Overview
The FTX Tracer Machined Metal Diff Gears represent a significant upgrade for owners of the FTX Tracer 1/16 scale monster truck and truggy variants. If you're looking to enhance your RC car's performance and durability, this transmission upgrade kit is specifically engineered to replace the standard plastic components with precision-machined metal gearing. The FTX Tracer is already a capable 1/16 4WD platform available across the UK, and upgrading to machined metal diff gears takes it to the next level. Whether you're a dedicated RC enthusiast running your truck on challenging terrain or someone who wants to maximise the longevity of your investment, this hop-up delivers genuine performance improvements that justify the investment.
These machined metal differential gears are manufactured by FTX, a brand recognised for quality RC components and aftermarket upgrades. The engineering behind this upgrade focuses on reducing wear, improving power transmission efficiency, and providing the durability needed for aggressive driving conditions. For RC car UK enthusiasts who regularly bash their vehicles or compete in local events, upgrading to metal gearing is a proven way to reduce drivetrain failures and maintain consistent performance over extended sessions. This isn't simply a cosmetic enhancement—it's a functional upgrade that addresses genuine wear points in the stock plastic transmission.
The upgrade process is straightforward for anyone with basic RC mechanical knowledge, and the parts integrate seamlessly with your existing FTX Tracer chassis. If you're considering whether to upgrade your Tracer's drivetrain to feature machined metal gearing, this product forms one part of a complete transmission enhancement package designed specifically for optimal compatibility and performance gains.
Key Features
- Precision Machined Metal Construction — Unlike the plastic gears found in stock setups, these components are machined from quality metal materials, providing superior hardness, durability and resistance to stripping under load. This means your differential gears will maintain their integrity through hundreds of driving sessions without the performance degradation that occurs with plastic components.
- Reduced Drivetrain Wear — Metal-to-metal contact in the differential creates less friction and wear compared to plastic alternatives, extending the overall service life of your transmission and reducing the frequency of maintenance and replacement. This directly translates to lower running costs over the life of your RC truck.
- Improved Power Transmission Efficiency — The machined metal gears offer tighter tolerances and more precise tooth engagement than plastic components, ensuring that more of the motor's power is efficiently transmitted to the wheels rather than being lost through gear slippage and flex.
- Enhanced Load Capacity — Metal gearing can handle higher torque loads without deformation, making this upgrade particularly valuable if you've upgraded your motor or are running your Tracer on demanding terrain with heavy acceleration and high-speed cornering.
- Part of a Complete Upgrade System — These gears work in concert with the FTX9776 (Heavy Duty Centre Driveshaft) and FTX9777 components, allowing you to upgrade your entire drivetrain to a full metal specification for maximum performance and durability.
- Factory Engineered Compatibility — Designed and manufactured by FTX specifically for the Tracer chassis, you can be confident these gears will fit precisely and perform as intended without modification or trial-and-error fitting.
Technical Performance
The FTX Tracer Machined Metal Diff Gears represent a significant material and engineering upgrade over standard plastic differential components. Metal gearing offers substantially higher tensile strength and resistance to deformation under load, which is critical in a 1/16 scale monster truck that's regularly driven at speed or used for rock crawling. The machined construction ensures consistent tooth profiles and precise pitch, eliminating the irregularities that develop in plastic gears over time. This precision engineering translates to smoother operation, reduced noise, and more predictable handling characteristics. For RC enthusiasts in the UK who demand reliability, the investment in machined metal gearing is justified by the reduction in unplanned drivetrain failures and the extended intervals between full transmission rebuilds. When used as part of the complete upgrade package—incorporating the FTX9776 heavy duty centre driveshaft and FTX9777 components—you create a transmission system capable of handling the demands of competitive driving, aggressive bashing, and extended outdoor sessions without compromise.
