
Tekno R/C Big Bone Center Driveshaft TKR6755 - will buy if new shaft bends again
RPM rear hub carrier (#80382) and new bearings - will buy if/when stockers break
Aluminium wheel hubs for front (mainly for Trenchers+3S)
Turnigy motor Heatsink & Fan combo (on the way to replace my DIY efforts!)
Most Useless mod: LED spotties (TRA6784). I thought this was a good idea at the time but it was just a waste of money. Sure, it looks alright but meh, this thing is fun already without adding silly bling. Installation was a snap though and Traxxas' smart forward-thinking design shines through, as it looks factory from receiver to bull-bar.
Favourite Upgrade: definitely the Trenchers. Instead of insto-360 machine, the truck is now planted on loose gravel, pulls hard in a straight line and even wheelies at speed. Love it, well-worth the investment!
Runner-up fave upgrade: sway bars are a close second to the Trenchers. Corners at speed better now, with less roll-overs and more traction. What's not to like?
(Photo credit: Sandman77 of AusRC)
My Experience: I bought mine at Tower Hobbies and used one of their email discount codes, coming to a shipped total of AUD$399. Parts largely from eBay sellers in the USA. I've had mine for a few weeks now and have properly run it three times so far. Each time it has been subjected to massive crashes thanks to my noob driving, big air and one to two full 2S 5800mAh LiPO packs. I've had a few breakages but it is very easy to work on and parts are cheap.
My initial experience confirms it has been a good purchase. I was tossing up between this and a Thunder Tiger MT4 but for the flexibility of being able to tune for off-road handling versus actual jumping, I feel I've made the right choice. Parts availability and alternatives are affordable and plentiful. The size of the truck is great for portability and it isn't hard on batteries. The included TQi radio system is excellent, by the way. Simple to use but very customisable for what it is, and comes with all kinds of programmability and options. (Don't tell him, but I've organised with family & a friend to join to buy my brother one for his birthday soon. We've been crawling together for a couple of years and now I know he's interested in the crazy chaos of this truck. Can't wait to see his face when he gets the box!)
So, anyone else want to talk Stampede 4X4 VXL experiences, mods, breakages, etc? Let's talk! Cheers guys -Craig (Eltham North, VIC)
24 MONTH UPDATE: another year with the same truck and a few more thoughts on minor issues (there aren't many!). Jump to post #83 to read it.
6 YEAR UPDATE: it's now a Slash 4X4 LCG, jump to post #94 to check it out. Photobucket ruined this old thread; I've fixed some of the images but it's now a bit of a mess! Sorry.
Why this thread? There are a few discussions on AusRC relating to the Stampede VXL already - I searched and found three, which are about the 'new stampede' (from 2010, thread now off-topic), a spare parts discussion and asking 'Should I buy one?'. There's quite a lot of talk about the Slash VXL and the Stampede XL-5 here, but what we don't seem to have in the Electric 1/10 Scale sub-forum is an central discussion thread that is just for owners of the Stampede 4X4 VXL. As a new owner of one of these tough little trucks, rather than adding to pre-purchase threads, it'd be great to have one place to talk mods, breakages and upgrades!
Breakages so far:
Bent rear LHS shock shaft (straightened and filed smooth; Ti shaft purchased)
Bent centre driveshaft (Not bent after all! Gravel in its cover made it look that way)
Snapped lower wheelie bar mount (will be JB-welded then upgraded if breaks again)
Slight crack in Pro-line body rear tray hole, despite nylon washer
(Photo credit: Sandman77 of AusRC)
Mods/Upgrades completed:
Pro-Line Trencher 2.8" on Desperado wheels
Lowered body mounts (looks much better now!)
2x 20mm Sunon fans on motor heatsink with Dodgy Pebble Guard (TM)
Nylon body washers affixed to rear body holes
Pro-Line Chevy Silverado HD2500 body painted Pearl White
RPM Wide Front Bumper
MIP X-Duty Rear CVD (in anticipation of 3S bashing)
Aluminum Shock Caps
Traxxas ESC cooling fan
Slash/Stampede sway bar kit
Planned Mods/Upgrades:
Thermal transfer compound between heatsink and motor
Battery expansion to accommodate 3S 6400mAh LiPO
Titanium rear shock shafts (ready to install)
RPM Front/Rear A-Arms (ready to install; awaiting breakages)
32P 9T pinion (ready to install; will fit once 3S battery arrives)
T-bone racing wheelie bar (TBR62105) - will buy if my JB-weld fix doesn't last
Tekno R/C Big Bone Center Driveshaft TKR6755 - will buy if new shaft bends again
RPM rear hub carrier (#80382) and new bearings - will buy if/when stockers break
Aluminium wheel hubs for front (mainly for Trenchers+3S)
Turnigy motor Heatsink & Fan combo (on the way to replace my DIY efforts!)
Most Useless mod: LED spotties (TRA6784). I thought this was a good idea at the time but it was just a waste of money. Sure, it looks alright but meh, this thing is fun already without adding silly bling. Installation was a snap though and Traxxas' smart forward-thinking design shines through, as it looks factory from receiver to bull-bar.
Favourite Upgrade: definitely the Trenchers. Instead of insto-360 machine, the truck is now planted on loose gravel, pulls hard in a straight line and even wheelies at speed. Love it, well-worth the investment!
Runner-up fave upgrade: sway bars are a close second to the Trenchers. Corners at speed better now, with less roll-overs and more traction. What's not to like?
(Photo credit: Sandman77 of AusRC)
My Experience: I bought mine at Tower Hobbies and used one of their email discount codes, coming to a shipped total of AUD$399. Parts largely from eBay sellers in the USA. I've had mine for a few weeks now and have properly run it three times so far. Each time it has been subjected to massive crashes thanks to my noob driving, big air and one to two full 2S 5800mAh LiPO packs. I've had a few breakages but it is very easy to work on and parts are cheap.
My initial experience confirms it has been a good purchase. I was tossing up between this and a Thunder Tiger MT4 but for the flexibility of being able to tune for off-road handling versus actual jumping, I feel I've made the right choice. Parts availability and alternatives are affordable and plentiful. The size of the truck is great for portability and it isn't hard on batteries. The included TQi radio system is excellent, by the way. Simple to use but very customisable for what it is, and comes with all kinds of programmability and options. (Don't tell him, but I've organised with family & a friend to join to buy my brother one for his birthday soon. We've been crawling together for a couple of years and now I know he's interested in the crazy chaos of this truck. Can't wait to see his face when he gets the box!)
So, anyone else want to talk Stampede 4X4 VXL experiences, mods, breakages, etc? Let's talk! Cheers guys -Craig (Eltham North, VIC)