Traxxas Steering Blocks Rustler Stampede Bandit Red TRX3636X

Overview

Upgrade your Traxxas Rustler, Stampede, or Bandit RC truck with these premium aluminium steering blocks that deliver a significant boost in performance, durability, and visual appeal. Whether you're a seasoned RC enthusiast in the UK or just getting started with your first RC car upgrade, these billet-machined steering blocks are an essential suspension enhancement that transforms how your truck handles on the track or off-road terrain. Unlike the stock plastic steering components, these blocks are engineered from precision-machined billet 6061-T6 aluminium, a premium aerospace-grade alloy that resists impact damage, maintains dimensional accuracy through countless runs, and simply looks the part with their eye-catching fire-red anodised finish.

The key to these steering blocks' superiority lies not just in their material construction, but in the inclusion of larger 5x11mm ball bearings that replace the stock 5x8 bushings. Ball bearings deliver dramatically smoother steering action compared to traditional bushings, which means tighter turning circles, more responsive cornering, and ultimately faster lap times or more precise control during high-speed bashings. For anyone serious about RC truck performance, whether you're running a ready-to-run RC truck from stock or building a competition-grade setup, upgrading to aluminium steering blocks with ball bearings is one of the first modifications experienced builders recommend.

Installation is refreshingly straightforward—these steering blocks bolt directly onto your existing Rustler, Stampede, or Bandit chassis with no modifications required, making them perfect for builders of any skill level. Once installed, you'll immediately notice the difference in steering precision and the added confidence that comes from knowing your suspension components can handle the abuse that RC bashers throw at them.

Key Features

• Billet 6061-T6 Aluminium Construction — These steering blocks are machined from solid billet 6061-T6 aluminium, the same material used in aerospace applications, which delivers exceptional strength-to-weight ratio and superior precision compared to plastic mouldings. This material choice means your steering geometry stays true through hundreds of impacts and rough terrain encounters.
• Upgrade from 5x8 Bushings to 5x11mm Ball Bearings — The kit includes four rubber-sealed 5x11mm ball bearings that replace your truck's stock 5x8 bushings, providing a direct upgrade in steering smoothness and reducing friction at the steering pivot points. Ball bearings roll with significantly less resistance than bushings, translating to quicker steering response and less servo wear over time.
• Rubber-Sealed Ball Bearings — The included ball bearings feature integrated rubber seals that keep out dirt, dust, and water while retaining the bearing lubricant. This means they're virtually maintenance-free compared to open-style bearings that require regular cleaning and re-greasing, making them ideal for outdoor RC car enthusiasts who want reliability without constant upkeep.
• Fire-Red Anodised Finish — The distinctive fire-red anodising not only looks fantastic and upgrades the appearance of your RC truck, but it also provides a hard protective layer that resists corrosion, scratches, and UV fading. The anodised surface is tougher than raw aluminium and maintains its colour vibrancy for years of outdoor running.
• Increased Ruggedness and Control — The greater strength of machined aluminium steering blocks compared to plastic means they can withstand heavy impacts, jumps, and aggressive driving without deformation. This structural integrity translates into consistent steering geometry that doesn't shift or change feel as your truck takes punishment, giving you reliable and predictable handling characteristics.
• Simple Bolt-On Installation — No special tools, fabrication, or modification to your chassis is required. These steering blocks drop straight in place of your stock components with standard fasteners, making them an accessible upgrade for anyone who wants to improve their RC truck without getting into complex suspension tuning or chassis modifications.
• Compatibility with Multiple Traxxas Truck Models — These steering blocks are designed to fit Rustler, Stampede, and Bandit models (including all variants), making them a versatile upgrade for owners of these popular 2WD RC truck platforms available in the UK market.
• Precision-Machined Construction — Each steering block is precisely machined to exact tolerances, ensuring perfect alignment with your truck's suspension geometry. This precision manufacturing eliminates the tolerance stacking problems that can occur with plastic components and ensures your steering operates exactly as designed.

