Traxxas TRX-4 Bronco Project

When the TRX-4 was released I saw that it was very good but resisted it a long time.  The primary reason for this is that I would much rather build a kit than start with an RTR, and there was also the fact that I had a lot of trail crawlers already.  Later, Traxxas released a new version with a Ford Bronco body and I felt my resolve weakening.  Then I heard they were also coming out with a kit.  Sadly, the kit version is different than the Bronco version so I ended up with the RTR.

This is a 1/10 scale trail crawler with 4WD and 4-link suspension, but it is unusual in many ways.  Firstly, it has portal axles which increases ground clearance.  Next, it has a two speed transmission with high and low range.  Finally, it has remote locking front and rear differentials.  This means there are 3 tiny switching servos in addition to the steering servo.  Put this together with the beautiful scale body which includes inner fender wells and this is a very nice scale truck.  With all the adjustability in the drivetrain, it is also very capable.  It is ready to go out of the box with the addition of nothing but a battery and some AA's for the transmitter.

The 4 channel transmitter allows the normal throttle and steering control along with a 2-way switch for the transmission and a 3-way switch for the differentials.  The modes are: all open, front locked, and all locked.  Another handy feature is "cruise control" which will allow the truck to go at a fixed throttle setting with no transmitter input.  This is nice for long days on the trail.  One feature it does not have that I really wish it did is the ability to limit steering speed.  The servo moves very fast which is good for performance but bad for scale realism.

I did install some Samix brass portal covers, shock spring cups, and suspension mounts to get a nice low center of gravity.  I gradually added other accessories as they became available including a front bull bar, rear spare tire, and LED lighting system.  I also eventually burned out the stock servo and added a higher torque version.

Update:  I later got the 2021 version of the TRX-4 Bronco which I tore down and built from scratch.  If you are interested in seeing a complete build of this chassis, please go to that page.

Update:  This model was destroyed in the 2022 fire.  It has not been replaced.

Page 1:  Upgrades!

Page 2: Final Photos