Many RC enthusiasts ask me about upgrading their Tamiya Clodbuster’s drivetrain, and I completely understand why. I’ve spent years working with this iconic monster truck, and I know its stock drivetrain can be a limiting factor in performance. Whether you’re looking to handle more power, increase durability, or achieve smoother operation, I’ll show you the most effective drivetrain modifications I’ve tested. In this guide, I’ll walk you through my recommended upgrades that will transform your Clodbuster’s performance and reliability.
Related eBay Listings for Tamiya
Stock Drivetrain Analysis
For anyone new to the Clodbuster, I can tell you that the stock drivetrain offers basic functionality but leaves room for improvement. The factory setup includes plastic gears, basic universal joints, and standard differentials that work fine for casual bashing but show their limitations when you push the truck harder. You’ll notice these limitations especially during heavy torque situations or when running more powerful motors.
Factory Components
Across the stock drivetrain, you’ll find nylon gears in both axles, plastic universal joints connecting the transmission to the axles, and basic ball bearings. I’ve observed that the stock transmission comes with a simple slipper clutch and plastic internal gears that provide adequate performance for the included 540 motor but won’t handle much more power.
Common Weak Points
Any experienced Clod owner will tell you that the plastic universals are typically the first parts to fail, followed by the differential gears when running modified motors. I’ve seen these parts give up during heavy acceleration or when tackling challenging terrain.
But I should point out that these weak points become more apparent as you increase your driving intensity. The stock plastic universals can twist and eventually snap under load, while the differential gears tend to strip their teeth when subjected to sudden torque changes. You’ll notice grinding sounds and slipping before complete failure, giving you some warning to address these issues.
Gearing Modifications
There’s significant room for improvement in the Clodbuster’s stock gearing setup. I’ve found that modifying the gear ratios can dramatically enhance both performance and durability. You can optimize your truck’s power delivery by selecting the right combination of gears, which will give you better control over speed and torque characteristics.
Gear Ratio Options
Along with the standard gearing, I recommend exploring different ratio combinations to match your driving style. You can choose from several aftermarket options ranging from 2.6:1 to 4.2:1. I’ve tested various setups and found that a 3.2:1 ratio offers an excellent balance for general bashing, while lower ratios work better for speed runs.
Pinion and Spur Selection
Against common belief, bigger isn’t always better when it comes to pinion and spur gears. I suggest starting with a 15T pinion and 55T spur combination, which provides reliable performance while maintaining reasonable speeds. You’ll notice improved acceleration without sacrificing your top end.
Gearing changes require careful consideration of your motor’s capabilities and your driving needs. I’ve learned through experience that matching your pinion and spur selection to your motor’s KV rating is necessary. When you’re upgrading, make sure to check the gear mesh regularly and use high-quality replacement parts to prevent stripping and excessive wear.
Axle Improvements
While the stock Clodbuster axles are durable for casual bashing, I recommend several upgrades to handle increased power and rough terrain. You’ll want to focus on three main areas: the differential gears, axle shafts, and housing reinforcement. These improvements will give you better torque handling and prevent breakages during intense running sessions.
Differential Upgrades
Along with stronger axle shafts, I suggest replacing the stock plastic differential gears with metal ones from CPE or JPS. You can also opt for a locked differential setup if you’re planning on rock crawling. I’ve found that aluminum differential cases provide better gear mesh and heat dissipation compared to the stock plastic housing.
Axle Housing Reinforcement
Housing cracks are common in stock Clod axles when pushing hard on rough terrain. I recommend installing aluminum housing braces and supports to prevent flexing and potential breaks. Metal skid plates will also protect your axle housing from rock damage.
With these reinforcements in place, you’ll need to maintain proper alignment of your axles. I’ve learned that checking the housing bolts regularly and using thread locker helps prevent loosening during runs. You can also add gusseting to high-stress areas for extra strength, especially if you’re running larger tires or high-powered motors.
