FTX Tracer Heavy Duty Centre Driveshaft with Outdrive Cups FTX9776

Overview

The FTX Tracer Heavy Duty Centre Driveshaft is an essential upgrade component for owners of the FTX Tracer 1/16th scale RC monster truck and truggy, as well as the compatible BlackZon Slyder range. If you're serious about maximising the performance and durability of your RC car UK setup, this heavy-duty transmission component represents a significant step forward in drivetrain reliability. This machined metal centre driveshaft and outdrive cups assembly is specifically engineered to handle increased torque loads and deliver superior longevity compared to standard plastic alternatives, making it an ideal choice for bashers, weekend warriors, and anyone pushing their 1/16th scale RC vehicles to their limits.

Whether you own an FTX Tracer monster truck or truggy in any colour variation, or you're running a BlackZon Slyder stadium truck or monster truck platform, this upgrade kit addresses one of the most common wear points in the drivetrain. The heavy-duty centre driveshaft uses precision-machined metal construction throughout, ensuring that power is transmitted efficiently from the motor to all four wheels without the flex, slop or premature wear that can plague plastic stock components. This is particularly important if you regularly engage in high-speed bashing, tackle challenging terrain, or simply want to ensure your RC investment performs reliably season after season.

Installing the FTX Tracer Heavy Duty Centre Driveshaft is part of a complete drivetrain upgrade system. When combined with the FTX9777 machined metal spur gear and two units of the FTX9778 companion parts, you'll have transformed your transmission into a true competition-grade setup. This modular upgrade approach means you can enhance your ready to run RC monster truck progressively, addressing specific wear patterns and performance needs as they arise. For RC enthusiasts across the UK who demand better reliability and performance from their 1/16th scale vehicles, this heavy-duty centre driveshaft is an investment that pays dividends through improved durability and consistent performance.

Key Features

• Machined Metal Construction — Unlike standard plastic driveshafts that flex under load and wear prematurely, this centre driveshaft is manufactured from precision-machined metal, providing superior rigidity and longevity that directly translates to fewer breakdowns and longer service intervals between maintenance sessions.
• Heavy-Duty Design Philosophy — Specifically engineered to withstand the increased stresses of high-performance driving, this component handles aggressive acceleration, hard cornering, and extended bashing sessions without the flex or deflection that compromises power delivery and handling consistency.
• Integrated Outdrive Cups — The assembly includes matching outdrive cups that work in perfect harmony with the centre driveshaft, ensuring smooth power transmission and eliminating the compatibility issues and binding that can occur when mixing different component qualities.
• Wide Model Compatibility — This upgrade works seamlessly with the entire FTX Tracer range including monster trucks, truggies and all colour options, plus the compatible BlackZon Slyder ST and MT platforms, giving you flexibility across multiple vehicles in your fleet.
• Part of a Complete System — Designed to work in conjunction with the FTX9777 machined metal spur gear and FTX9778 components, this creates a fully upgraded transmission that works as an integrated unit for maximum reliability and performance consistency.
• Simple Installation — Despite its heavy-duty engineering, this centre driveshaft replaces the standard component without requiring frame modifications or specialist tools, making it accessible for home tuners and workshop professionals alike.
• Proven Reliability — FTX components are trusted by RC enthusiasts throughout the UK for their quality engineering and real-world durability, with this particular upgrade addressing one of the most common failure points in standard 1/16th scale drivetrains.

Technical Performance

The FTX Tracer Heavy Duty Centre Driveshaft represents a significant step up in drivetrain engineering compared to the plastic components found in standard RTR configurations. By utilising precision-machined metal throughout both the centre driveshaft and integrated outdrive cups, FTX has eliminated the inherent flexibility and wear characteristics of plastic alternatives. When you're driving a 1/16th scale RC monster truck or truggy at high speeds across rough terrain, the drivetrain experiences tremendous loading. Standard plastic components deflect under this load, introducing backlash that reduces responsiveness and ultimately leads to cracking or stripping. The machined metal construction in this upgrade maintains perfect alignment and minimal clearance tolerances, ensuring that 100% of your motor's torque output reaches the wheels without loss to drivetrain flex. The outdrive cups are similarly engineered to work in perfect mechanical harmony with the centre driveshaft, eliminating the play and binding that frequently occurs when upgrading components individually. This is particularly important in vehicles like the FTX Tracer and BlackZon Slyder range, which feature high-torque brushless motor options. The heavy-duty design allows these upgrades to handle the sustained power delivery without the fatigue failures that plague stock plastic drivetrains. Whether you're running a stock brushed motor or a high-output brushless setup, this centre driveshaft provides the structural integrity and precision engineering to keep your RC car UK performing reliably through countless bashing sessions.

