How to Rebuild Traxxas Ultra Shocks - 7 Steps

Q: What is the purpose of Traxxas shock spacers?

The main goal of Traxxas shock spacers is to adjust ride height and modify spring preload.

Q: How frequently should Traxxas shock oil be replaced?

You should change your Traxxas shock oil when it starts to operate poorly or the oil inside looks dirty.

Q: How much oil do you put in RC shocks?

You should fill the shock oil nearly to the top to avoid air being trapped in the shock.

Watch our step-by-step video tutorial on rebuilding Traxxas Ultra Shocks: Expert tips, easy techniques, and a complete RC maintenance guide.

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Items Used	Note	Deals on
#1 Ultra Shocks Rebuild Kit (2362)	Rebuilds 2 shocks	Amazon
#2 Shock Oil	We Recommend 60-50wt front & 40-30wt rear for most Traxxas 2wd cars	Amazon
#3 Small flat-head Screwdriver	For getting E-clip on and off	Amazon
#4.1 Needle nose pliers	For getting the rod ends on and off	Amazon
#4.2 RC shock pliers (optional)	Better at getting the rod ends on and off	Amazon
#5.1 Traxxas Hardened (Front) shock shaft (1664T)	Upgrade to make shocks as good as Traxxas Big Bore for – stampede, slash, rustler bandit	Amazon
#5.2 Traxxas Hardened (Rear) shock shaft (2656T)	Upgrade – stampede, slash, rustler bandit	Amazon
#6 Aluminum Shock Caps (3767)	Upgrade – Helps keep the cap on for hard landings / Impacts – on my shock (older style shock), I would need to shave the bottom of the caps for they are a bit too long	Amazon

Video used

– How to Rebuild Traxxas Ultra Shocks – (Video Recap)

Rebuilding your Traxxas Ultra Shocks is an essential maintenance task that ensures optimal performance of your RC vehicle. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:

Tools and Materials Needed

Traxxas Ultra Shock Rebuild Kit (#2362)
Pliers
Silicone Shock Oil
Paper towels
Small container for old oil

Step-by-Step Rebuild Process

Remove the Shocks
- Use a 2mm or 3mm hex driver to remove the upper and lower shock screws.
Disassemble the Shock
- Remove the spring retainer and spring.
- Unscrew the shock cap and drain the old oil into a container.
Remove Internal Components
- Use shock shaft pliers to remove the rod end from the shaft
- Remove the lower cap, seals, and seal spacer
Clean and Inspect
- Clean all parts thoroughly and inspect for wear or damage.
Replace Worn Parts
- Install new X-ring seals, lubricating them with a drop of shock oil
- If necessary, replace the shock shaft (#1664T for front shocks on 1/10 scale models)
Reassemble the Shock
- Install new e-clips on the shock shaft and reattach the piston
- Carefully reinstall the shock shaft into the body
Refill with Oil
- Fill the shock body with silicone shock oil
- Slowly cycle the shaft to remove air bubbles
Seal the Shock
- Install the bladder and shock cap.
- Tighten the cap, allowing excess oil to escape.
Reattach Components
- Reinstall the spring, retainers, and rod end.
Reinstall on Vehicle
- Mount the rebuilt shocks back onto your RC vehicle.

Pro Tips

Always use pure silicone shock oil for consistent performance.
Consider experimenting with different oil weights to fine-tune your suspension.
Regularly inspect your shocks for signs of wear or leakage.

By following these steps, you’ll ensure your Traxxas Ultra Shocks provide optimal performance and longevity for your RC vehicle. Remember to perform this maintenance regularly, especially after heavy use or when you notice decreased performance.

Traxxas 2362 Ultra Shocks Rebuild Kit

The Traxxas Ultra Shocks Rebuild Kit (2362) is an essential component for maintaining and restoring the performance of your RC vehicle’s suspension system. This kit is designed to rebuild two Ultra Shocks or Big Bore shocks used on popular Traxxas models such as the Slash, Rustler, and Stampede.

Why You Need the Rebuild Kit

Regular Maintenance: Periodic rebuilding of shocks is crucial for optimal performance. The rebuild kit lets you replace worn-out parts, ensuring your shocks function as intended4.
Addressing Wear and Tear: Over time, shock components like O-rings, diaphragms, and seals can deteriorate, leading to oil leaks and reduced performance. The rebuild kit provides fresh components to restore shock functionality
Cost-Effective Solution: Instead of replacing entire shock assemblies, the rebuild kit offers a more economical option to rejuvenate your existing shocks
Compatibility: The kit is versatile and compatible with a wide range of Traxxas models. Stampede, Slash, Rustler, and Bandit to name a few.
Complete Package: The rebuild kit includes all necessary parts for rebuilding two shocks, including silicone O-rings, rubber diaphragms, C-clips, and spacers

By using the Traxxas Ultra Shocks Rebuild Kit (2362), you can extend the life of your RC vehicle’s suspension system, maintain optimal performance, and save money in the long run. Regular shock maintenance using this kit will ensure your Traxxas model continues to deliver the smooth, responsive handling it’s known for.

