A crawler’s suspension is the single most important upgrade for consistent traction over rock gardens and steep ledges. The right set of shocks transforms how your rig transfers weight, maintains tire contact, and resists body roll under articulation.
I’m Amir — the founder and writer behind Four Wheel Ask. I’ve spent years studying RC suspension geometry, reviewing owner feedback across dozens of forum threads, and analyzing material specifications and damping performance data to separate genuinely effective products from cosmetic upgrades.
Whether you’re upgrading a 1/18 trail rig or building a competition-ready 1/10 scaler, understanding spring rates, oil viscosity, and shock length is critical to dialing in your setup. This guide evaluates seven proven options to help you find the best rc crawler shocks for your specific chassis and driving style.
How To Choose The Best RC Crawler Shocks
Upgrading your shocks changes how your crawler handles weight transfer, articulation, and ground clearance. The wrong set can make a capable rig feel unstable or bouncy. Focus on these three factors before buying.
Shock Length and Travel
Measure the eye-to-eye distance when the suspension is fully relaxed. Common lengths for 1/10 rigs range from 80mm to 120mm; 1/18 crawlers usually need 50mm to 60mm. A longer shock provides more articulation and ground clearance but requires link geometry that can accommodate the extra travel without binding.
Construction Material and Coating
6061 aluminum is standard for mid-range shocks. 7075 aluminum offers greater tensile strength and better wear resistance for hard-core crawling. PTFE-coated inner bores reduce stiction and improve small-bump compliance. Brass lower ends add unsprung mass, which lowers the center of gravity and improves stability on off-camber lines.
Damping System
Oil-filled shocks provide consistent, adjustable damping. Look for threaded collars that allow preload changes without swapping springs. Dual-spring designs can handle both small chatter and large impacts. Piggyback reservoirs increase oil volume and reduce aeration during sustained rock crawling. Avoid non-filled or friction-style dampers if you need reliable low-speed compression control.
Quick Comparison
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| Model | Category | Best For | Key Spec | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RCAWD 90mm 7075 | Premium | Durable 1/10 crawler upgrade | 7075 aluminum, PTFE-coated, 90mm | Amazon |
| INJORA 59mm Brass | Value | 1/18 TRX4M stability | Brass lower, threaded, 59mm | Amazon |
| Yeah Racing Desert Lizard | Performance | Customizable 1/10 comp rig | Two-stage internal spring, 90mm | Amazon |
| INJORA 90mm Metal | Mid-Range | Budget 1/10 trail rig | CNC metal, 90mm, spare springs | Amazon |
| FEDCO DSS18 51mm | Budget | 1/18 dual-spring damping | Dual spring, brass head, 51mm | Amazon |
| OGRC 100mm Piggyback | Premium | Adjustable 1/10 scaler | Piggyback reservoir, 100mm | Amazon |
| RCAWD 110mm Adjustable | Performance | Long-travel 1/10 rigs | 7075 body, 110mm, threaded collar | Amazon |
In‑Depth Reviews
1. RCAWD 90mm 7075 Shock Absorbers
The RCAWD 90mm set uses a shock body machined from 7075 aluminum, which offers significantly higher tensile strength than the more common 6061 alloy. The PTFE coating on the inner bore reduces stiction, allowing the shock to respond to small surface irregularities that a non-coated damper would ignore. This makes a noticeable difference in low-speed crawling where every millimeter of wheel travel matters.
Threaded collars allow fine preload adjustment without tools, and the shocks arrive with a small amount of oil pre-filled so you can fine-tune the damping viscosity to match your rig’s weight. Reviewers consistently note the smooth compression and high-quality fit and finish, with only a minority reporting seal weep that required topping off the oil. The 90mm length works well for SCX10, TRX4, and Redcat chassis.
For a mid-to-premium upgrade that balances durability, adjustability, and material quality, these represent a strong investment. The 7075 body alone justifies the step up from entry-level shocks, and the owner feedback confirms reliable performance across multiple popular 1/10 platforms.
What works
- Strong 7075 alloy body resists wear and bending
- PTFE coating reduces stiction for smoother small-bump compliance
- Threaded collars enable precise ride height tuning
What doesn’t
- Some units arrive with low oil and need topping off
- Springs feel stiff for lighter builds without droop setup
2. INJORA Brass & Aluminium 59mm Shocks
For 1/18 scale platforms like the TRX4M and TRX4MT, the INJORA 59mm shocks deliver a meaningful performance upgrade at an accessible price point. The brass lower rod ends add unsprung mass, which shifts the center of gravity downward and improves stability on off-camber sections. The CNC-machined aluminum bodies are well-finished and the threaded design allows quick pre-load changes.
