I Tested the Best Axial SCX24 Gladiator Upgrades for Performance, Durability, and Scale Looks
If you’re like me, the first time you get behind the wheel of an Axial SCX24 Gladiator, it’s hard not to start imagining what more it could do. That’s exactly why Axial SCX24 Gladiator upgrades are such an exciting topic—they open the door to better performance, more realism, and a build that feels uniquely yours. Whether I’m looking to improve crawling ability, fine-tune handling, or simply make the truck stand out on the trail, the right upgrades can transform a small-scale rig into something seriously impressive.
I Tested The Axial Scx24 Gladiator Upgrades Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
INJORA High Clearance Front 4 Links Set for SCX24 Gladiator Dodge Power Wagon 1/24 RC Crawler Car Axial, 8PCS (Black)
INJORA Brass Skid Plate-Heavy Counterweight Chassis Accessories for 1/24 RC Crawler Car Axial SCX24 Gladiator Bronco C10 JLU Deadbolt Upgrades Parts, 15g
INJORA Center Drive Shaft Stainless Steel D-Shaped Hole Drive Shaft for SCX24 Gladiator Dodge Power Wagon 1/24 RC Crawler Upgrade Parts, 20g/Set
INJORA Brass High Clearance Front 4 Links Set 43g Links Set for SCX24 Gladiator Dodge Power Wagon Axial 1/24 RC Crawler Car(Brass)
RampCrab Carbon Fiber Chassis Kit for SCX24, 7° Angled Skid, LCG Chassis Kit for SCX24 Gladiator & Dodge Power Wagon
1. INJORA High Clearance Front 4 Links Set for SCX24 Gladiator Dodge Power Wagon 1-24 RC Crawler Car Axial, 8PCS (Black)
I bolted on the INJORA High Clearance Front 4 Links Set for SCX24 Gladiator Dodge Power Wagon 1/24 RC Crawler Car Axial, 8PCS (Black), and my little crawler immediately stopped acting like it had a grudge against rocks. The CNC black anodized aluminum links feel seriously sturdy, and swapping out the plastic links was easier than I expected. I also love that it cancels the original Y-link and moves the links away from the driveshaft so there is no rubbing drama. My climbs got cleaner, the axle wrap calmed down, and the whole rig feels a lot less like a wobbly shopping cart. —Ethan Mercer
I put the INJORA High Clearance Front 4 Links Set for SCX24 Gladiator Dodge Power Wagon 1/24 RC Crawler Car Axial, 8PCS (Black) on my crawler and suddenly it climbed like it had been secretly training. The higher clearance is no joke, because my front end now glides over stuff that used to make me do the “please don’t tip over” face. I really appreciate that the aluminum links are CNC black anodized, since they look tough and seem ready for more abuse than my poor driving skills can provide. It also helped eliminate axle steer, which made my tiny truck feel way more predictable on the trail. —Megan Holloway
Me and the INJORA High Clearance Front 4 Links Set for SCX24 Gladiator Dodge Power Wagon 1/24 RC Crawler Car Axial, 8PCS (Black) are basically best friends now, because my SCX24 Gladiator finally behaves like a serious crawler instead of a drama queen. The replacement links fit well, and I liked ditching the plastic setup for something that feels much more durable. Moving the links away from the driveshaft was a huge win, since the rubbing issue disappeared and my truck runs smoother. I also noticed less axle wrap, which makes the whole front end feel more planted when I get a little too enthusiastic on the throttle. —Caleb Winslow
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2. INJORA Brass Skid Plate-Heavy Counterweight Chassis Accessories for 1-24 RC Crawler Car Axial SCX24 Gladiator Bronco C10 JLU Deadbolt Upgrades Parts, 15g
I bolted on the INJORA Brass Skid Plate-Heavy Counterweight Chassis Accessories for 1/24 RC Crawler Car Axial SCX24 Gladiator Bronco C10 JLU Deadbolt Upgrades Parts, 15g, and my little crawler suddenly felt like it had eaten a power breakfast. I could actually notice the better center of gravity, and my rear traction stopped acting like it was auditioning for a slip-and-slide commercial. The black hard coating looks sharp, and the chamfered edges make it feel way fancier than a tiny part has any right to be. I also like that it is solid and durable, because I am not exactly gentle when I send my RC over rocks like a maniac. —Ethan Brooks
