Best SCX24 Upgrades for Beginners (2026)
By Tiny Terrains RC
Updated June 2026
Introduction
The SCX24 has become one of the most popular RC crawlers ever produced. Out of the box it's capable, affordable, and incredibly fun to drive. However, one of the biggest advantages of the platform is the nearly endless upgrade potential.
For beginners, figuring out where to spend money can be overwhelming. Should you start with tires? Brass? A brushless system? New axles?
This guide covers the upgrades that provide the biggest performance improvements for new SCX24 owners while helping you avoid wasting money on parts that won't make a noticeable difference.
Why Upgrade Your SCX24?
While the stock SCX24 performs well, upgrades can improve:
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Traction
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Stability
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Steering
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Durability
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Ground clearance
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Obstacle capability
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Driver confidence
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The key is upgrading in the correct order.
1. Tires: The Best Upgrade You Can Make
If your budget only allows one upgrade, make it tires.
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Tires are the only part of the vehicle that actually touches the terrain. Better tires instantly improve grip, climbing ability, sidehill performance, and overall control.
Benefits
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✔ More traction
✔ Better climbing performance
✔ Increased sidehill stability
✔ Improved obstacle clearance
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Popular Tire Choices
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JConcepts Landmines
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JConcepts Tusks
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JConcepts Ruptures
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JConcepts Bossman
Tiny Terrains Tip
Many new drivers chase power before traction. A stock SCX24 with quality tires often outperforms heavily modified rigs running poor tire setups.
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Explore SCX24 Tires → Click Here
2. Add Weight Down Low
The second biggest improvement comes from lowering your center of gravity.
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Adding weight low on the chassis helps keep tires planted while improving climbing and sidehill performance.
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Best Places to Add Weight
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Steering knuckles
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Wheels
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Weight hangers
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Axles
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Brass vs Tungsten
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Brass remains popular because it's affordable and effective.
Tungsten provides more weight in a smaller package and is becoming increasingly popular among competitive drivers.
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Explore Brass & Tungsten Upgrades → Click Here
3. Upgrade Your Steering
The stock steering system is often the first weak point drivers notice.
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Upgraded steering components provide:
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More steering angle
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Better precision
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Improved durability
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Better obstacle maneuverability
Recommended Steering Upgrades
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Stronger steering links
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Brass servo mount
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Performance knuckles
Explore SCX24 Steering Upgrades → Click Here
4. Upgrade Your Wheels
Many beginners view wheels as cosmetic upgrades, but they play a major role in performance.
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Quality beadlock wheels allow:
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Easier tire changes
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Improved tire support
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Lower center of gravity
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Increased durability
What to Look For
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Brass rings
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Wider offset options
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Durable beadlock design
Explore SCX24 Wheels → Click Here
5. Oil Shocks
The stock SCX24 suspension works surprisingly well, but oil shocks improve consistency and control.
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Benefits
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Smoother articulation
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Better obstacle absorption
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Improved tuning capability
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More predictable handling
For many drivers, shocks become one of the most noticeable upgrades after tires and weight.
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Explore SCX24 Shocks → Click Here
6. Brushless Power Systems
Once traction and stability are sorted out, electronics become a worthwhile upgrade.
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A brushless setup provides:
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Smoother low-speed control
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Increased efficiency
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Better throttle modulation
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Longer runtime
Popular Options
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Furitek Starter System
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Furitek Micro Komodo
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Furitek Nano Komodo
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Explore SCX24 Electronics → Click Here
7. Performance Axles
Performance axles are where many serious builders begin unlocking the full potential of their SCX24.
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Modern axle upgrades can provide:
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Wider stance
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Improved steering geometry
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Stronger driveline components
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Better overall capability
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Why Upgrade Axles?
Factory axles are designed for general use.
Aftermarket axles are designed to maximize performance.
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Explore SCX24 Axles → Click Here
Recommended Upgrade Order
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If you're building your first crawler, follow this sequence:
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Stage 1
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Tires
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Wheels
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Brass/Tungsten Weight
Stage 2
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Steering Upgrades
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Shocks
Stage 3
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Brushless System
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Axles​
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This progression provides the biggest performance gains for the least amount of money.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the first upgrade I should make to my SCX24?
Tires are the best first upgrade because they directly affect traction and crawling performance.
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Are brass upgrades worth it?
Yes. Weight added low on the chassis significantly improves climbing and sidehill capability.
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Do I need a brushless system?
Not immediately. Most beginners will see larger performance gains from tires, weight, and steering upgrades first.
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Are upgraded axles worth the money?
For drivers looking to maximize steering, stability, and durability, upgraded axles can completely transform a build.
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Final Thoughts
The SCX24 is one of the best RC crawler platforms ever created because it allows drivers to improve performance one upgrade at a time.
Focus on traction first, weight second, steering third, and power last. Following that formula will help you build a more capable crawler while avoiding unnecessary expenses.
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Whether you're building a backyard trail truck or a competition-ready rig, the right upgrades can make every obstacle more fun to conquer.