Traxxas Portal kit, complete (2.56:1 Reduction) (includes rear axle assembly & front axle assembly) TRX9843R

Overview

The Traxxas Portal kit, complete (2.56:1 Reduction) (TRX9843R) is a transformative upgrade for your TRX-4M 1/18 scale RC crawler. Just like the larger TRX-4 model, this portal axle system takes your off-road capability to an entirely new level by raising your vehicle at the axles, dramatically improving ground clearance and obstacle negotiation. Whether you're a serious rock crawler in the UK looking to conquer technical terrain or an RC enthusiast seeking to maximise your TRX-4M's potential, this complete kit delivers professional-grade performance in a compact 1/18 scale package. Portal axles are a proven technology that has been refined by Traxxas across their entire RC crawler range, and now you can experience the same engineering excellence in this dedicated upgrade for the TRX-4M platform.

This is not a basic modification—it's a complete system redesign that includes both front and rear axle assemblies, ready to install and fully assembled. The kit comes with all-metal portal gears engineered for durability and fitted with self-lubricating bushings that ensure long-lasting performance even in demanding crawling conditions. Whether you run your TRX-4M on rocky terrain, technical obstacles, or challenging backyard courses, these portal axles will expand your RC crawler's capabilities and open up new possibilities for exploration and competition.

Available now from RC Model Shop, this Traxxas portal axle upgrade is stocked and ready to dispatch. If you're serious about taking your 1/18 scale RC crawling to the next level, this complete kit represents the most cost-effective way to achieve professional-grade portal drive technology.

Key Features

• Complete Front and Rear Axle Assemblies — This kit includes fully assembled portal axle units for both the front and rear of your TRX-4M, meaning no complex building or part sourcing is required. You simply install them and start crawling immediately, saving you time and ensuring professional installation quality.
• 10.5 mm Increased Centre Ground Clearance — By raising the vehicle at the axles using portal drive technology, the kit increases your centre ground clearance by over 10 mm, allowing your crawler to clear obstacles and rough terrain that would otherwise catch the chassis or damage the centre of the vehicle.
• 9 mm Wider Track Width — Portal axles simultaneously widen the vehicle's track by 9 mm, providing improved stability and a broader stance that helps distribute weight more effectively across uneven surfaces and prevents rollovers on steep side slopes.
• All-Metal Portal Gears with Self-Lubricating Bushings — Unlike plastic gears that wear quickly, this kit features durable all-metal construction for the portal gears. The self-lubricating bushings eliminate the need for frequent maintenance and ensure the gears operate smoothly and quietly throughout extended crawling sessions without degrading performance.
• 2.56:1 Reduction Ratio — The engineered gear reduction maintains optimum torque delivery and speed characteristics for 1/18 scale rock crawling, ensuring your TRX-4M has sufficient low-end power to climb obstacles whilst keeping top speed appropriate for technical terrain navigation.
• Includes Two Transmission Gear Sets (Red and Blue) — The kit thoughtfully includes two complete sets of transmission gears so you can optimise performance for your specific transmission setup. Use the red gears with single-speed transmissions for general crawling, or choose the blue gears if you've upgraded to the optional 2-speed transmission (sold separately) for the ultimate flexibility in speed and torque management.
• Red Gears for Single-Speed Transmissions — If you're running the standard single-speed transmission on your TRX-4M, use the included red gears for optimised performance and either general off-road use or pure crawling. You can alternatively retain your standard gearing if you prefer maximum low-speed crawling torque.
• Blue Gears for 2-Speed Transmissions — When paired with the optional TRX-4M 2-speed transmission (model 9891, sold separately), the blue gears maintain stock vehicle speed in high gear whilst providing an ultra-low crawl gear that multiplies your torque for extreme rock-crawling situations and technical terrain that demands maximum pulling power.
• Retains Stock Forward-Rotation Motor — The portal axle system is engineered to work seamlessly with your existing TRX-4M motor configuration, meaning you don't need to replace or modify your motor to benefit from the increased capability. Your existing brushless or brushed motor continues to function optimally.
• Maintains Stock Speed and Torque — The updated transmission gears included with the kit are specifically designed to preserve the speed and torque characteristics of your TRX-4M, meaning the vehicle feels familiar to drive whilst gaining the dramatic ground clearance and articulation benefits of portal drive technology.
• Compatible with Most TRX-4M Accessories — Portal axles work great with the majority of existing TRX-4M upgrades and aftermarket parts, allowing you to build a comprehensively upgraded crawler without worrying about compatibility issues or the need to replace other components.
• Incompatible with 9776R Low-Range Gears — It's important to note that if you've upgraded with the 9776R low-range gear set, this portal axle kit is not compatible with that specific upgrade, so ensure you're not using that gearing set before installation.