Driveshaft Enhancements
To improve your Clodbuster’s drivetrain performance, I recommend focusing on the driveshafts first. You can upgrade from the stock plastic dogbones to metal drive shafts, which will significantly reduce flex and power loss. I’ve found that aluminum or steel options provide better durability and smoother power transfer to your wheels.
Universal Joint Options
Between the various universal joint upgrades available, I suggest you consider CVD (Constant Velocity Drive) shafts or high-grade steel U-joints. I’ve tested both options, and they offer superior articulation compared to stock parts while maintaining strength under heavy loads. You’ll notice immediate improvements in your truck’s handling, especially during tight turns.
Center Drive Modifications
The center drive system is your next target for enhancement. I recommend installing a center differential to replace the stock solid axle setup. You’ll get better weight distribution and improved turning radius, which makes your Clodbuster more responsive on different terrains.
Further modifications to your center drive can include upgrading to hardened steel gears and adding bearing supports. I’ve found that these changes reduce wear and extend the life of your drivetrain components. You can also consider installing a slipper clutch to protect your gears from sudden impacts and provide smoother power delivery.
Bearing Upgrades
Now I can tell you that upgrading your Clodbuster’s bearings is one of the most effective ways to improve its drivetrain performance. The stock plastic and metal bushings create unnecessary friction, reducing power transfer and causing premature wear. By installing quality bearings, you’ll notice immediate improvements in smoothness and efficiency.
Stock Bearing Replacement
At the basic level, I recommend replacing your stock bushings with standard ball bearings. You’ll need 16 bearings total: eight 5x11x4mm bearings for the axle outputs and eight 6x12x4mm bearings for the wheel hubs. This upgrade alone will reduce friction by about 50% and extend the life of your drivetrain components.
High-Performance Options
Between the various premium bearing options available, I’ve found that ceramic hybrid bearings offer the best performance for your Clodbuster. These bearings combine ceramic balls with steel races, providing superior resistance to dirt and moisture while maintaining excellent durability.
Consequently, if you’re looking for the ultimate in bearing performance, I suggest investing in a full set of ceramic hybrid bearings. They’ll cost more than standard steel bearings, but you’ll get better acceleration, longer run times, and improved reliability in wet conditions. I’ve seen these bearings last three times longer than standard steel ones in my builds.
Motor and Power Delivery
Not all motors are created equal when it comes to the Clodbuster’s unique requirements. I recommend focusing on torque over speed, as this classic monster truck design benefits more from low-end power. You’ll find that selecting the right motor and ESC combination will dramatically improve your driving experience and reduce strain on the drivetrain components.
Motor Selection
At the heart of your Clodbuster’s performance lies motor choice. I suggest using a 540-sized brushless motor with a KV rating between 2000-3000. Your best bet is to choose a motor with strong torque characteristics, as I’ve found this helps prevent gear stripping and provides better control in rough terrain.
ESC Considerations
By selecting an ESC rated at least 60A continuous, you’ll ensure smooth power delivery to your motor. I recommend using an ESC with adjustable punch control and brake settings, as this will help you fine-tune your Clodbuster’s performance and protect the drivetrain components.
Due to the Clodbuster’s high power demands and dual-motor setup, your ESC needs proper cooling and robust build quality. I’ve found that programming your ESC with a softer start-up and moderate brake settings will significantly extend the life of your drivetrain components. You should look for models that offer thermal protection and are capable of handling brief current spikes.
Summing up
Hence, I recommend focusing on several key drivetrain upgrades to enhance your Tamiya Clodbuster’s performance. You can start by installing metal gears and reinforced axles to prevent breakage under stress. I suggest adding ball bearings to reduce friction and improve efficiency, while upgrading to aluminum differential cases will provide better durability. Your next step should be installing CVD driveshafts for smoother power delivery. Finally, consider adding a reliable slipper clutch to protect the drivetrain components during hard acceleration and impacts.