The kit includes four shocks with a scale reservoir that is cosmetic only, but the overall look matches the stock TRX4M aesthetic well. Owner reports consistently rate the installation as straightforward with perfect fitment. The compressed length of 42mm works within the factory suspension geometry without binding.
These are an excellent entry point for anyone looking to move beyond the plastic friction-dampers that ship with most 1/18 crawlers. The brass weight and oil-filled damping provide a noticeable improvement in crawling control without requiring major chassis modifications.
What works
- Brass lower ends lower the center of gravity
- Easy bolt-on installation for TRX4M family
- Threaded bodies allow simple preload adjustment
What doesn’t
- Scale reservoir is non-functional cosmetic only
- Limited to 1/18 platforms; not suitable for 1/10 rigs
3. Yeah Racing 90mm Desert Lizard Two Stage
The Desert Lizard shocks use a two-stage internal spring design that handles both small trail chatter and larger compression events without requiring a separate dual-spring external setup. The aluminum body is well-machined and the set includes multiple spring pairs and damping pistons, giving the owner extensive tuning options for different rig weights.
Reviewers highlight the buttery-smooth action and the ability to configure these for droop setups on competition crawlers. The included wrench and spare o-rings add convenience. Some owners note that the stock spring combo is better suited for heavier builds, so lighter rigs may need to swap to softer springs from the included spares.
For hobbyists who enjoy fine-tuning their suspension, the Desert Lizard offers a depth of adjustability rarely seen at this level. The quality of the damping and the variety of tuning parts make it a strong choice for SCX10, Vaterra K5, and similar platforms.
What works
- Two-stage spring handles small and large impacts
- Includes multiple springs, pistons, and spare o-rings
- Smooth action suitable for droop or full-spring setups
What doesn’t
- Stock springs are too firm for lightweight rigs
- May require modification for some specific chassis like VS410 Phoenix
4. INJORA 90mm Metal Shock Set
INJORA’s 90mm shocks for 1/10 crawlers provide a straightforward metal upgrade from plastic units. The CNC-machined construction is light and durable, and the kit ships with spare springs and screws. The shocks arrive without oil, allowing you to select your own viscosity from the start — a benefit for those who prefer specific damping characteristics.
Owner feedback is generally positive, with many noting that the shocks are significantly smoother than the stock units on SCX10 and TRX-4 platforms. The threaded bodies allow ride height changes, though some users report that the included springs are on the stiff side and recommend swapping to softer aftermarket options for trail running.
This set is a solid entry-level metal shock for budget-conscious builders. The lack of pre-filled oil lets you dial in the exact damping from day one, and the spare hardware reduces the frustration of lost screws during installation.
What works
- Lightweight CNC metal construction
- No pre-filled oil — add your preferred viscosity
- Spare springs and screws included
What doesn’t
- Included springs are too firm for light trail rigs
- Requires purchase of shock oil separately
5. FEDCO DSS18 51mm Dual Spring Shocks
The DSS18 shocks bring a dual-stage spring design to the 1/18 scale market, which is rare at this size. The outer spring handles larger impacts while the inner spring filters out small vibrations, resulting in a noticeably smoother ride on mixed terrain. The brass ball head adds a small amount of unsprung weight to improve stability.
Owner reviews consistently praise the performance improvement over stock TRX4M and TRX4MT shocks. The oil-filled damper provides smooth compression, though buyers should drain and refill with their preferred oil weight because the factory fill is minimal. The total length is 58mm with a 51mm hole-to-hole distance, which matches the TRX4M geometry well.
For mini crawler owners who want the advantage of dual-spring damping without moving to a 1/10 platform, the FEDCO DSS18 is one of the few options that delivers. The build quality is excellent for the price, and the upgrade in crawling control is immediately noticeable.
What works
- Dual-stage springs filter small and large impacts
- Brass ball head improves center of gravity
- Direct fit for TRX4M and TRX4MT
What doesn’t
- Factory oil fill is minimal — needs topping off
- Not recommended for droop-only suspension setups
6. OGRC 100mm Piggyback Shock Absorber
The OGRC piggyback shocks feature a mechanical damping adjustment system that lets you tune compression and rebound without changing oil viscosity. The dual-cylinder design increases oil volume, which reduces foaming during sustained crawling. The threaded aluminum body with spring collar allows precise preload changes for ride height adjustment.