Shock Oil

When rebuilding Traxxas Ultra Shocks, using the right shock oil is crucial for the optimal performance and longevity of your RC vehicle’s suspension system. Shock oil plays a vital role in controlling the movement of the suspension arms and providing proper damping.

Basic understanding of shock oil

Advanced understanding of shock oil

Importance of Shock Oil

Damping Control: Shock oil determines how quickly the shock absorbers rebound after compression, allowing you to fine-tune your RC car’s handling characteristics.
Terrain Adaptation: Different shock oil weights are suitable for various terrains. Lighter oils (10wt to 35wt) work well for quick bumps and weight transfer. Heavier oils (40wt to 60wt) provide better stability at higher speeds and can take bigger jumps.
Vehicle Weight Compensation: Heavier RC vehicles may benefit from slightly thicker shock oils to maintain stability.
Performance Customization: By adjusting shock oil weight, you can tailor your RC car’s performance to match your driving style and the specific challenges of your preferred tracks.

Choosing the Right Shock Oil

For Traxxas Ultra Shocks, consider the following:

Weight Recommendation: 30wt (350cst) is a good place to start. However, for a heavier vehicle like Stampede 4×4, 30wt might be too light. also, higher speeds will require thicker oil
Experimentation: Many RC enthusiasts find success with oils in the 40wt to 50wt range best for bashing because of the higher impacts on the suspension components.
Brand Options: While Traxxas oil is an option, some users prefer other brands like Losi & Associated, which offer a wider range of weights and larger quantities

Small Flat-Head Screwdriver

When rebuilding Traxxas Ultra Shocks, a small flat-head screwdriver is an indispensable tool for handling the E-clips on the shock shaft. This simple yet crucial instrument plays a vital role in the disassembly and reassembly process.

Removing and Adding E-clip

Importance of a Small Flat-head Screwdriver

Precision: The small size allows for accurate manipulation of the tiny E-clips without damaging surrounding components.
E-clip Removal: A flat-head screwdriver with a 1/8″ tip is ideal for popping off the E-clip from the end of the shock shaft, releasing the piston.
Minimal Damage: Using the correct tool minimizes the risk of scratching or damaging the machined shock pistons or other delicate parts
Ease of Use: While specialized E-clip tools (<<< in the video below) exist, many RC enthusiasts find a small flat-head screwdriver to be the most accessible and effective tool for the job.

Needle Nose Pliers

When rebuilding Traxxas Ultra Shocks, needle nose pliers are an essential tool for handling the rod ends on the shock shaft. These pliers offer precision and control during the disassembly and reassembly process.

Importance of Needle Nose Pliers

Rod End Removal: To remove the rod end, grip the shock shaft with shock shaft pliers and use the needle nose pliers to unthread the rod end
Rod End Installation: When reinstalling the rod end, needle nose pliers offer the necessary leverage to thread it back onto the shock shaft securely.
Preventing Damage: The slim profile of needle nose pliers reduces the risk of burring up the shock shaft, which can damage the O-rings and/or X-rings

RC Shock Pliers

While needle nose pliers can be used for rebuilding Traxxas Ultra Shocks, dedicated RC shock pliers offer several advantages that make them a superior choice for handling rod ends on shock shafts.

Advantages of RC Shock Pliers

Softer Material: These pliers are typically made from softer aluminum, which helps prevent scratching or damaging the shock shaft.
Wider Jaws: RC shock pliers feature wider jaws compared to needle nose pliers, distributing pressure more evenly and reducing the risk of shaft damage.
Versatility: many models of RC are multi-function which can assist with installing ball ends, shoch caps, measuring piston diameters, and spacer lengths.
Reduced Risk: Using dedicated shock pliers significantly lowers the chance of damaging the shock shaft, which could lead to leaks and seal issues.

Traxxas Hardened Shock Shafts

When rebuilding Traxxas Ultra Shocks, upgrading to Traxxas Hardened shock shafts is a must-have upgrade that can significantly enhance the durability and performance of your RC vehicle’s suspension system.

Benefits of Traxxas Hardened Shock Shafts

Increased Strength: The hardened steel construction makes these shafts extra strong, preventing bending during intense use.
Titanium Nitride Coating: This special coating provides a micro-polished finish, reducing friction and improving overall shock performance.
Longer Lifespan: The TiN coating resists scratching, leading to a much longer shaft life compared to standard shocks.
Smoother Operation: The micro-polished finish reduces stiction, resulting in smoother suspension movement.

Traxxas Aluminum Shock Caps

When rebuilding Traxxas Ultra Shocks, upgrading to aluminum shock caps is a highly recommended improvement that can significantly enhance the performance and reliability of your RC vehicle’s suspension system.

Benefits of Traxxas Aluminum Shock Caps

Increased Durability: Aluminum caps are much stronger than their plastic counterparts. this prevents the deformation of the threads and helps stop them from stripping out under heavy loads.

Frequently Asked Questions on How to Rebuild Traxxas Ultra Shocks

What is the purpose of Traxxas shock spacers?