What's in the Box

• 1 x FTX9776 Heavy Duty Centre Driveshaft with Integrated Outdrive Cups

What You Need to Complete

• 1 x FTX9777 Machined Metal Spur Gear
• 2 x FTX9778 Companion Upgrade Components

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the FTX9776 centre driveshaft and why would I need to upgrade? — The FTX9776 is a heavy-duty replacement for the standard plastic centre driveshaft found in FTX Tracer and BlackZon Slyder vehicles. Stock plastic drivetrains are designed for basic recreational driving, but they flex under load, introduce backlash, and wear prematurely when subjected to aggressive bashing or high-speed use. Upgrading to this machined metal version eliminates flex, maintains perfect alignment, and provides the durability needed for competitive driving, extended bashing sessions, or simply keeping your RC monster truck reliable through seasons of use. The improved rigidity also enhances handling responsiveness by ensuring power is transmitted consistently without the lag or hesitation caused by drivetrain deflection.
• Is this centre driveshaft compatible with my FTX Tracer? — Yes, the FTX9776 is engineered specifically for the FTX Tracer range in all colour options and configurations, including both the monster truck and truggy variants. It's also compatible with the entire BlackZon Slyder range, including ST (stadium truck) and MT (monster truck) models in all available colours. This makes it an excellent option if you run multiple vehicles on either platform.
• Do I need to upgrade all drivetrain components at once, or can I upgrade progressively? — The FTX9776 centre driveshaft is designed to work as part of a complete drivetrain upgrade system. For the most effective and reliable upgrade, FTX recommends installing one FTX9776 centre driveshaft, one FTX9777 machined metal spur gear, and two FTX9778 components together. However, the modular design allows you to upgrade progressively if budget is a consideration. That said, for best results and to avoid compatibility or performance issues, sourcing all three components and completing the upgrade in one session is recommended by experienced tuners across the RC hobby community.
• What materials are used in this heavy-duty centre driveshaft? — The FTX9776 is manufactured from precision-machined metal throughout, including both the centre driveshaft and the integrated outdrive cups. This metal construction provides superior durability, rigidity, and wear resistance compared to plastic components, allowing it to handle the sustained stresses of high-performance driving without the flex, binding, or premature failure typical of stock drivetrains.
• Can this upgrade be installed at home, or do I need professional help? — The FTX9776 centre driveshaft is designed for relatively straightforward installation by home enthusiasts. It replaces the standard component without requiring frame modifications, specialist tools, or factory calibration procedures. However, if you're not confident in your mechanical abilities, many hobby shops and experienced RC retailers throughout the UK offer assembly and installation services at reasonable rates.
• How much improvement will I see in performance and reliability? — Users report significant improvements in both areas when upgrading to this heavy-duty drivetrain. In terms of reliability, the metal construction eliminates the wear and premature failure that plague stock plastic drivetrains, extending service intervals and reducing the frequency of component replacement. Performance improvements include smoother power delivery, reduced backlash and hesitation, more consistent handling response, and the ability to push harder without worrying about transmission failure. The responsiveness improvement is particularly noticeable when driving aggressively or transitioning between acceleration and deceleration.
• Is this upgrade suitable for beginners, or is it only for advanced tuners? — Whilst the FTX9776 is technically an upgrade component, it's entirely suitable for beginners who want to enhance their stock vehicle's reliability and performance. The installation process is straightforward enough for home mechanics with basic RC knowledge, and the benefits are immediately apparent to drivers of all skill levels. If you're new to the hobby and want to future-proof your investment in an FTX Tracer or BlackZon Slyder, upgrading the drivetrain early makes excellent sense.
• Will this centre driveshaft work with both stock brushed motors and brushless upgrades? — Yes, the FTX9776 is designed to work with any motor configuration, whether you're running the stock brushed motor included with RTR vehicles or a high-output brushless upgrade. In fact, if you're planning to add a brushless conversion to your FTX Tracer, upgrading the drivetrain first ensures the transmission can handle the additional torque safely.

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 HEAVY DUTY CENTRE DRIVESHAFT USE WITH FTX9777/FTX9778 FTX9776 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.