Are you looking to boost the performance and durability of your RC car?
Whether you’re an RC hobbyist fine-tuning your setup or a business sourcing machining services for high-precision components, upgrading your car with essential metal accessories can significantly improve speed, stability, and resilience.
Upgrading to high-quality metal parts—like steel driveshafts, aluminum hubs, and titanium suspension links—can dramatically boost your car’s handling and lifespan.
But not all parts need replacing. The key is knowing where metal makes the biggest impact.
This guide breaks down the most essential metal accessories for RC cars, compares materials, and offers practical tips to help you invest wisely and get the performance you’re chasing.
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Table Of Contents
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1. What Are the Essential Metal Accessories for RC Cars?
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2. Essential Metal Accessories for RC Cars
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3. Gearing Up for Speed
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4. Metal Suspension Links and Control Arms
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5. Brass Wheel Weights and Beadlocks
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6. Metal Servo Gears and Housings
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7. Aluminum Chassis and Braces
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8. Aluminum Shock Towers
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9. Brass and Steel Diff Covers
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10. Metal vs. Plastic: A Detailed Comparison
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11. Types of Metal Upgrades for RC Cars
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12. Summary
Essential Metal Accessories for RC Cars
1. Aluminum Hubs and Wheel Carriers:
Aluminum hubs and wheel carriers replace stock plastic components to deliver superior wheel alignment and impact resistance.
• Why Upgrade: Plastic hubs flex and crack under pressure, especially during jumps or high-speed turns. Aluminum options are stiffer, more durable, and resist corrosion.
• Bonus Tip: Opt for anodized aluminum for added durability and a sleek finish.
2. Steel Driveshafts:
Steel driveshafts are a must-have for any RC vehicle pushing torque through rugged conditions.
• Perfect for: Off-road RC cars and buggies that need more torque for climbing.
• Considerations: While steel is heavier, the added durability ensures that your car can handle extreme acceleration and off-road terrain without issue.
High-precision aluminum RC car parts manufactured by Partzcore. Premium aluminum parts crafted through precision CNC machining.
Gearing Up for Speed
Looking to boost speed?
Your gear system is where the real magic happens. Here’s how upgrading to metal gears impacts your RC car’s performance:
• Pinion Gear: Swap plastic for steel to reduce wear and maintain speed under load.
• Spur Gear: Metal spur gears last longer in high-speed setups and reduce gear stripping.
• Universal Driveshafts: Metal versions prevent flexing, delivering more torque and stability—especially during cornering or jumps.
Metal Suspension Links and Control Arms
Suspension links and control arms determine how your car handles rough landings and bumpy terrain.
• Titanium Links: Titanium is ideal because it’s both lightweight and strong. It resists bending, making it a superior choice for steering and suspension systems.
• Aluminum Control Arms: Aluminum control arms provide additional strength to prevent suspension failure.
• Bonus for Crawlers: Metal suspension adds weight down low, lowering the center of gravity and improving climbing ability.
Brass Wheel Weights and Beadlocks
Brass wheel weights and beadlock rims can improve traction, particularly for RC crawlers and off-road vehicles.
• Brass Weights: These are inserted into the wheels to increase their mass, improving grip on slippery or steep terrain.
• Beadlock Rims: These hold the tire bead securely, preventing it from slipping off during sharp turns or climbs.
• Pro Tip: Combine both to maximize grip on technical trails or loose surfaces.
Metal Servo Gears and Housings
Metal servo gears prevent gear stripping during high-torque turns or impacts.
• Best Material: Hardened steel is a popular choice due to its resistance to wear and tear.
• Why it Matters: In high-speed RC cars, precise steering response can make the difference between victory and a crash.
• Extra Benefit: Metal servo housings also reduce vibration and improve servo life.
Aluminum Chassis and Braces
The chassis serves as the foundation of your RC car.
Reinforcing it with metal parts pays off in stability and resilience.
• Chassis Braces: Adding steel or aluminum braces to your chassis prevents flex, which improves handling and durability.
• Skid Plates: Protect your car’s underside with metal skid plates, which shield the motor, transmission, and battery from rocks and debris.
Aluminum Shock Towers
Shock towers hold your suspension system in place and absorb impact from jumps. Upgrading to aluminum shock towers provides:
• Better Support: Keeps your suspension stable during rough landings.
• Improved Longevity: Prevents the cracking that’s common with plastic versions after repeated impacts.
Brass and Steel Diff Covers
Diff covers protect the differential gears from dirt, debris, and moisture. Brass and steel diff covers offer enhanced protection and weight distribution.
• Brass Diff Covers: Heavier and perfect for increasing your RC crawler’s traction.
• Steel Diff Covers: Stronger and resistant to dents and deformation, even in high-impact situations.
Metal vs. Plastic: A Detailed Comparison
Component | Metal Version | Plastic Version |
Driveshafts | Steel – Handles high torque | Plastic – Prone to snapping |
Suspension Links | Titanium – Lightweight, strong | Plastic – Flexible but weak under load |
Wheel Hubs | Brass – Adds traction | Plastic – Prone to cracking |
Chassis | Aluminum – Rigid and durable | Plastic – Lightweight but prone to flex |
Types of Metal Upgrades for RC Cars
Aluminum Parts: The Lightweight Champion
When it comes to upgrading your RC car, aluminum parts offer the perfect balance of weight and durability.
• Suspension arms for improved handling
• Motor mounts for better heat dissipation
• Chassis braces for enhanced rigidity
Steel Components: The Durability King
Steel remains the go-to choice for high-stress components, thanks to its exceptional strength and wear resistance.
Modern CNC turning techniques enable the production of precise steel parts that can handle extreme conditions.
• Drive shafts and axles
• Gear sets for enhanced torque handling
• Steering components for precise control
Brass Additions: The Balance Master
Brass components play a crucial role in optimizing your RC car’s weight distribution and stability.
• Wheel weights for improved traction
• Bulkhead weights for better handling
• Knuckle weights for enhanced steering response
Titanium Upgrades: The Premium Choice
For those seeking the ultimate in performance, titanium components offer unmatched strength-to-weight benefits.
• Turnbuckles for precise suspension adjustment
• Ball studs for smooth operation
• Hardware sets for reduced overall weight
Conclusion
Metal accessories are more than just cool-looking add-ons—they’re performance boosters.
Aluminum hubs, steel driveshafts, brass wheel weights, and titanium suspension links are top-tier upgrades that ensure your car withstands rough terrains and high speeds.
Prioritize your upgrades based on stress points and your driving style, and you’ll see measurable improvements in how your car handles, survives, and performs.
Want to take your RC car to the next level? Explore custom metal parts designed through precision CNC machining and get the durability and performance your build deserves.
