FTX Tracer Steering Arms and Ackerman Plate 1/16 RC Monster Truck Spare FTX9716

Overview

The FTX Tracer Steering Arms & Ackerman Plate (FTX9716) is an essential chassis spare part designed specifically for the FTX Tracer 1/16 scale monster truck and truggy platform. Whether you're an experienced RC enthusiast running your Tracer at the track, a weekend basher enjoying off-road adventures, or someone new to the world of RC cars in the UK, this steering component plays a critical role in maintaining precise directional control and steering geometry. The Ackerman plate mechanism is fundamental to how your RC car responds to steering inputs, ensuring that your front wheels turn at the correct angles relative to one another during cornering. This genuine FTX spare part is engineered to deliver reliable performance and authentic fit, making it an ideal replacement for damaged, worn or bent steering arms.

The FTX Tracer has established itself as a popular choice among UK RC enthusiasts thanks to its robust construction, excellent value for money, and impressive out-of-the-box performance. Available in both standard and brushless variants across multiple colour options including red, blue, orange and yellow, the Tracer can be configured as either a monster truck or truggy, offering versatility for different terrain and driving styles. The steering system is one of the most frequently stressed components during aggressive driving, jumps and high-speed cornering, which is why keeping genuine replacement parts like this steering arm and Ackerman plate assembly in your spares box is essential for minimising downtime and keeping your RC monster truck or truggy in peak condition.

This steering arms and Ackerman plate assembly is manufactured by FTX to the same exacting standards as the original components fitted to new Tracer models. Purchasing genuine FTX spares ensures perfect compatibility and maintains the precision engineering that makes the Tracer such a capable performer on UK tracks and trails. Whether you're replacing worn components after months of heavy use or building up a comprehensive spares kit for competitive racing, this is an authentic, reliable solution that will restore your steering response to like-new condition.

Key Features

• Genuine FTX Manufacturing — This steering arm and Ackerman plate assembly is produced by FTX to original specifications, ensuring perfect compatibility with all FTX Tracer models and maintaining the precise engineering tolerances that define this platform's handling characteristics.
• Ackerman Plate Geometry — The integrated Ackerman plate ensures correct steering geometry where the inside and outside front wheels turn at different angles during cornering, which improves turning responsiveness and reduces tyre scrubbing on both tarmac and off-road surfaces.
• Steering Arm Design — Purpose-engineered steering arms are optimised for the 1/16 scale Tracer chassis, providing the correct mechanical advantage and servo linkage geometry for precise steering control.
• Durable Chassis Component — As a critical steering system component, these arms and plate assembly are manufactured from robust materials capable of withstanding the forces and impacts encountered during aggressive off-road driving, jumps and high-speed cornering.
• Easy Installation — Designed as a direct replacement for original FTX Tracer components, this assembly integrates seamlessly with existing steering linkages and servo connections, making replacement straightforward for users with basic RC car maintenance knowledge.
• Comprehensive Compatibility — This steering component is compatible with the entire FTX Tracer range including all monster truck variants (red, blue, orange) and truggy models in all available colours, whether running standard brushed or brushless powerplants.
• Cost-Effective Spares Solution — Purchasing genuine manufacturer spare parts is the most economical way to maintain your RC monster truck or truggy, extending the operational life of your model and avoiding the need for expensive complete replacement.
• UK RC Car Spares Availability — As an authorised FTX retailer based in the UK, RC Model Shop stocks this genuine spare part in readiness for UK customers who want rapid availability and authentic components for their Tracer models.

Technical Performance

The steering arm and Ackerman plate assembly represents the steering geometry foundation of the FTX Tracer 1/16 scale platform. These components work in conjunction with the servo, steering hubs, pivot balls and connecting linkages to translate servo input into precise wheel turning angles. The Ackerman principle, implemented through the geometry of the plate and arms, ensures that when cornering, the inside front wheel turns at a sharper angle than the outside wheel, reducing tyre scrubbing and improving cornering efficiency across all driving surfaces. This is particularly important on the Tracer, which is engineered as a high-performance 1/16 scale monster truck or truggy capable of impressive speeds and dynamic handling. The steering arms are manufactured from durable materials capable of withstanding the repeated stresses of aggressive driving, including impacts from jumps, high-speed turns and occasional crashes that are part of the RC driving experience. The assembly integrates with the Tracer's front-end geometry, working with the steering hubs (FTX9712), servo saver assembly (FTX9720), and suspension linkages to create a complete steering package. Whether you're operating the standard brushed Tracer or the more powerful brushless variants, the steering geometry remains consistent, ensuring that steering response is predictable and precise. Regular inspection and occasional replacement of steering components is part of standard RC car maintenance, particularly for users who regularly bash their models in challenging terrain or compete in organised races. Having genuine replacement parts available ensures you can quickly restore steering performance without requiring extensive re-setup or adjustment of servo end-points and trim values.

What's in the Box

• FTX Tracer Steering Arms & Ackerman Plate assembly — complete steering geometry component ready for installation

What You Need to Complete

• Your existing FTX Tracer model (any colour or variant)
• Basic RC maintenance tools (small hex drivers, pliers)
• Replacement fasteners if original steering linkage pins are damaged (FTX9724 rear hub pins are available separately)

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the Ackerman plate and why does my RC monster truck need it? — The Ackerman plate is a steering geometry component that ensures your front wheels turn at correct angles relative to each other during cornering. The inside wheel turns at a sharper angle than the outside wheel, which reduces tyre scrubbing, improves turning efficiency and extends the life of your tyres. On high-performance RC cars like the FTX Tracer, proper Ackerman geometry is essential for predictable handling and competitive performance.
• Is this steering component compatible with all FTX Tracer models? — Yes, this steering arms and Ackerman plate assembly (FTX9716) is compatible with all FTX Tracer variants including the FTX5576R (red monster truck), FTX5576B (blue monster truck), FTX5576O (orange monster truck), FTX5596B/R/Y (brushless variants in blue, red and yellow), FTX5577G/R/O (truggy models in green, red and orange), and all bundle versions of these models.
• How often should I replace the steering arms and Ackerman plate? — These components typically last for many months of regular use, but they should be inspected regularly for damage, cracks or bending, particularly if you drive aggressively or have experienced a significant crash. If you notice your steering response becoming less precise, or if your Tracer pulls to one side during straight-line driving, damaged steering components may be the cause and replacement should be considered.
• What other steering components might I need to replace at the same time? — Common steering-related spares for the FTX Tracer include the steering hubs (FTX9712), servo saver assembly (FTX9720), steering pivot balls (FTX9729), and rear upper suspension/steering links (FTX9708). If you're experiencing steering issues, it's worth inspecting the entire steering system to identify all worn or damaged components.
• Can I fit this steering component myself or do I need professional help? — The steering arms and Ackerman plate assembly is designed for installation by users with basic RC car maintenance knowledge. You'll need simple tools like hex drivers and pliers. If you're unfamiliar with RC car assembly, the team at RC Model Shop can provide guidance, or you may choose to have a local RC shop carry out the installation for you.
• Is this a genuine FTX part or a third-party alternative? — This is a genuine FTX OEM (original equipment manufacturer) spare part, manufactured to the same specifications as components fitted to new Tracer models. Choosing genuine spares ensures perfect compatibility and maintains the precision engineering that makes your Tracer perform as intended by the designers.

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 TRACER STEERING ARMS & ACKERMAN PLATE FTX9716 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.