The Traxxas Slash 4×4 and Stampede 4×4 are popular off-road machines to customize. Many opt to installed more powerful brushless systems with big power LiPo batteries to extend the fun factor, but this can also play havoc to drive-lines. To improve durability over the stock composite slider shafts, Traxxas has released an awesome option, Steel Constant Velocity Shafts. We picked up a full set of front and rear Steel CV Shafts to outfit one of our Traxxas Slash 4×4 based projects and documented the install. If you’re looking to upgrade your sliders, follow along.
Remove the stock wheel and hex from the stock axle.Gain access to the hub by removing the upper camber link screw.Remove the wheel pin so you can slide out the axle. Take note of where any washers are positioned on the axle.Drop the hub down and you’ll be able to pull the stock shaft from its position.To take the upper shaft you, you’ll need to unscrew the screw-pin that secures the yoke to the outdrive shaft using a 1.5mm hex driver.The new Traxxas Steel shafts come assembled. Position the new axle in place and slide the cup end onto the differential outdrive.Traxxas includes new screw-pins with the new shafts. Use the new pin with its threadlocking compound to secure the shaft cup.Slide the new axle shaft into the hub. If there were any washers on the previous axle, you’ll want to reinstall them to reduce slop.Screw the camber link back into the hub and then reinstall the axle pin and hex hub.One shaft down, one to go, repeat the process for the opposite side.The process for the hub is slightly different from the rear. Instead of removing the camber link to gain access to the shafts, you’ll want to remove the steering knuckle and swing it out to swap the axles.
WRAP-UP
Swapping out your stock slider shafts with the new Steel Constant Velocity Shafts is very easy and should only take about twenty minutes to complete the upgrade. When you’re done, you’ll have stronger a stronger driveline the will handle more power and abuse.
