Overview
The FTX Outback Mini XP Aluminium SOA Conversion Set is a premium upgrade component designed specifically for enthusiasts looking to enhance their FTX Outback Mini XP crawler. This high-quality conversion set transforms your RC car's suspension geometry and performance characteristics through the installation of a Solid Axle (SOA) setup using precision-engineered aluminium components. Whether you're a dedicated RC crawler fan in the UK or an experienced basher seeking improved articulation and off-road capability, this conversion set offers a straightforward way to unlock greater potential from your existing FTX platform.
SOA (Solid Axle) conversions are a recognised upgrade path for mini crawler vehicles, delivering superior articulation, increased wheel travel, and improved performance over rocky terrain and challenging obstacles. The FTX Outback Mini XP already has an excellent reputation as a capable 1/18 scale rock crawler, and this aluminium conversion set takes that foundation to the next level. The use of lightweight yet durable aluminium construction means you'll gain the benefits of a solid axle setup without unnecessary weight penalties that could compromise speed or agility.
This is a perfect choice for RC enthusiasts who want to customise and tune their vehicles rather than purchasing an entirely new model. It's an ideal upgrade for operators who have already mastered their standard Outback Mini XP and are ready to explore the benefits of SOA geometry. The professional-grade engineering ensures compatibility and reliability, making this a worthwhile investment in your RC hobby.
Key Features
- Aluminium Construction — The conversion set is manufactured from high-grade aluminium, providing an optimal balance between weight savings and structural rigidity. Aluminium components resist corrosion and maintain their precision fit over extended periods of use, ensuring consistent performance whether you're enjoying your RC car in dry conditions or tackling damp UK terrain.
- SOA (Solid Axle) Conversion — This component set enables you to upgrade from independent suspension geometry to a solid axle configuration, which dramatically improves articulation and wheel travel. Solid axle setups allow both wheels on an axle to move together as a unified component, enabling better obstacle climbing and more consistent contact with uneven ground surfaces.
- Enhanced Articulation — The SOA geometry provides superior articulation compared to independent suspension systems, meaning your FTX Outback Mini XP can achieve greater suspension travel and better maintain traction across rocks, roots, and other challenging terrain features.
- Direct Compatibility — This conversion set is engineered specifically for the FTX Outback Mini XP platform, ensuring seamless integration with your existing chassis, drivetrain, and electronic components without requiring additional modifications or adapters.
- Precision Engineering — Every component within this conversion set is manufactured to exacting tolerances, ensuring that the installation process is straightforward and that the resulting setup delivers reliable performance mile after mile.
- Upgrade Path for Existing Owners — If you already own an FTX Outback Mini XP ready-to-run RC car, this conversion set offers a cost-effective way to enhance and customise your vehicle rather than purchasing a completely new model.
Technical Performance
The FTX Outback Mini XP Aluminium SOA Conversion Set represents a significant technical upgrade for 1/18 scale rock crawling. The solid axle configuration fundamentally alters how the vehicle interacts with terrain, replacing the independent wheel movement of standard suspension with unified axle articulation. This engineering approach is time-tested in the RC crawler community and delivers measurable improvements in obstacle negotiation and ground contact. The aluminium material selection is crucial to the design philosophy—it provides excellent strength-to-weight characteristics, ensuring that the conversion doesn't add excessive mass that could slow your vehicle or tax the battery and motor. The precision-machined components integrate directly with the FTX Outback Mini XP's existing chassis geometry, motor system, and electronic components, creating a cohesive platform optimised for technical off-road performance. The conversion maintains compatibility with standard battery configurations and drivetrain elements, allowing you to utilise your existing FTX infrastructure without additional investment in electronics or power systems. Build quality is immediately evident in the machining precision and surface finish of the aluminium parts, with careful attention paid to areas that experience stress during climbing and articulation.
What's in the Box
- FTX Outback Mini XP Aluminium SOA Conversion Components
- Installation Hardware and Fasteners
- Precision-Engineered Aluminium Axle Components
Compatibility Information
This conversion set is specifically engineered for the following FTX Outback Mini XP platforms and related 1/18 scale crawler vehicles. Before purchase, please verify that your FTX Outback Mini XP model matches the intended application. The conversion is designed as a direct fit for the standard FTX Outback Mini XP chassis, and installation should not require cutting, filing, or modification of your existing vehicle components. If you are uncertain about compatibility with your specific model variant or if you have made previous modifications to your crawler, we recommend contacting our RC Model Shop team before ordering to ensure perfect compatibility.