Technical Performance

The engineering behind these Traxxas steering blocks represents a straightforward but highly effective performance upgrade. The 6061-T6 aluminium alloy used in their construction offers a perfect balance between strength and weight—much lighter than steel yet significantly stronger than the ABS plastic found in stock steering components. At the heart of the upgrade is the shift from 5x8mm bushings to 5x11mm ball bearings, a change that reduces friction losses in your steering system and allows the steering servo to work more efficiently. The rubber seals on the bearings are engineered to be a compromise between protection (keeping contaminants out) and longevity (maintaining proper bearing clearances without binding). When you combine the rigid structural platform of machined aluminium with the low-friction characteristics of sealed ball bearings, you get steering that feels sharper, more responsive, and more reliable through thousands of corner cycles. The anodised finish provides corrosion resistance that's essential for RC trucks that get wet or exposed to salt environments, which is common in UK outdoor RC racing and bashing. For Rustler, Stampede, and Bandit trucks—all proven 2WD platforms popular in the UK RC market—these steering blocks represent the gold-standard upgrade that serious hobbyists install as part of their first set of performance modifications.

What's in the Box

• 2 x Aluminium steering blocks (left and right), machined from billet 6061-T6 aluminium with fire-red anodising
• 4 x 5x11mm ball bearings with rubber seals

Frequently Asked Questions

• Are these steering blocks suitable for beginners? — Yes, absolutely. While these are a performance upgrade, the installation is straightforward enough for anyone with basic RC building knowledge. The bolt-on design means you don't need special tools or extensive mechanical skills. Even first-time RC car owners can install these steering blocks with standard hex drivers and wrenches.
• What is the difference between aluminium steering blocks and stock plastic blocks? — Stock Traxxas steering blocks are typically moulded from ABS plastic, which is lightweight but prone to cracking or deforming under hard impacts and offers less precise tolerances. These aluminium steering blocks are machined from solid billet 6061-T6 alloy, which is dramatically stronger, more durable, maintains tighter tolerances for better geometry, resists impact damage, and includes superior 5x11mm ball bearings instead of 5x8mm bushings. The result is noticeably sharper steering response, better durability, and a more premium appearance.
• Do these steering blocks require maintenance? — The rubber-sealed ball bearings are virtually maintenance-free, unlike open-style bearings that need regular cleaning and re-greasing. You should occasionally check that the steering blocks are securely bolted to your chassis, but day-to-day maintenance is minimal. This is one of the major advantages over stock bushings, which can dry out and become rough with use.
• Will these steering blocks fit all Rustler, Stampede, and Bandit models? — Yes, these TRX3636X steering blocks are specifically designed for Rustler, Stampede, and Bandit trucks in all configurations. The bolt-on design means direct compatibility with the mounting points on these chassis.
• How much steering improvement will I notice? — Most RC enthusiasts notice an immediate improvement in steering feel—the reduction in friction from the ball bearings makes the steering noticeably sharper and more responsive. The aluminium construction also provides a more rigid platform that doesn't flex or deflect like plastic blocks, meaning your steering geometry stays more consistent through corners and over jumps.
• What is the difference between 5x8mm bushings and 5x11mm ball bearings? — The size difference (5x8 versus 5x11mm) refers to the bore and outer diameter of the bearing. The larger 5x11mm ball bearings provide greater load-carrying capacity and a larger contact surface area. Ball bearings roll with much lower friction than bushings (which use sliding rather than rolling contact), resulting in smoother, tighter steering. Ball bearings are also more durable and require less maintenance over the life of your RC truck.
• Are these better than the blue anodised version? — The only difference between the red and blue anodised versions is the colour—both are made from the same 6061-T6 billet aluminium and include identical 5x11mm rubber-sealed ball bearings. Choose whichever colour matches your truck's scheme or personal preference.

Why Buy from RC Model Shop?

RC Model Shop is a trusted UK RC retailer and authorised dealer for all the brands we stock, including Traxxas, ARRMA, Losi, FTX, Hobbywing, Spektrum and more. Based in Walsall, we have a physical store where customers are welcome to come in, view products and purchase in store. Whether you are a seasoned competitor, a weekend basher, or just discovering the world of RC for the first time, our team of experienced RC enthusiasts is here to help you find the perfect setup and provide ongoing support. Order the Traxxas Steering blocks, Rustler / Stampede / Bandit (2 pcs), 6061-T6 aluminium (Red-anodised) / 5x11mm ball bearings (4 pcs) TRX3636X today with confidence, knowing you are buying from an authorised retailer with genuine products, expert knowledge and a commitment to customer satisfaction. Shop online or visit us in Walsall — we look forward to helping you get the most out of your RC experience.