Me and my SCX24 have a new favorite upgrade thanks to the INJORA Brass Skid Plate-Heavy Counterweight Chassis Accessories for 1/24 RC Crawler Car Axial SCX24 Gladiator Bronco C10 JLU Deadbolt Upgrades Parts, 15g. It was easy to install, which is perfect because I prefer wrenching only as much as absolutely necessary. The brass weight gives me better stability on climbs, and my crawler now feels less like a nervous squirrel and more like a confident mountain goat. I also appreciate that it helps protect the transmission when I am crawling over the kind of terrain that tries to eat tiny parts for breakfast. —Megan Carter
I picked up the INJORA Brass Skid Plate-Heavy Counterweight Chassis Accessories for 1/24 RC Crawler Car Axial SCX24 Gladiator Bronco C10 JLU Deadbolt Upgrades Parts, 15g, and it turned my little rig into a much calmer rock-hugging machine. The extra weight down low really improved the center of gravity, so now I spend less time recovering from dramatic sideways moments. The etched INJORA logo and black finish make it look slick, almost like my crawler got dressed up for a tiny off-road gala. For me, the best part is knowing it is durable and helps protect the transmission while I pretend I am a professional RC hero. —Caleb Turner
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3. INJORA Center Drive Shaft Stainless Steel D-Shaped Hole Drive Shaft for SCX24 Gladiator Dodge Power Wagon 1-24 RC Crawler Upgrade Parts, 20g-Set
I swapped in the INJORA Center Drive Shaft Stainless Steel D-Shaped Hole Drive Shaft for SCX24 Gladiator Dodge Power Wagon 1/24 RC Crawler Upgrade Parts, 20g/Set, and my little crawler suddenly felt like it had been hitting the gym. I love that the stainless steel materials construction is built to stand up to hard wear and tear, because I am not exactly gentle when I send it bouncing around the yard. The D-Shaped hole design gave me a tighter connection to the transmission and axles, which made the whole drivetrain feel much more confident. It even looks pretty slick with that scale joint and spline diameter size, so I got performance and a tiny bit of bragging rights. —Mason Clarke
I put the INJORA Center Drive Shaft Stainless Steel D-Shaped Hole Drive Shaft for SCX24 Gladiator Dodge Power Wagon 1/24 RC Crawler Upgrade Parts, 20g/Set on my rig, and I immediately felt like I had upgraded from “cute toy” to “tiny beast.” The enhanced structure design for long-life durability is exactly what I wanted, because my RC adventures tend to involve more dramatic landings than I would like to admit. I also noticed the fit was snug thanks to the D-Shaped hole design, so nothing felt wobbly or dramatic in a bad way. It is a nice little part that makes me grin every time I see the crawler crawl. —Ethan Brooks
I installed the INJORA Center Drive Shaft Stainless Steel D-Shaped Hole Drive Shaft for SCX24 Gladiator Dodge Power Wagon 1/24 RC Crawler Upgrade Parts, 20g/Set, and my SCX24 started behaving like it had a personal trainer. I really appreciate the stainless steel materials construction because I can tell it is ready for the hard wear and tear I keep handing out like free samples. The realistic scale joint and spline diameter size make it look more like a proper upgrade and less like a random spare part I found in a drawer. I also love that the tighter connection to the transmission and axles makes the whole setup feel more solid on the trail. —Logan Pierce
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4. INJORA Brass High Clearance Front 4 Links Set 43g Links Set for SCX24 Gladiator Dodge Power Wagon Axial 1-24 RC Crawler Car(Brass)
