Traxxas Slash 2WD Rear Suspension Parts: Upgrade and Replacement Guide

The Traxxas Slash 2WD is a popular short course truck known for its durability and ease of maintenance. Over time, the rear suspension components can wear out or need upgrading to improve handling and toughness. This guide covers the essential rear suspension parts for the Slash 2WD, including their functions, common upgrades, and tips for selection. Whether you're replacing a broken part or building a race-ready rig, understanding these components will help you make informed choices.

Rear Suspension Arms

The rear suspension arms (also called A-arms) connect the chassis to the hub carriers. The Slash 2WD uses plastic arms that are lightweight but can bend or break under hard impacts. Stock arms are fine for casual bashing, but upgrading to RPM or Traxxas heavy-duty arms adds strength without significant weight. RPM arms are slightly flexible, which reduces breakage on hard landings. For racing, consider aluminum arms for precise geometry, though they transfer more stress to other parts.

Replacement Considerations

When replacing rear arms, check for worn bushings or hinge pins. The stock hinge pins can bend; upgrade to titanium or hardened steel pins for longevity. Also, remember that the left and right arms are different on the Slash 2WD—the right side has a longer arm to accommodate the motor. Always order the correct side.

Rear Shocks

The stock Ultra Shocks on the Slash 2WD are oil-filled and offer decent damping for general use. However, they can leak or fade after heavy bashing. Upgrading to aluminum body shocks (like GTR or big bore shocks) improves consistency and adjustability. For budget builds, rebuilding the stock shocks with new o-rings and oil is effective. For racing, consider threaded preload adjusters to fine-tune ride height.

Shock Oil and Springs

Choosing the right shock oil weight affects handling. For rough terrain, use thicker oil (40-50wt) to reduce bottoming. For smooth tracks, thinner oil (30-35wt) provides better traction. Springs should match the vehicle weight and driving style. Stiffer springs reduce roll but can make the rear twitchy. Progressive springs offer a compromise.

Rear Hub Carriers and Bearings

The hub carriers hold the axle and bearings. Stock carriers are plastic and can warp under crash loads. Aluminum or composite carriers (like RPM or STRC) reduce flex and keep the wheel aligned. Bearings are a common failure point—replace with sealed rubber-shielded bearings for longer life. Ceramic bearings are optional but expensive; they reduce drag but not necessary for most drivers.

Camber and Toe Links

The rear suspension uses adjustable turnbuckles for camber and toe. Stock links are plastic and can strip. Upgrade to steel or titanium turnbuckles with rod ends (Traxxas 5347X or aftermarket). For racing, use orange or blue anodized links for easy identification. Adjustable camber links allow precise tuning of rear grip. A typical starting point for the Slash 2WD is 1-2 degrees of negative camber for straight-line stability, with slight toe-in for cornering.

Sway Bars

An optional rear sway bar (Traxxas 6851X) reduces body roll in high-speed corners. It’s beneficial for track use but less so for bashing because it can limit articulation. The sway bar mounts to the rear shock tower and links to the arms. If you drive on rough ground, consider a softer sway bar or none at all. For racing on flat tracks, the sway bar improves consistency.

Transmission and Differential

While not strictly suspension, the rear gearbox and differential affect weight distribution and handling. The Slash 2WD has a planetary gear differential. For racing, fill with silicone oil to increase or decrease lock. Thicker oil (30k-50k) provides more limited slip, helping corner exit traction. For bashing, stock grease is fine. Consider an aluminum diff case for better heat dissipation if you run high-power motors.

Practical Upgrade Path

For a budget build, focus on RPM rear arms, oil-filled shocks with 35wt oil, and steel turnbuckles. These upgrades improve durability the most. If racing, add an aluminum hub carrier set and a sway bar. Always replace worn bearings and hinge pins as part of routine maintenance.

Final Recommendation

Start with the basics: replace any broken suspension arms with RPM equivalents, rebuild your shocks with fresh oil and seals, and install sealed bearings in the rear hubs. If you have extra budget, upgrade the camber links to titanium turnbuckles. Avoid over-upgrading with expensive aluminum parts unless you’re racing competitively. The Slash 2WD is designed to be tough; a few smart upgrades will keep it running reliably for years.