Technical Performance

The Traxxas Portal kit represents engineered excellence in 1/18 scale RC crawler technology. Built around a 2.56:1 reduction ratio, the system delivers the perfect balance of speed and torque for technical off-road terrain. The all-metal portal gears are manufactured to the same precision standards that Traxxas applies across its entire RC vehicle range, ensuring consistent performance and long service life even when subjected to the extreme stresses of rock crawling over sharp rocks, steep drop-offs, and challenging obstacles. The self-lubricating bushings used in the portal drive mechanism eliminate friction points that would otherwise cause wear and performance degradation, meaning your TRX-4M will maintain consistent drivability throughout extended crawling sessions without the need for disassembly and relubricating. The increased ground clearance of 10.5 mm combined with the 9 mm wider track genuinely transforms the vehicle's capability profile, moving it from a fun beginner crawler into genuine competition-grade off-road equipment capable of negotiating terrain that would leave a stock TRX-4M high-centred and stranded. The engineering is refined and proven across Traxxas's full crawler portfolio, brought to the compact 1/18 scale market with meticulous attention to durability and performance. Whether you're running the stock brushless motor or a aftermarket powerplant, the portal system maintains optimal power delivery and efficiency throughout the entire speed range, from crawling creep speeds through to full speed terrain navigation.

What's in the Box

• Complete front axle assembly with portal drive mechanism
• Complete rear axle assembly with portal drive mechanism
• Red transmission gear set (optimised for single-speed transmissions)
• Blue transmission gear set (optimised for 2-speed transmissions)
• All mounting hardware and fasteners required for installation

Frequently Asked Questions

• Will the portal axle kit fit all TRX-4M models? — Yes, the portal axle kit is compatible with all major TRX-4M variants including the Ford Bronco (all colours: Area 51, Black, White, Orange, Blue, Red), Land Rover Defender (Silver, Tan, Black, Green, Light Blue, Pink), and Chevrolet K10 High Trail models (Red, Black, Blue), as well as Ford F-150 High Trail trucks (Blue, Black, Brown). Always verify your specific model number before ordering to ensure compatibility.
• Do I need any tools or technical knowledge to install the portal axles? — The axles come completely assembled and ready to install, which significantly simplifies the installation process compared to building portal drives from individual components. However, you will need basic RC tools (hex drivers, screwdrivers) and some mechanical knowledge to remove your existing axles and install the new portal units. If you're uncertain about the installation process, consult the Traxxas TRX-4M manual or contact experienced RC retailers like RC Model Shop for guidance.
• What's the difference between the red and blue transmission gears? — The red gears are optimised for use with the standard single-speed transmission found on all stock TRX-4M models, providing balanced performance for general off-road use or pure crawling situations. The blue gears are specifically engineered for the optional TRX-4M 2-speed transmission (model 9891, sold separately), which allows you to maintain stock speed in high gear whilst accessing an ultra-low gear for extreme rock crawling and maximum torque scenarios. Choose based on your transmission configuration.
• Will the portal axles work with the 9776R low-range gears? — No, the portal axle kit is explicitly not compatible with the 9776R low-range gear set. If you're currently using that upgrade, you cannot install these portal axles. However, the portal axles themselves provide similar low-speed advantages through their raised positioning and improved geometry.
• How much ground clearance improvement will I actually notice? — The 10.5 mm increase in centre ground clearance combined with the 9 mm wider track represents a genuinely transformative improvement for 1/18 scale crawling. This translates to the ability to navigate obstacles that would otherwise cause the chassis to make contact or high-centre the vehicle. You'll notice the difference immediately on technical terrain.
• Can I upgrade to the 2-speed transmission after installing these portal axles? — Absolutely. The portal axles are specifically designed to work with the optional TRX-4M 2-speed transmission (model 9891). Simply swap the blue gears (included in this kit) into your new 2-speed transmission when you install it, and you'll have access to the ultimate low-gear crawling experience with stock-speed highway gear.
• Do the portal axles require any special maintenance? — The self-lubricating bushings used in the portal mechanism are designed to minimise maintenance requirements. Periodic inspection for dirt or damage is recommended, and you should ensure all fasteners remain tight after intensive use, but the portal gears and bushings should not require relubricating or special upkeep compared to standard axles.
• Will the portal axles affect my motor or electronics? — No. The portal axles work seamlessly with your existing TRX-4M motor and electronic speed controller (ESC). The kit is designed to retain stock forward-rotation motor configuration, and your existing electronics will continue to function optimally. No modifications to the power system are necessary.

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 Portal kit, complete (2.56:1 Reduction) (includes rear axle assembly & front axle assembly) TRX9843R 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.