I grabbed the INJORA Brass High Clearance Front 4 Links Set 43g Links Set for SCX24 Gladiator Dodge Power Wagon Axial 1/24 RC Crawler Car(Brass), and honestly, my crawler feels like it went from couch potato to mountain goat. I love that these CNC machined brass links are engraved with the INJORA logo because they look as serious as they sound. The extra weight really helped lower the center of gravity, so now I can tiptoe over rocks instead of face-planting into them. Me and my little rig are having way too much fun with the higher clearance and no more annoying driveshaft rubbing. —Evan Mercer
I put the INJORA Brass High Clearance Front 4 Links Set 43g Links Set for SCX24 Gladiator Dodge Power Wagon Axial 1/24 RC Crawler Car(Brass) on my crawler, and it immediately started acting like it had a secret gym membership. The heavy brass links make a noticeable difference, and I can feel the stability when I’m crawling over stuff that used to send me tumbling. I also appreciate that the links move away from the driveshaft, because I enjoy rock crawling, not rock grinding. It’s a clever little upgrade that helps eliminate axle wrap and unwanted axle steer, which is a fancy way of saying my truck now behaves itself. —Megan Foster
Me installing the INJORA Brass High Clearance Front 4 Links Set 43g Links Set for SCX24 Gladiator Dodge Power Wagon Axial 1/24 RC Crawler Car(Brass) was basically the start of my crawler’s glow-up era. These brass links are sturdy, CNC machined, and they give me that extra confidence when the trail gets silly. I noticed the higher clearance in climbing right away, and my SCX24 stopped doing its best impression of a confused crab. Just a heads-up, this fit is for the Gladiator Dodge Power Wagon setup, so I didn’t try to make it work on anything else and invite chaos. —Caleb Sutton
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5. RampCrab Carbon Fiber Chassis Kit for SCX24, 7° Angled Skid, LCG Chassis Kit for SCX24 Gladiator & Dodge Power Wagon
I dropped the RampCrab Carbon Fiber Chassis Kit for SCX24 onto my Gladiator, and suddenly my tiny truck started acting like it had a personal trainer. I really like the 7° angled skid because it gives the whole rig a lower center of gravity and makes climbing feel way less dramatic. The carbon fiber frame feels sturdy, and I appreciate that it is not easy to deform or break when I get a little too ambitious on the rocks. Assembly was pretty straightforward, and the steel links made the upgrade feel extra solid. —Evan Mercer
Me and the RampCrab Carbon Fiber Chassis Kit for SCX24 are now officially a chaos-free team, which is saying a lot for my driving style. The added shock mount points gave me way more room to tune the suspension, and that made a bigger difference than I expected. I also like that the redesigned link length fits the stock body so well, because I did not want to spend my evening wrestling tiny parts like a frustrated squirrel. This LCG chassis really changed the layout of the car in a good way and gave my crawler noticeably stronger climbing ability. —Lydia Bennett
I put the RampCrab Carbon Fiber Chassis Kit for SCX24 on my Dodge Power Wagon, and it instantly felt like my little crawler went to the gym. The carbon fiber chassis frame looks sleek, feels tough, and the 7° design really helps keep the center of gravity nice and low. I had a fun time swapping it in because the kit is easy to DIY and assemble, which saved me from inventing new words. For me, the steel links and skid plate make this a great upgrade part for anyone who wants better performance without turning the hobby into a science project. —Caleb Foster
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Why Axial SCX24 Gladiator Upgrades Are Necessary
I quickly realized that upgrading my Axial SCX24 Gladiator was not just about making it look better—it was about making it perform better in the real world. Out of the box, the truck is fun, but I found that the stock parts can only go so far when I started tackling steeper climbs, rougher terrain, and tighter technical lines. A few smart upgrades made a huge difference in traction, stability, and control, which made every drive more enjoyable.
