Best Axial AX24 Upgrades: What to Upgrade First?

The Axial AX24 is a capable 1/24 micro crawler, but a few well-chosen upgrades can noticeably improve grip, stability and control on technical terrain. As with other micro crawlers, the most effective approach is not to replace everything at once: start with the parts that are actually limiting the vehicle.

This guide covers the best AX24 upgrades to consider first and a logical order for building a balanced crawler.

Browse our full selection of Axial AX24 parts and upgrades.

1. AX24 tires: start with grip

Tires are usually the most immediate upgrade. Softer rubber and a crawler-specific tread help the tire conform to rocks and uneven surfaces. Outside diameter can also increase ground clearance, but oversized tires may rub the body or suspension.

One option in our AX24 selection is the INJORA Super Soft Sticky 1.0 tires in 64 × 24 mm, listed for AX24 and several compatible micro crawlers.

Compare more sizes and tread patterns in our RC crawler tires collection.

2. Beadlock wheels and low-mounted weight

After improving grip, weight distribution is the next major lever. Beadlock wheels hold the tire without glue and make tire and insert changes easier. Brass wheels or weighted inner rings also place mass low on the vehicle.

The INJORA 1.0 brass beadlock wheel and tire set is a heavier option for compatible micro crawlers including the AX24.

Avoid adding unnecessary rotating mass, because extra weight also increases load on the servo, motor and drivetrain.

3. Steering servo: hold steering angle under load

More grip and more front-end weight make the steering servo work harder. If the wheels cannot hold the requested steering angle against an obstacle, the servo becomes a real performance limit.

For the key specifications to compare before buying, see our crawler steering servo guide.

Always check voltage, mounting and servo horn compatibility before changing the steering setup.

4. Drivetrain and gearing

As grip and vehicle weight increase, the drivetrain can become the next weak point. Metal gears, driveshafts and transmission components are most useful when stock parts begin to show their limits or when the build becomes more demanding.

For more advanced builds, Vorexon carries the MEUS Racing aluminum brushless transmission for SCX24 / AX24.

Compare additional components in our RC crawler drivetrain and gears collection.

5. Suspension and articulation

Suspension should keep the tires in contact with the terrain without raising the center of gravity unnecessarily. More articulation is not always better: a crawler that sits too high can become less stable on sidehills.

Before changing shocks or mounting positions, check ride height, available travel and tire clearance.

Browse more options in the RC crawler suspension collection.

Recommended AX24 upgrade order

1. Tires — improve grip first.
2. Beadlock wheels and low-mounted weight — improve stability.
3. Steering servo — maintain precision as grip increases.
4. Suspension — fine-tune ride height and articulation.
5. Drivetrain — reinforce or change gearing as needed.
6. Chassis and advanced modifications — only after the basics are balanced.

AX24 vs SCX24: not every part is interchangeable

The AX24 and SCX24 share some dimensions and compatible components, but they are not identical platforms. Always verify exact fitment on each product page, especially for servos, mounts, transmissions, axles and chassis parts.

For comparison, read our Best SCX24 Upgrades guide and browse our SCX24 parts.

Build a balanced AX24

The best upgrade is the one that fixes a real limitation. If the crawler spins its tires, start with grip. If it tips too easily, work on weight distribution and ride height. If steering becomes weak under load, move the servo up the priority list. This approach avoids buying expensive parts without a clear benefit.

Continue your build: browse all Axial AX24 parts and upgrades, RC crawler wheels and tires and popular RC crawler upgrades.

Related guides: AX24 Parts · Crawler Tire Guide · Crawler Servo Guide · Brass Weight Guide