Overview
The Traxxas Sledge steering blocks represent a significant upgrade for anyone serious about maximising the performance and appearance of their 1/8 scale RC monster truck. These left and right aluminium steering blocks combine total steering accuracy with bulletproof strength, making them an essential component for weekend bashers, competitive racers, and RC enthusiasts across the UK who demand precision handling and durability. Whether you're upgrading from the stock plastic components or customising your already-impressive Sledge monster truck, these high-grade hop-up parts deliver razor-sharp handling and a striking high-tech aesthetic that sets your RC car apart from the crowd.
Machined from solid 6061-T6 aluminium and protected with a brilliant anodised blue finish, these steering blocks represent Traxxas engineering at its finest. The 6061-T6 aluminium alloy is renowned throughout the RC industry for offering an optimal balance between weight savings and structural rigidity—precisely what you need when you're demanding ultimate steering accuracy and responsiveness from your brushless RC monster truck. The investment in quality aluminium steering blocks pays dividends immediately, as you'll notice sharper turn-in response, more predictable handling characteristics, and improved durability during aggressive bashing sessions or competitive racing. For RC car enthusiasts in the UK looking to take their Sledge to the next level, these steering blocks are exactly what you need.
What makes these Traxxas steering blocks truly special is the attention to engineering detail. The machined billet construction ensures precision tolerances that translates directly to consistent, repeatable steering response—critical whether you're navigating tight course gates at a racing event or tackling rough terrain during casual outdoor bashing. The anodised finish isn't just cosmetic; it provides corrosion resistance and wear protection, ensuring your investment maintains its appearance and performance season after season. Four 5x11 mm rubber-sealed ball bearings are included as standard, delivering smooth performance, dramatically reduced friction, and extended component lifespan compared to plastic bushings.
Key Features
- Machined Billet 6061-T6 Aluminium Construction — The entire steering block assembly is precision-machined from solid 6061-T6 aluminium, a premium aerospace-grade alloy that delivers exceptional strength-to-weight ratio and superior dimensional accuracy compared to plastic alternatives, resulting in more responsive and predictable steering characteristics that translate directly to better on-track performance and durability during intense bashing.
- Brilliant Anodised Blue Finish — The blue anodised coating provides multiple benefits beyond stunning aesthetics: it delivers genuine corrosion resistance protecting the aluminium substrate from oxidation and weathering, increases surface hardness to resist wear and abrasion, and maintains its vibrant appearance through countless sessions of use.
- Four Rubber-Sealed Ball Bearings Included — The steering blocks are equipped with four 5x11 mm rubber-sealed ball bearings that provide exceptionally smooth operation with minimal friction, enabling precise steering control and significantly extending the service life of both the bearings and the steering linkage compared to traditional plastic bushings found on stock components.
- Improved Steering Accuracy and Control — The precision machined design combined with quality ball bearings eliminates the slop and play inherent in plastic steering blocks, delivering razor-sharp handling characteristics that respond immediately to your transmitter inputs, critical for both competitive racing success and confident technical driving through challenging terrain.
- High-Tech Custom Styling — The blue anodised aluminium construction and professional finish elevate the visual impact of your Sledge monster truck, creating a cohesive, integrated appearance that demonstrates your commitment to quality upgrades and attention to detail.
- Replaceable Steering Arms with 9636-Series Options — The steering arms are designed to be replaceable with 9636-series arms, providing genuine customisation flexibility and allowing you to further personalise your RC truck's appearance with alternative colour options without replacing the entire steering block assembly.
- Complete Hardware and Fastener Kit Included — Everything necessary for installation is included in the package: three sizes of precision screws with integrated threadlock to prevent vibration-induced loosening, plus locknuts for secure fastening, eliminating the need to source additional hardware.
Technical Performance
These Traxxas steering blocks represent the pinnacle of RC steering assembly engineering, delivering measurable performance improvements across multiple dimensions. The 6061-T6 aluminium alloy employed throughout the design offers exceptional rigidity while maintaining a lightweight profile—critical for preserving your Sledge's performance characteristics. Unlike plastic steering blocks that flex under load and accumulate slop through repeated impacts and hard cornering, machined billet aluminium maintains precise tolerances shot after shot, lap after lap. The four included 5x11 mm rubber-sealed ball bearings represent a quantum leap in performance over plastic bushings, virtually eliminating friction in the steering pivot points and enabling instantaneous steering response that directly correlates to improved lap times and more confident vehicle control during aggressive manoeuvres. The rubber seals protect the bearings from dirt, moisture, and debris, ensuring consistent performance longevity and reduced maintenance requirements compared to open ball bearings. The anodised finish provides genuine durability—the hardened surface resists wear from repeated steering cycles and protects the underlying aluminium from corrosion caused by moisture, road salt, and the chemicals present in grass and soil. These are precision-engineered components designed specifically for the 1/8 scale Sledge platform, ensuring perfect fitment and alignment with all existing suspension geometry and steering linkage. Whether you're pushing your brushless monster truck to the limit at a competitive event or enjoying a weekend of trail bashing, these steering blocks deliver the precision, durability, and reliability that separates serious RC enthusiasts from casual hobbyists.
