Best RC Vehicle Differentials of 2026
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RC vehicle differentials are an essential component of any RC car or truck. They allow the wheels to rotate at different speeds, which is necessary for turning and maintaining traction on uneven surfaces. There are several types of differentials available, including open, limited slip, and spool differentials. Open differentials are the most common and allow for smooth turning, while limited slip differentials provide more traction and control. Spool differentials are the most aggressive and provide maximum power transfer to the wheels. Choosing the right differential for your RC vehicle can greatly improve its performance and handling on the track or off-road.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks
Top 10 RC Vehicle Differentials
INJORA Overdrive Steel Gears for AX24 SCX24
The INJORA Overdrive Gears are designed specifically for the Axial SCX24 series, including popular models like the C10, JLU Gladiator, Bronco, and Deadbolt. These steel upgrade gears are built to be durable and resistant to wear, giving you a reliable performance boost for your RC crawler. With four different gear types available, you can easily identify the right one thanks to the etched tooth count on each pinion gear. One of the biggest advantages is the overdrive 13T gear, which can increase your vehicle's speed by about 23%, letting you enjoy faster and more exciting runs.
INJORA Brass Differential Covers for Redcat Ascent-18
The INJORA Brass Diff Covers are designed specifically for the Redcat Ascent-18 series, including brushless and scout versions. These covers are made from heavyweight brass, giving you a durable upgrade that can withstand tough conditions. They feature a corrosion-resistant coating, so you won’t have to worry about rust or wear over time. By protecting your axle gears better, these covers help keep your RC crawler running smoothly and extend the life of your vehicle’s drivetrain. Overall, these covers improve the stability and crawling performance of your Redcat Ascent-18, making your off-road adventures more reliable and enjoyable.
INJORA Brass Differential Covers for Axial SCX24
The INJORA Brass Diff Covers are designed to upgrade your Axial SCX24 RC crawler with durable, high-quality brass covers for both front and rear axles. These covers add extra weight to your vehicle’s axles, helping to lower the center of gravity, which improves stability during your drives. Made from solid brass through precise CNC machining, they offer strong resistance to wear and tear, ensuring long-lasting use. With two pieces included, you get a perfect fit for both axles, enhancing your RC car’s performance and durability. This upgrade is ideal for anyone looking to improve the handling and toughness of their SCX24 crawler.
ARRMA GROM Oil Filled Differential 30T 0.8Mod
The ARRMA GROM Diff is a ready-to-use upgrade that comes pre-filled with thick 3000 cSt silicone oil, ensuring smooth and quick performance improvements right out of the box. Its strong internal gears are built to last, so you can count on durability no matter the driving conditions. The 30-tooth 0.8Mod main differential gears are designed to handle heavy stress, giving you extra toughness during intense runs. Plus, it includes bearings that make installation faster and hassle-free, so you can get your vehicle back on the track without delay.
INJORA Steel Underdrive Gears for Axial SCX24
The INJORA SCX24 Underdrive Gears are designed to upgrade your Axial SCX24 series trucks, including popular models like the C10, JLU Gladiator, Bronco, and Deadbolt. These steel gears offer enhanced durability and resistance to wear, so you can rely on them for longer-lasting performance. The gear teeth count is clearly marked on each pinion gear, making it easy for you to identify and choose the right gear without confusion. Compared to the original 16-tooth gears, these new 12-tooth underdrive gears reduce the speed by about 33%, giving you better control and smoother handling during your RC adventures.
RCAWD Oiltight Differential 30T 0.8Mod for Arrma and Losi
The RCAWD Oiltight Differential is designed to fix common oil leakage issues, keeping your RC car's internal parts well-lubricated for longer-lasting performance. It's compatible with many popular Arrma and Losi models, so you can easily swap out your old differential without hassle. This part lets you adjust the oil thickness to match your driving style or track conditions, giving you better control and traction. Made entirely from metal with precise CNC machining, it ensures strong, smooth gear operation and durability, even during intense driving sessions. The RCAWD Oiltight Differential offers a reliable upgrade that improves power delivery and reduces maintenance.