What You Need to Complete
- Basic RC hobby tools (screwdrivers, hex key set)
- FTX Outback Mini XP vehicle (not included)
- Assembly knowledge or access to FTX installation guides and tutorials
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is a SOA conversion and why would I want one for my RC crawler? — SOA stands for Solid Axle, a suspension configuration where both wheels on each axle are rigidly connected and move as one unit. This differs from independent suspension where each wheel can move independently. For rock crawling and technical off-road driving, SOA conversions provide superior articulation over large obstacles, better weight distribution across the terrain, and improved climbing ability. The unified axle movement creates more predictable handling over rocks and roots, which is why SOA setups are preferred by many serious RC crawler enthusiasts in the UK and worldwide.
- Is this suitable for beginners? — This is an intermediate to advanced modification rather than a beginner-level product. It requires disassembly of your existing FTX Outback Mini XP and installation of new suspension components. If you have previous experience upgrading RC vehicles and are comfortable with mechanical assembly, you should find this conversion straightforward. However, if you're completely new to RC cars, we recommend starting with a ready-to-run vehicle first and gaining basic mechanical familiarity before undertaking suspension conversions.
- Do I need any special tools to install this conversion set? — No special tools are required beyond standard hobby tools typically found in any RC enthusiast's collection: screwdrivers (both Phillips and flat-head), an appropriate hex key or Allen wrench set, and potentially a small spanner set for fasteners. FTX designs their components for accessibility, and the conversion should install using tools you likely already own.
- Will this conversion affect my FTX Outback Mini XP's battery life and performance? — The aluminium SOA components are engineered to be lightweight while maintaining structural integrity, so the weight addition should be minimal and won't significantly impact battery runtime or motor performance. You'll continue using the same battery and motor system, and some users report improved efficiency due to better weight distribution and traction characteristics that the SOA geometry provides.
- What is the difference between this SOA conversion and simply buying a different FTX crawler model? — This conversion offers excellent value if you already own an FTX Outback Mini XP, as it upgrades your existing vehicle rather than requiring a complete new purchase. It allows you to personalise and tune your specific vehicle to your driving preferences and local terrain requirements. Additionally, many experienced crawlers like having multiple vehicles with different suspension geometries to match specific courses and challenges.
- Can I revert to the original suspension if needed? — Theoretically yes, as the conversion is reversible, but the process would require keeping your original suspension components in good condition and essentially performing the installation procedure in reverse. Most owners who upgrade to SOA keep it permanently installed once they experience the improved performance.
- Where can I find installation guides for this conversion? — FTX publishes detailed assembly documentation and video tutorials for their conversion sets. You can find these resources on the official FTX website and through RC hobby forums and YouTube channels dedicated to FTX vehicles. Our RC Model Shop team can also provide guidance and support during your installation process.
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 FTX OUTBACK MINI XP ALUMINIUM SOA CONVERSION SET FTX9356 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.
- Brand: FTX
- Model Number: FTX9356
- EAN: 5056135765012
- Product Type: Aluminium SOA Conversion Set
- Tune-Up Category: Chassis Upgrade
- Compatible Vehicle: FTX Outback Mini XP
- Suspension Type: Solid Axle (SOA) Configuration
- Material: Aluminium Construction
- Conversion Style: Direct Fit Upgrade
- Installation Type: Mechanical Assembly Required
We want to make sure your delivery goes smoothly, so here are some important details about our service:
- For orders above £120, we offer delivery to most mainland UK addresses. For orders under £120, we can still deliver to Northern Ireland and the outlying isles, as long as the item can be sent by Royal Mail, weighs less than 30kg, and fits within 61cm × 46cm × 46cm. Some highland and remote areas may carry an extra delivery charge as couriers often apply surcharges in these locations. If you live in one of these areas, feel free to contact us before ordering so we can confirm the delivery options and costs for you.
- Most of our products include delivery in the price. If your order is under £90, a small delivery fee will apply but do not worry this will always be clearly shown at checkout before you complete your purchase.
- Depending on what you choose at checkout, your order will usually be delivered either the next working day or within 2 working days. For next day delivery please place your order before 2:00pm. Orders are dispatched Monday to Friday only. Some items may take a little longer and if that is the case we will always show the expected delivery time on the product page.
- If your order includes items with different dispatch times we will normally wait and send everything together once all items are in stock. If one of the items is going to take a while we will give you the choice either wait for everything to arrive or let us send the available items now and deliver the rest later. It is up to you.
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- If a product is marked as "Dispatched within 3 working days" delivery usually takes around 3 to 5 working days from when your order is placed.
- For customers in Inverness and other parts of the Scottish Highlands deliveries can take up to 2 working days even if you select next day delivery as couriers do not currently offer a guaranteed next day service to those areas.