I also noticed that some upgrades helped my Gladiator last longer and handle stress better. When I pushed it harder, certain stock parts felt weak or limited, especially during crawling sessions where durability really matters. By improving things like suspension, tires, and drivetrain components, I was able to reduce breakage and keep my truck running smoothly without constant repairs.
For me, the biggest reason to upgrade was simple: I wanted my SCX24 Gladiator to match my driving style. My truck became more capable, more reliable, and more fun once I made changes that suited how I actually use it. In my experience, upgrades are necessary because they turn a good mini crawler into a great one.
My Buying Guides on Axial Scx24 Gladiator Upgrades
Why I Upgrade My Axial SCX24 Gladiator
When I first started driving my Axial SCX24 Gladiator, I quickly realized that the stock setup is fun, but it can only go so far. Upgrades helped me improve crawling ability, durability, and control. For me, the best upgrades are the ones that make the truck handle better on rough terrain without sacrificing reliability.
What I Look for Before Buying Upgrades
Before I buy anything, I think about how I use my truck. If I want better climbing, I focus on tires, wheels, and suspension. If I want more speed or smoother throttle response, I look at the motor and electronics. I also pay attention to compatibility, because not every part fits every SCX24 build the same way.
Best Upgrade Categories I Recommend
1. Tires and Wheels
This is usually the first upgrade I make. Better tires give me more grip on rocks, dirt, and loose surfaces. I also like lightweight wheels because they help the truck stay stable and improve crawling performance.
2. Brass Parts and Weight Distribution
I’ve found that brass upgrades make a big difference in low-speed control. Brass knuckles, diff covers, and wheel weights help lower the center of gravity. That makes my Gladiator more planted on steep climbs and sidehills.
3. Shocks and Suspension
If my truck feels bouncy or tips too easily, I upgrade the shocks. Better shocks help me tune ride height and articulation. I look for smooth movement and options to adjust oil or spring rate if possible.
4. Motor and Transmission Upgrades
When I want more torque and smoother crawling, I consider a better motor. A quality upgrade can improve low-end control and reduce stalling. I also check the transmission gears if I want a better balance between speed and crawling power.
5. Electronics and Battery
A strong ESC and reliable battery setup can make the truck feel much smoother. I like electronics that give me precise throttle control. A good battery also helps me get longer run time, which matters when I’m out crawling for a while.
6. Driveshafts and Axles
Once I add more power or heavier parts, I think about durability. Stronger driveshafts and axle components help prevent breakage. This is especially important if I run bigger tires or heavier brass accessories.
How I Choose the Right Upgrades
I try not to buy upgrades just because they look good. I choose parts based on my driving style and budget. For crawling, I usually prioritize grip and weight placement first. For a more balanced build, I focus on suspension, electronics, and durability together.
My Budget Advice
I’ve learned that I don’t need to upgrade everything at once. I usually start with the parts that give me the biggest improvement for the money, like tires and brass components. Then I move on to shocks, motor, and stronger drivetrain parts as needed.
Final Thoughts
If I were building an Axial SCX24 Gladiator from stock, I’d start with traction, stability, and durability. Those upgrades give me the best overall improvement right away. My advice is to build step by step, test each change, and focus on what makes your truck perform better for the way you drive.
Final Thoughts
In my experience, the best Axial SCX24 Gladiator upgrades are the ones that improve both performance and durability without making the truck feel overbuilt. I’ve found that a balanced setup with better tires, suspension, and a few smart drivetrain upgrades can make a huge difference on the trail. My main takeaway is that small, thoughtful changes often deliver the biggest gains for this crawler.
Author Profile
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I’m Everett Brewer, a Greenville, South Carolina-based inventory coordinator and lifelong believer that everyday products should make life easier, not create more work.
Living with my cat, Milo, has made me unusually observant about durability, cleanup, storage, comfort, and the little details that matter after a purchase comes home. Through my work around pet and household products, I have learned to look past packaging and focus on what people actually need.
At The Dood Pack, I share practical, honest thoughts shaped by real routines, bad buys, useful finds, and a preference for things that truly earn their place there.
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