ARRMA GROM Assembled 30T Differential V2
The ARRMA GROM Differential is a ready-to-use part designed to make your RC vehicle maintenance easier and faster. It comes pre-assembled and already greased, so you can install it without any extra preparation, saving you time and effort. The tough steel gears inside ensure that the differential can handle rough conditions and last longer, giving you reliable performance. Additionally, it includes bearings that help the differential fit smoothly onto your vehicle, making the installation process quick and hassle-free. This differential is a great choice if you want a durable and efficient upgrade for your RC car.
Traxxas Front Differential for 1/10 4X4 Models
The Traxxas Front Differential is designed specifically for 1/10-scale 4X4 models like the Slash, Stampede, Rustler, and Rally. This complete unit comes with a pinion gear and differential plastics, making it a convenient all-in-one replacement or upgrade for your RC vehicle. Installing this differential helps improve your truck’s handling and traction by efficiently distributing power to the front wheels. With parts made to fit perfectly, you can expect smooth assembly and reliable performance on various terrains. If you want to keep your RC vehicle running smoothly and maintain control, the Traxxas Front Differential is a solid choice.
MEUS RACING Underdrive Diff Gears for Axial SCX10 Series
The MEUS RACING Underdrive Gears are designed specifically for Axial SCX10 II, SCX10 III, and SCX10 PRO models with AR44 and AR45 axles. Made from high-quality steel and precisely CNC machined, these gears offer enhanced durability and strength, ensuring they can withstand tough crawling conditions. The 8T-33T gear ratio provides a 9.1% underdrive, which means you'll get more climbing power and increased torque, making it easier to tackle steep or challenging terrain. Installation is simple and bolt-on, so you can upgrade your stock axle quickly without hassle. This set is a great way to boost your RC crawler’s performance and reliability.
Traxxas Latrax 7579X Metal Differential Gear Set
The Traxxas Metal Gear Set is designed specifically for Latrax 1/18 scale RC vehicles like the Teton and Rally. By upgrading to metal gears, you get stronger and more durable parts that can handle tough driving conditions better than plastic ones. The kit comes with all the necessary components including output gears, spider gears, a ring gear, and a shaft, so you have everything needed for a smooth installation. Made from high-quality materials, this gear set ensures long-lasting performance, helping you get the most out of your Latrax ready-to-run vehicles. It’s a smart upgrade for anyone looking to improve reliability and durability in their RC car.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What are differentials on an RC car?
Differentials on an RC car allow the wheels on the left and right side of the car to spin at different speeds. They play a crucial role in the car's performance and handling.
2. Does an RC car need a differential?
Yes, an RC car typically needs a differential. Many RC cars use oil-filled differentials, and it is important to regularly rebuild and maintain them. Adjusting the differential action by changing oil viscosity can also provide performance benefits.
3. What are the 4 types of differentials?
The four common types of differentials in the market are open differentials, locking differentials, limited-slip differentials, and torque-vectoring differentials.
4. How do I know what differential I need?
Differentials can be visually identified by the number of cover bolts, the shape of the cover, the number of ring gear bolts, and the ring gear diameter. They can also be categorized based on whether the center section is an integral or dropout design.
5. What is the difference between a ball diff and a gear diff?
A ball differential is a type of differential commonly used in RC cars. It uses small ball bearings rotating between two plates instead of bevel gears, which is the case in a gear differential.
6. What happens if you don't have a differential?
If an RC car doesn't have a differential, both wheels on the axle would rotate at the same speed. This would cause the car to tend to go in a straight line and can result in poor handling, especially during turns.
7. Why do we weld differentials?
Welding a differential involves keeping both back wheels of the car spinning at the same speed. This can cause the inner wheel to lose traction and skip, resulting in easier oversteer. Welding differentials is often done for specific driving techniques or purposes.
During our rc vehicle differential research, we found 24 rc vehicle differential products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 5,364 customer reviews through our big data system to write the rc vehicle differentials list. We found that most customers choose rc vehicle differentials with an average price of $16.37.
The rc vehicle differentials are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of rc vehicle differentials, including INJORA, ARRMA, RCAWD, Traxxas, MEUS RACING. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 1,371 consumers with an average rating of 4.9.
Jimmy Roof is a toy designer who lives in Chicago with his family. He works in a big toy firm, so he is surrounded by toys every day. Throughout his career, he has developed expertise in children's toys, baby products and preschool education. Jimmy Roof often publishes articles related to toys on key websites.