How to Make an RC Monster Truck: Build or Convert, Step by Step
There are two practical ways to make an RC monster truck. The easy route is converting an existing 1/10 4WD truck: fit large monster truck tyres on wider hexes, longer shocks and softer springs, a stronger steering servo and lower gearing. The bigger project is building a solid-axle monster truck from a kit or chassis, with four-link suspension, big tyres and a scale body. Either way, the keys to a tough truck are strong drivetrain parts, enough steering torque and gearing that keeps the motor cool.
By Kyle HilsonUpdated: October 20263 min read
Two routes
| Convert a 4WD truck | Build a solid-axle truck | |
|---|---|---|
| Difficulty | Easy to moderate | Moderate to hard |
| Look | Basher monster | Scale monster truck |
| Parts | Tyres, hex adapters, shocks, servo | Chassis, axles, links, shocks, body |
| Cost | Lower | Higher |
| Best for | Jumps and bashing | Scale driving, wheelies, display |
Converting a 4WD truck
- Tyres and wheels: fit monster truck wheels and tyres sized for your scale, with wider hex adapters so they clear the suspension.
- Ride height: longer shocks or shock-tower spacers raise the truck; softer springs let it soak up landings.
- Steering: big tyres load the servo; fit a high-torque metal-gear servo and a servo saver.
- Gearing: drop a few teeth on the pinion so the motor stays cool with the heavier tyres.
- Body: a tall monster truck body or trimmed short-course body.
- Test: check that tyres don’t rub at full steering and suspension compression.
Building a solid-axle truck
Solid-axle monster trucks use two rigid axles located by four links each, like full-size monster trucks. Building one means assembling a ladder or tube chassis, fitting axles with diff and steering knuckles, setting up four-link suspension with long-travel shocks, and adding a transmission, motor, ESC and servo. Many builders start from a crawler or monster truck kit and change tyres and links. The result handles big wheelies and looks like the real thing, though it’s less stable at speed than independent suspension.
Making it heavy-duty
- Steel or hardened driveshafts and diff gears.
- Aluminium or heavy-duty plastic arms and bulkheads.
- Stronger shock towers and longer, thicker shock shafts.
- Metal-gear servo with enough torque for the tyres.
- Ball bearings throughout.
- Threadlock on metal-to-metal screws.
Power
A brushless motor and ESC sized for the truck’s weight and battery give speed and reliability, but more power stresses every part. Choose the battery voltage the ESC and drivetrain are rated for, gear conservatively and check temperatures after a few minutes. Suspension design basics are explained in how to make suspension for an RC car.
Testing and tuning
Drive on grass first at moderate speed, then try small jumps. If the truck bottoms out, stiffen the springs or add thicker shock oil; if it bounces, use thicker oil. If it rolls in turns, lower it a little or widen the stance. Compare with ready-made trucks in remote control monster trucks to see typical setups.
Build or buy?
A ready-to-run monster truck is cheaper than buying all the parts separately, so building is mainly worth it for the experience, a unique scale look, or using parts you already own. Converting an existing 4WD truck you have is the cheapest way to get a monster truck feel.
FAQ
Can I turn my RC car into a monster truck?
A 4WD truck converts well with big tyres, taller shocks and a stronger servo.
What makes a monster truck heavy duty?
Steel drivetrain parts, strong arms and a powerful servo.
Solid axle or independent?
Solid axle for scale looks and wheelies; independent for speed and jumps.
Do I need to change gearing?
Usually yes, smaller pinion with bigger tyres.
More on this topic: the complete RC Cars guide covers the basics behind this article.
About 20 years in RC. Mostly boats in the NAVIGA Mini Eco Expert class, with many self-made parts; also a King Motor Baja 5B, a home-built electric plane, home-built nitro planes he has flown, and an RC helicopter. More about SwellRC