Feedback from owners is mixed — while many appreciate the smooth action and the ability to fine-tune damping, a notable number report seal failures and oil leakage after limited use. The springs are quite stiff, which may not suit lighter builds. The fitment on TRX4 requires some attention to top-mount spacing.
The OGRC shocks are best suited for hobbyists who want external damping adjustment in a scale-looking package and are comfortable with potential seal maintenance. For competition-level reliability, some users may prefer a simpler sealed design with fewer potential leak points.
What works
- Adjustable mechanical damping without changing oil
- Piggyback reservoir increases oil capacity
- Threaded body permits fine ride height tuning
What doesn’t
- Seal quality inconsistent — some units leak
- Springs are too stiff for medium-weight builds
- Top mount spacing may need spacers for TRX4
7. RCAWD 110mm Adjustable Shocks
For builders who need extra articulation on 1/10 platforms, the RCAWD 110mm shocks provide the same 7075 alloy body and PTFE-coated bore as the company’s 90mm set but with longer travel. The extended length allows higher ground clearance and greater suspension droop, which is beneficial for extreme rock crawling lines.
The shocks are pre-filled with a small amount of oil, and the threaded collars enable preload adjustment without spring swaps. Owner feedback mirrors the 90mm set — generally positive regarding durability and appearance, with occasional reports of oil leakage in transit. The springs are firm, which works well for larger or heavier rigs but may limit droop on lighter builds.
The 110mm length is a good fit for SCX10, TRX4, and Tamiya CC02 chassis that can accommodate longer shocks. If your build needs maximum travel and you prefer the 7075 material quality, these are worth considering alongside the shorter version.
What works
- Long 110mm travel for maximum articulation
- 7075 aluminum body is strong and lightweight
- Threaded collars allow easy ride height adjustment
What doesn’t
- Some units leak oil during shipping
- Firm springs limit droop on lightweight rigs
Hardware & Specs Guide
7075 vs 6061 Aluminum
7075 aluminum alloy has a tensile strength roughly double that of 6061, making it more resistant to bending under hard impacts. Shocks machined from 7075 are preferred for competition crawlers where weight and durability are critical. However, 6061 is more than adequate for trail rigs and offers a lower entry price.
PTFE Coating
PTFE-coated shock bores reduce internal friction, allowing the shock to compress more freely over small bumps. This coating is sometimes called “hard anodized with Teflon” and is found on higher-end shocks. It prevents the sticky feeling that uncoated bores can develop as oil heats up.
Brass Lower Ends
Adding unsprung mass with brass components lowers the vehicle’s center of gravity without adding weight to the chassis. This improves stability on side-hills and reduces body roll during articulation. The trade-off is slightly slower suspension reaction over rapid, high-frequency bumps.
Dual Spring vs Single Spring
A dual-spring design uses a softer outer spring for small surface irregularities and a stiffer inner spring for larger impacts. This provides a progressive damping curve without a complex internal valve system. Single springs are simpler and lighter but can feel either too stiff on small bumps or too soft on large drops.
Piggyback Reservoirs
Piggyback reservoirs separate the oil from the nitrogen gas charge, preventing foaming and cavitation during extended runs. They also allow external damping adjustment on some models. The trade-off is added weight and complexity, plus more potential leak points if seals are not properly maintained.
Shock Oil Viscosity
Thicker oil (higher weight) provides more damping but can make the suspension feel harsh on small bumps. Thinner oil allows faster compression but may not control heavier rigs well. Start with the manufacturer’s recommendation, then adjust up or down by 5 weight increments until the rig feels planted without bouncing.
FAQ
What length RC crawler shocks do I need for my rig?
Are oil-filled shocks better than friction shocks for crawling?
Can I use 1/10 scale shocks on a 1/18 crawler?
How often should I rebuild my RC crawler shocks?
What shock oil weight should I start with?
Final Thoughts: The Verdict
For most buyers, the best rc crawler shocks winner is the RCAWD 90mm 7075 set because it combines premium material with threaded adjustability and consistent owner satisfaction. If you want maximum tuning control with a dual-spring system, grab the Yeah Racing Desert Lizard. And for an affordable 1/18 upgrade, nothing beats the INJORA 59mm Brass Shocks.
Certification: BSc in Mechanical Engineering
Education: Mechanical engineer
Lives In: 539 W Commerce St, Dallas, TX 75208, USA
Md Amir is an auto mechanic student and writer with over half a decade of experience in the automotive field. He has worked with top automotive brands such as Lexus, Quantum, and also owns two automotive blogs autocarneed.com and taxiwiz.com.