What's in the Box
- Left steering block (1 piece)
- Right steering block (1 piece)
- 3x10 mm screws with threadlock (4 pieces)
- 4x16 mm screws with threadlock (4 pieces)
- 3x18 mm screws (2 pieces)
- Locknuts (2 pieces)
- 5x11 mm rubber-sealed ball bearings (4 pieces total, integrated into steering blocks)
Frequently Asked Questions
- Are these steering blocks compatible with my Traxxas Sledge? — Yes, the TRX9635X steering blocks are specifically designed for the Traxxas Sledge range, including all 6S Sledge models. They are a direct fit replacement for the stock plastic steering blocks and will integrate seamlessly with your existing suspension geometry and steering linkage.
- What is 6061-T6 aluminium and why is it better than plastic? — 6061-T6 is an aerospace-grade aluminium alloy that offers exceptional strength, rigidity, and corrosion resistance. Compared to plastic steering blocks, 6061-T6 aluminium maintains precise tolerances under load, doesn't flex or degrade with UV exposure, and provides superior durability through hundreds of bashing sessions or competitive racing events. The material also conducts heat more efficiently, helping manage temperatures during extended driving sessions.
- Do I need any additional bearings or components to install these steering blocks? — No, everything you need for installation is included in the package. The steering blocks come with four pre-installed 5x11 mm rubber-sealed ball bearings, plus all necessary fasteners including screws with integrated threadlock and locknuts. You won't need to source any additional components for a complete installation.
- What are the benefits of the rubber-sealed ball bearings? — The four included 5x11 mm rubber-sealed ball bearings deliver three critical advantages: they virtually eliminate friction in the steering pivot points for instantaneous steering response, the rubber seals protect the bearings from dirt and moisture contamination, and they significantly extend the lifespan of the steering assembly compared to plastic bushings that accumulate wear and slop. This translates directly to sharper handling and reduced maintenance requirements.
- Can I use different colour steering arms with these blocks? — Yes, Traxxas specifically designed these steering blocks to work with replaceable 9636-series steering arms, allowing you to customise the colour scheme of your Sledge monster truck. You can choose alternative arm colours while retaining these blue-anodised blocks for a coordinated, professional appearance.
- Will these steering blocks improve my lap times? — Measurably, yes. The elimination of slop and play in the steering linkage, combined with the improved precision of machined components and the reduced friction from quality ball bearings, delivers noticeably sharper turn-in response and more consistent handling characteristics. Many competitive RC drivers report improved confidence and measurably faster lap times after upgrading to precision aluminium steering components.
- How long do these steering blocks last? — When properly maintained, these machined aluminium steering blocks and their integrated ball bearings will outlast multiple generations of plastic steering components. The anodised finish protects against corrosion, the rubber seals on the bearings keep dirt out, and the rigid aluminium construction won't degrade or develop play like plastic components do. Expect years of reliable service with minimal maintenance.
- Is this a suitable upgrade for beginners? — Yes, absolutely. While these are high-quality components, installation is straightforward and requires only basic tools. The performance improvements—sharper steering response and improved durability—are immediately noticeable even for newer RC enthusiasts. Upgrading to quality steering components early in your RC journey will prevent frustration with sloppy handling and frequent component failures.
Why Buy from RC Model Shop?
RC Model Shop is a trusted UK RC retailer and authorised dealer for all the brands we stock, including Traxxas, ARRMA, Losi, FTX, Hobbywing, Spektrum and more. Based in Walsall, we have a physical store where customers are welcome to come in, view products and purchase in store. Whether you are a seasoned competitor, a weekend basher, or just discovering the world of RC for the first time, our team of experienced RC enthusiasts is here to help you find the perfect setup and provide ongoing support. Order the Traxxas Steering blocks, 6061-T6 aluminium (Blue-anodised), left & right / steering block arms (2 pcs) TRX9635X today with confidence, knowing you are buying from an authorised retailer with genuine products, expert knowledge and a commitment to customer satisfaction. Shop online or visit us in Walsall — we look forward to helping you get the most out of your RC experience.
- Product Type: Steering blocks (left and right pair)
- Compatibility: Traxxas Sledge 6S (all colour variants)
- Material: 6061-T6 aluminium (machined billet)
- Finish: Blue anodised
- Construction: Precision-machined from solid aluminium
- Ball Bearings Included: Four 5x11 mm rubber-sealed ball bearings
- Bearing Type: Rubber-sealed for protection and longevity
- Included Fasteners: 3x10 mm screws with threadlock (4 pieces)
- Included Fasteners: 4x16 mm screws with threadlock (4 pieces)
- Included Fasteners: 3x18 mm screws (2 pieces)
- Included Fasteners: Locknuts (2 pieces)
- Compatible with 9636-series replacement steering arms
- Quantity in Package: 2 pieces (left and right steering blocks)
- Manufacturer: Traxxas
- Model Number: TRX9635X
- Features: Improved steering accuracy, reduced friction, enhanced durability
We want to make sure your delivery goes smoothly, so here are some important details about our service:
- For orders above £120, we offer delivery to most mainland UK addresses. For orders under £120, we can still deliver to Northern Ireland and the outlying isles, as long as the item can be sent by Royal Mail, weighs less than 30kg, and fits within 61cm × 46cm × 46cm. Some highland and remote areas may carry an extra delivery charge as couriers often apply surcharges in these locations. If you live in one of these areas, feel free to contact us before ordering so we can confirm the delivery options and costs for you.
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