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How to Update the Rustler 4×4 for Long Battery Packs

Rustler 4X4 chassis conversion
How to Update the Rustler 4×4 for Long Battery Packs

Use Long-Format Batteries in the Second Generation Rustler Chassis

The Traxxas Rustler 4X4 new features a chassis that with a 162 mm battery tray to accept “flat” 7-cell NiMH batteries, and LiPo batteries with similar dimensions. If you have a first-generation Rustler 4X4 that only accepts hump-style NiMH 7-cell batteries and “short” LiPos, you can easily upgrade your model to the new chassis configuration using the parts listed below. This how-to applies to both the Rustler 4×4 and Rustler 4×4 VXL models.

Metric Hex and Nut Driver Essentials Set

You can install the new chassis using the 2.0 mm and 2.5 mm hex wrenches and box wrench included with the Rustler 4X4. For maximum convenience, consider upgrading to the #8712 7-Piece Metric Hex and Nut Driver Essentials tool kit. This set includes premium hex bits and nut drivers that will allow you to quickly and easily perform upgrades and maintain any Traxxas model. The kit also includes an overmolded grip and convenient embroidered storage case. WideMaxx steel CV driveshafts

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Required Components
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  • 6723R Chassis with 162 mm battery compartment
  • 7430R Front bulkhead
  • 6726X Battery hold-down set
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Getting Started

Step 1
Begin by removing the body and wheels. If there is a battery in the chassis, remove it. Next, remove the 4×12 mm and 4×10 mm screws that secure the front suspension to the chassis.

Remove the body and wheelsRemove the body and wheels
Remove the chassis screwsRemove the chassis screws

Step 2
Turn the model over and remove the 3×15 mm screw that secures the steering linkage. Once the steering link is free, pull forward on the front clip to separate it from the chassis. If your model has a plastic driveshaft, it will remain attached to the front suspension.

Remove the steering linkRemove the steering link
Remove the front sectionRemove the front section

Step 3
Remove the 4×10 and 4×12 mm screws from the underside of the front suspension, then remove the 3×15 mm screws from the top of the front gearbox. You can now remove the front bumper assembly.

Remove skid plate screwsRemove skid plate screws
Remove bumper support screwsRemove bumper support screws
Remove the front bumperRemove the front bumper

Step 4
Remove the 3X15 mm screw from the bulkhead tie-bar, and slide the suspension pins out of the arms and bulkhead. Note that the top of the tie-bar has angled sides and the bottom is flat.

Remove the bulkhead screwRemove the bulkhead screw
Remove the suspension pins and bulkheadRemove the suspension pins and bulkhead

Step 5
Remove the 3×8 mm screws and washers from the bellcranks, and slide the bellcranks off their posts. Be sure to remove the lower bearings from each bellcrank post and reinsert them back into the bellcranks.

Remove the bellcrank screws and washersRemove the bellcrank screws and washers
Lift the bellcranks off the postsLift the bellcranks off the posts

Step 6
Install the new #7430R front bulkhead by reversing steps 3 through 5. Remember to install the tie-bar with the flat side down and then set the front suspension module aside.

Remember to install the flat side downRemember to install the flat side down
Completed front suspension moduleCompleted front suspension module

Step 7
Now we can move on to the rear suspension module. Remove the 4 mm screws from the top and bottom of the chassis, and remove the suspension module by pulling it straight back. The slipper clutch assembly will probably come out along with the suspension module; if it doesn’t, remove it from the chassis now.

Remove the top screwsRemove the top screws
Remove the lower screwsRemove the lower screws
Remove the slipper clutchRemove the slipper clutch

Step 8
Now we’ll go back to the chassis for electronics removal. Remove the upper and lower 3X10 mm screws from the motor mount, and the 3×6 mm screw that secures the gear cover. Set the gear cover aside. Next, remove the 3×6 mm screw that secures the wire hold-down, the 3×15 mm screws that secure the speed control, and the three 2.5×8 mm screws that hold the receiver box in place (one of the screws is easy to miss—see the green arrow). Also remove the grub screw that holds the antenna tube, and pull the antenna tube out.

Remove motor mount screwsRemove motor mount screws
Remove ESC and receiver screwsRemove ESC and receiver screws
Remove antenna screwRemove antenna screw

Step 9
Remove the servo arm and the four screws holding the servo in place. You can now remove the electronics by pulling straight up on the motor and its mount, and lifting up the speed control and receiver box off the chassis. To remove the servo, pull it forward out of the chassis, then turn it sideways and push it back through the opening.

Remove the servo screwsRemove the servo screws
Turn the servo sidewaysTurn the servo sideways
Lift straight up on the motorLift straight up on the motor

Step 10
Remove the screws securing the battery hold-down clip onto the old chassis. Use these screws to install the clip included with the #6726X hold-down set onto the new #6723R chassis. Secure the new clip in the new chassis with the screws you removed from the old chassis.

Remove the clip screwsRemove the clip screws
Install clip on new chassisInstall clip on new chassis
Secure the new clipSecure the new clip

Step 11
Install the battery strap hinge by inserting the pivot post included with the #6726X battery hold-down set through the hole in the underside of the chassis, and threading it into the hinge.

Insert the pivot post through the chassisInsert the pivot post through the chassis
Tighten the pivot postTighten the pivot post

Step 12
Attach the battery strap using the screw pin. Three straps are included in the set, choose the one that best fits your battery.

Choose your battery strapChoose your battery strap
Tighten down the battery strapTighten down the battery strap

Step 13
Reinstall the servo, receiver box, speed control, and motor assembly by reversing steps 8 through 10.

Reinstall all the electronics into the chassisReinstall all the electronics into the chassis

Step 14
Reinstall the front suspension module first. Slide the front suspension module onto the chassis, making sure the tab on the front bulkhead is inserted into its slot, then push the module up so the bellcrank posts pop into the chassis.

Align the tab and slotAlign the tab and slot
The bellcrank posts fit into the chassisThe bellcrank posts fit into the chassis

Step 15
Secure the front suspension module with the 4 mm screws that you removed in Step 2, and reattach the servo linkage.

Secure the front suspension moduleSecure the front suspension module
Remember to reattach the steering linkageRemember to reattach the steering linkage

Step 16
Reinstall the drive shaft through the motor mount and slide it all the way forward until it engages the front gearbox’s splined input. Next, slide the slipper clutch assembly into the chassis.

Reinstall the driveshaftReinstall the driveshaft
Reinstall the slipper clutchReinstall the slipper clutch

Step 17
When installing the slipper clutch, ensure that it seats fully in the motor mount and that the splines engage with the driveshaft. Also make sure to align the spur and pinion gear so that the teeth will mesh.

Align the splines with the shaftAlign the splines with the shaft
Check the gear meshCheck the gear mesh

Step 18
Now we can reattach the rear suspension module. Position the flat spots on the slipper clutch shaft and the slotted opening in the gearbox so they are both vertical, and slide the suspension module into the chassis. If it doesn’t seat fully, jiggle the driveshafts to help the slipper shaft engage the rear gearbox. Reinstall the screws you removed in Step 7 to secure the assembly.

Align the flat spotsAlign the flat spots
Reinstall top chassis screwsReinstall top chassis screws
Reinstall lower screwsReinstall lower screws

Mission Accomplished
Your Rustler 4X4 is now up to date and ready to hold a greater variety of battery configurations. Reinstall the wheels, pop your favorite battery in there, clip the body on and hit the dirt!

Completed chassis

For more helpful Traxxas how-to videos, be sure visit the Traxxas Support channel, Like, and subscribe. Click here to go to the channel now.

Rustler 4X4
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