What's in the Box
- FTX9778 Machined Metal Diff Gears (quantity: 1 pair as supplied)
What You Need to Complete
- 1 x FTX9776 (Heavy Duty Centre Driveshaft)
- 1 x FTX9777 (additional drivetrain component)
- A second FTX9778 set if upgrading all four-wheel-drive differential positions (two sets total required for complete 4WD upgrade)
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is this upgrade suitable for my FTX Tracer monster truck or truggy? — Yes, the FTX9778 machined metal diff gears are engineered specifically for FTX Tracer models including the 1/16 RTR monster truck variants in blue, red, and orange, as well as the Tracer truggy models. Compatibility extends to related BlackZon Slyder models which share the same transmission architecture. If you own any FTX Tracer variant, this upgrade is designed for your vehicle.
- Do I need to replace all my differential gears or just some? — The complete upgrade requires two sets of FTX9778 (one set per upgrade package), along with one FTX9776 and one FTX9777. The manufacturer specification clearly states that when upgrading your Tracer's drivetrain to feature machined metal gearing, all three component types are required. This ensures balanced performance and prevents mixing different material types which could cause compatibility issues.
- What performance improvements will I notice after this upgrade? — Most drivers notice smoother acceleration, reduced drivetrain noise, improved durability during aggressive driving, and most importantly, a significant reduction in gear damage and transmission failures. You'll experience more consistent power delivery to the wheels and better handling predictability, particularly during high-speed runs or when driving on rough terrain that stresses the drivetrain.
- How difficult is it to install these machined metal diff gears on my RC truck? — Installation requires basic mechanical knowledge and standard RC tools, similar to any differential service on a 1/16 scale vehicle. If you're comfortable performing routine maintenance on ready-to-run RC cars, you should be able to complete this upgrade. However, if you've never serviced your vehicle's transmission, consulting an instructional guide or seeking assistance from an experienced RC mechanic is recommended.
- Are these gears compatible with stock FTX Tracer motors and speed controllers? — Yes, these gears are designed to work with your stock FTX Tracer powertrain. However, if you've upgraded to a higher-torque motor or faster speed controller, the improved durability of metal gearing makes even more sense, as it can handle the increased loads without the stripping issues that sometimes occur with plastic components under high-performance setups.
- What's the difference between these metal diff gears and the plastic originals? — The plastic differential gears supplied with stock FTX Tracer models are prone to stripping, particularly under high-torque conditions or after extended use. Metal gears maintain their tooth profile indefinitely, resist deformation under load, and provide more efficient power transmission. Over the life of your vehicle, metal gears are significantly more cost-effective despite the higher initial investment, as you'll replace them far less frequently.
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 MACHINED METAL DIFF GEARS USE WITH FTX9776/FTX9777 FTX9778 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: FTX9778
- Product Type: Machined Metal Differential Gears
- Application: FTX Tracer 1/16 Scale Transmission Upgrade
- Scale: 1/16
- Upgrade Category: Drivetrain / Transmission / Differential
- Material Construction: Machined Metal (precision engineered)
- Compatible With: FTX Tracer RTR variants (blue, red, orange, yellow), FTX Tracer Brushless variants, FTX Tracer Truggy models, BlackZon Slyder MT and ST variants (all colour options)
- Specific Compatible Models: FTX5576B, FTX5576B-Bundle, FTX5576R, FTX5576R-Bundle, FTX5576O, FTX5576O-Bundle, FTX5596B, FTX5596R, FTX5596Y, FTX5577G, FTX5577G-Bundle, FTX5577R, FTX5577R-Bundle, FTX5577O, FTX5577O-Bundle, BlackZon 540100, 540101, 540102, 540103, 540104, 540105, 540096, 540097, 540098, 540099, 540116, 540117
- EAN Code: 5056135730935
- Upgrade Requirements: When upgrading complete drivetrain, requires 1 x FTX9776, 1 x FTX9777, and 2 x FTX9778
- Quantity per Package: Single set (two sets required for complete 4WD differential upgrade)
- Key Upgrade Benefits: Reduced wear, improved power transmission efficiency, enhanced load capacity, precision machined tolerances, extended drivetrain lifespan
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.
- We use trusted delivery partners to make sure your order gets to you safely and on time. We use DPD for next working day deliveries and Royal Mail for the 2 day option.
- As soon as your order is on its way we will send you a tracking number by email. If you provide your mobile number at checkout we will also send delivery updates straight to your phone so you can keep an eye on progress.
- 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.
