**Upgrading the Traxxas XRT 8S: A Comprehensive Guide to Performance Enhancements**
If you're an RC enthusiast, you know the excitement of upgrading and enhancing your ride for better performance and durability. In today's article, we'll walk you through the step-by-step process of transforming the Traxxas XRT 8S with a slew of parts from GPM and Trill. Whether you're looking to boost your truck's strength or simply want to customize it to handle rough terrains better, this guide will provide insights into the parts you'll need and the installation process.
### Unboxing the Upgrades
Before diving into the installation, let's take a look at the parts we'll be working with today. We've sourced a variety of components from GPM and Trill, each designed to enhance the durability and performance of the Traxxas XRT 8S. Here's a breakdown of the parts:
1. **GPM Plus 24mm Drive Shafts**: These are significantly thicker than the standard drive shafts, providing extra durability and resistance to bending or breaking under heavy loads.
2. **TR Front and Rear Differential Covers**: Essential for protecting your differentials from damage, these covers are both sturdy and stylish.
3. **GPM Shock Shaft Kit**: With thicker shafts, these shocks are less likely to bend or break, even in the most intense driving conditions.
4. **Mod 1.5 Center Differential Gears from GPM**: These gears are designed to handle more torque and power, reducing the risk of stripping under stress.
5. **GPM Spur and Pinion Gears**: These are crafted for better engagement and smoother operation, especially when paired with high-performance motors.
6. **GPM M Mount and Differential Cases**: Providing a solid base for the motor and differentials, these components are crucial for stability and precision.
7. **GPM Wing Mount**: A more robust alternative to the standard Traxxas wing mount, which is known to be a weak spot.
8. **GPM Spiral Cut Front and Rear Ring and Pinions**: These are designed to replace the stock "monkey metal" gears, offering enhanced durability and smoother operation.
9. **KCRC Fans for the ESC**: These fans help keep the electronic speed control cool, ensuring consistent performance.
### Step-by-Step Installation Process
#### 1. **Starting with the Rear End**
The installation process begins with the rear end of the truck. By upgrading the differential gears, drive shafts, and shock shafts, we significantly enhance the truck's ability to handle tougher terrains and more aggressive driving.
- **Differential Gear Upgrade**: The first task is to replace the stock differential gears with the GPM gears. These gears have noticeably larger teeth, which means they are less likely to break under heavy loads.
- **Drive Shaft Replacement**: Next, the drive shafts are swapped out. The new GPM 24mm drive shafts are much thicker, reducing the chance of bending or snapping.
- **Shock Shaft Installation**: Finally, the shock shafts are replaced with the GPM shock shafts. This is a straightforward process that involves disassembling the shocks, swapping the shafts, and reassembling them.
#### 2. **Moving to the Center**
With the rear end completed, the focus shifts to the center of the truck.
- **Center Differential and Spur Gear Installation**: The center differential gears and spur gear are upgraded to the Mod 1.5 gears. These gears are designed to handle more power and torque, reducing the risk of gear stripping.
#### 3. **Finishing with the Front End**
The front end is upgraded in a similar fashion to the rear, with differential gear replacements and shock shaft upgrades.
- **Installation Off-Camera**: Due to the repetitive nature of the work and to keep the video concise, the front-end installation is completed off-camera. However, it follows the same steps as the rear end.
### Testing the Upgrades
Once all the parts are installed, it's time to test the truck. The real test for these upgrades is a session at the skate park, where the Traxxas XRT 8S will be put through its paces. This environment is ideal for testing durability and performance under high-impact conditions.
- **Battery Selection**: Before heading out, it's essential to choose the right batteries. Based on recommendations, we opted for a set that provides reliable power for extended runs.
- **Performance at the Skate Park**: The upgrades are put to the test as the truck is launched off ramps, driven at high speeds, and subjected to various obstacles. The new parts perform exceptionally well, with no signs of damage or wear.
### Conclusion
Upgrading the Traxxas XRT 8S with parts from GPM and Trill is a rewarding project that significantly enhances the truck's performance and durability. Whether you're a seasoned RC enthusiast or a newcomer looking to get more out of your vehicle, these upgrades are worth considering. By following this guide, you'll be able to tackle the installation with confidence and hit the trails (or skate parks) with a more robust, capable truck. Happy driving!