Capable Entry Level 1/10 Scale R/C Trail Truck!
The Axial SCX10 III Jeep CJ-7 is a remarkable R/C rock crawler that pays homage to the iconic civilian Jeep introduced in 1976. Boasting an officially licensed Jeep CJ-7 body made of durable polycarbonate, this crawler comes complete with Gen-Right bumpers, body armor, and a fully detailed interior, including an opening center console. The doors of the scale body are functional, allowing for an immersive experience where enthusiasts can open or even remove them. The attention to detail extends to additional scale features, such as a functional center console, removable coffee tumbler and soda can, transfer case twin stick shifters, automatic transmission shifter, bucket seats with optional seatbelt harness slots, folding side view mirrors, and more. This level of scale realism sets the SCX10 III Jeep CJ-7 apart, making it a must-have for collectors and rock crawling enthusiasts.
The authenticity doesn't stop at the exterior, as the SCX10 III features officially licensed Raceline Daytona beadlock wheels and Mickey Thompson Baja Boss R35 compound tires for secure traction on any crawling terrain. The rig's AR45 standard straight axles mirror those of the full-size CJ-7, providing true scale looks and a low center of gravity. The all-metal gears in the transmission, along with aluminum adjustable coil-over shocks with threaded bodies, ensure strength and tunability for optimal off-road performance. The multi-link solid axle suspension, featuring 6mm stainless steel links and all-metal pivot balls, adds durability to the CJ-7's capabilities.
Built on the proven Axial SCX10 III platform, the CJ-7 features a strong SCX10 III steel C-channel chassis, reducing frame flexing and enhancing the precision of suspension movement. The inclusion of a Dig function, activated from the transmitter, allows for instant front-wheel-drive by locking the rear axle, improving turning and control. With a factory-installed, brushed power system and the Spektrum DX3 Smart transmitter, the SCX10 III Jeep CJ-7 is ready-to-run out of the box, requiring only a 2-3S LiPo battery and charger!
The Axial SCX10 III Jeep CJ-7 builds upon the renowned SCX10 platform, a staple in the R/C crawling community known for its exceptional performance and durability. The SCX10 series has garnered widespread popularity, attracting both entry-level enthusiasts and seasoned hobbyists alike. One of the key reasons for its success lies in the extensive aftermarket support, providing enthusiasts with a plethora of performance hop-ups and upgrades to customize and enhance their rigs! With countless aftermarket options ranging from upgraded suspension components to high-performance motors and sophisticated electronic systems. This wealth of aftermarket support has cultivated a vibrant community, contributing to the SCX10's status as a beloved and popular platform that continues to evolve with the ever-growing demands of the rock crawling scene. Whether you're a newcomer or a seasoned crawler, the Axial SCX10 III Jeep CJ-7 offers not just an incredible out-of-the-box experience but also a gateway to a thriving ecosystem of customization, ensuring that the adventure never stops.
Features:
- Officially licensed Jeep CJ-7 body, Gen-Right bumpers and body armor, Raceline Daytona beadlock wheels and Mickey Thompson Baja Boss tires
- Full interior with many molded accessories and an opening center console
- AR45 standard straight axles and Multi-link solid axle suspension
- All-metal gears and full ball bearings
- Aluminum adjustable oil-filled coil-over shocks
- CMS (Chassis mounted servo)
- Equipped with dig function
- 35T 540-size motor and Spektrum Firma 40A Smart 2-in-1 ESC and receiver unit
- Waterproof metal gear steering servo
Specifications:
- Scale: 1/10
- Length: 18.9" (480mm)
- Width: 18.9" (480mm)
- Wheelbase: 12.3" (312mm)
- Weight: 6.9lb (3.12kg)
- Ground Clearance: 2.75" (69.8mm)
- Drivetrain: 4WD
- Gear Pitch: 32P
- Spur/Pinion: 52T/14T
- Final Drive Ratio: 45.6:1
- Input Voltage:
- 6-7 cells (7.2-8.4V) NiMH
- 2-3S (7.4-11.1V) LiPo
- Assembly Level: Ready-To-Run
Includes:
- (1) Axial SCX10 III Jeep CJ-7 RTR Rock Crawler
- (1) Spektrum DX3 Smart 2.4GHz Transmitter
- (4) AA for Transmitter
Needed to Complete:
- (1) 2-3S LiPo Battery w/EC3 or IC3 connector
- (1) Compatible Battery Charger
This product was added to our catalog on December 21, 2023
It's BEAUTIFUL, good Lord, it looks amazing but leaking shocks (inexcusable for this price range) and being extremely tippy make this such an unpleasant ownership experience. It's so tippy that my wife laughed at it, and asked me why I even bothered with it. She mentioned something about Rolley Polley Olley, the old Disney kids show. The locker is VERY finicky, and the transmission shifter is locked in low gear from the factory. You can't just pull a pin and add a servo and be good to go. You must remove the entire drive train first, and then pull apart the tranny. There are no instructions for that task included in the box. Axial did post a video on YouTube that shows you how to do NOTHING, they literally fast-motion the entire thing at a bad angle so you learn ZERO about how to do it.
Again, not a crawler. In order to make this anywhere close to a decent trail performer, you'll need to:
1. Change the radio, esc, and motor because this $500 truck comes with a combination esc/receiver for a brushed motor. You cannot just add a brushless motor, you must do all three components. The stock system is too jumpy, and lacks any decent low speed control.
2. Change out the plastic wheels for some heavy Treal wheels, or similar. Just to lower the center of gravity and help reduce tip overs.
3. Change the leaking shocks out for Desert Lizards shocks. Short, medium strength top spring, short, medium strength bottom spring with 30WT oil worked best for me. The ride with be firm, but fairly compliant, and much less tippy.
4. Change the weak , constantly bending stock panhard bar and links out for the:
A. Traxxas 5939 Turnbuckles, toe links, 72mm (assembled with rod ends and hollow balls)
B. Traxxas 8278 Rod ends, offset (4)
You'll need to change out the rod ends (8278) on the Turnbuckles (5939) so they fit properly. After this mod you won't be constantly changing out the bar.
After all these expensive and time consuming mods are done, I'm finally starting to enjoy the truck.
I do have to say, after the significant power increase from the Quickrun Fusion Pro, and the added stress of the heavy wheels, I expected the drivetrain to immediately fail. To my surprise, it has proven to be very resilient, and I've had no drivetrain issues at all.
Lastly, I'm not an Axial hater. I have two of their other vehicles and they've been great fun, and very durable. This CJ7 has been a big disappointment though, and I'm pretty much done supporting Axial now. It's so expensive, and such a poor performer out of the box. If only it performed as good it looked, they'd really have created something special. However, stock out of the box, it's just a shelf queen.