Overview
The Element RC Stealth X Top Shaft for the Inverse Gearbox (EL42024) is a precision-engineered drivetrain component designed for serious RC enthusiasts who demand exceptional performance from their trail trucks and crawlers. This replacement top shaft is the heart of Element RC's revolutionary Stealth X gearbox system, which has fundamentally transformed how modern RC trail trucks deliver power to the wheels. Whether you're upgrading a damaged component or seeking to optimise your existing Element RC Enduro model, this genuine OEM part ensures your vehicle maintains its factory-engineered performance and reliability.
The Stealth X gearbox represents a breakthrough in RC drivetrain technology, and this top shaft is essential to its operation. Unlike conventional 3-gear transmissions that appear simple on the outside, the Stealth X system features sophisticated internal engineering that allows independent adjustment of front and rear drive ratios. This capability has made it the preferred choice for serious RC rock crawlers and trail runners across the UK and internationally. When you invest in an Element RC ready to run RC vehicle or upgrade components, you're choosing engineering excellence and durability that will keep your RC car UK performing at its best season after season.
This is a genuine Element RC spare part, manufactured to the same exacting standards as the complete Enduro Trail Truck models. It is compatible with multiple Element RC Enduro variants, making it an essential addition to your spares box if you own any of the Enduro, Trailwalker, Ecto, or Sendero HD models.
Key Features
- Precision-engineered top shaft — This component is the critical rotating element within the Stealth X gearbox system, manufactured to exact tolerances to ensure smooth power delivery and long-term durability under demanding trail conditions.
- Revolutionary Stealth X gearbox compatibility — The top shaft enables the Stealth X system's unique ability to adjust rear drive ratio independently from the front drive in three distinct levels, allowing you to fine-tune your vehicle's handling characteristics for different terrain types.
- Three adjustable overdrive positions — With this top shaft installed, you can select from stock configuration (5.7% front overdrive using 27T and 53T gears), Option 1 (one-to-one drive ratio front to rear with 28T and 52T gears), or Option 2 (11.83% front overdrive with 26T and 54T gears).
- Genuine OEM Element RC component — This is an authentic manufacturer part, not an aftermarket imitation, ensuring perfect fit and function with your Element RC Enduro Trail Truck or compatible models.
- Machined and hardened construction — The top shaft is manufactured from quality materials with precision machining to withstand the stresses of rock crawling and trail running without binding or excessive wear.
- Wide compatibility across Enduro range — This single replacement part is compatible with seven different Element RC Enduro variants, making it a versatile spare for collectors and enthusiasts with multiple models.
Technical Performance
The Stealth X Top Shaft operates at the core of Element RC's acclaimed gearbox system, which has been engineered specifically for rock crawling and trail running applications where torque delivery, traction control, and independent ratio adjustment are paramount. The top shaft works in conjunction with metal idler gears, machined input pinion gears, and a metal ring gear to distribute power smoothly to both front and rear drive axles. The system uses hardened steel ring and pinion gears throughout, ensuring that power is delivered efficiently without slippage or loss. The entire Stealth X drivetrain has been designed around the principle that modern trail trucks need more sophisticated transmission control than conventional fixed-ratio systems can provide. By allowing adjustment of the rear drive ratio independently from the front drive, the Stealth X system enables you to optimise your vehicle's performance for specific terrain conditions, driving styles, and weather patterns. The precision machining of this top shaft component ensures that tolerances are maintained even after repeated use, preventing the rattle and sloppiness that can develop in lower-quality replacement parts. Combined with the system's telescopic driveshafts featuring extruded aluminium centre sections, universal front drive axles, and one-piece rear axle design, this top shaft enables the kind of reliable power delivery that serious RC enthusiasts demand from their trail trucks.
What's in the Box
- Element RC Stealth X Top Shaft for Inverse Gearbox (EL42024)
Compatible Models
- EL40124 — Element RC Enduro Trail Truck Zuul Tan RTR
- EL40117 — Element RC Enduro Ecto Trail Truck RTR Green
- EL40122 — Element RC Enduro Ecto Trail Truck RTR Black
- EL40130 — Element RC Enduro Ecto Trail Truck RTR Grey with Portal Axles
- EL40120 — Element RC Enduro Sendero HD Titanium RTR
- EL40119 — Element RC Enduro Trailwalker RTR Black
- EL40123 — Element RC Enduro Trail Truck Sendero HD RTR Black
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the Stealth X gearbox and why do I need this top shaft? — The Stealth X gearbox is Element RC's proprietary transmission system that allows independent adjustment of front and rear drive ratios, a capability unique to modern high-performance trail trucks. The top shaft is the rotating component that enables this system to function correctly. Without a properly functioning top shaft, your gearbox cannot engage the various gear ratios correctly, making smooth power delivery impossible. This is why genuine OEM replacement parts are essential for maintaining your vehicle's performance.
- Is this a genuine Element RC part? — Yes, this is an authentic Element RC spare part manufactured by the brand to the same specifications as parts supplied with new vehicles. It carries the official Element RC part number EL42024 and EAN barcode, confirming its authenticity. Genuine parts ensure perfect fit, function and warranty coverage that aftermarket alternatives cannot guarantee.
- What makes the Stealth X system different from conventional RC gearboxes? — Unlike traditional RC transmissions that maintain fixed gear ratios, the Stealth X system allows you to independently adjust the front and rear drive ratios in three distinct levels. This means you can fine-tune your vehicle's handling, traction and power delivery characteristics without replacing the entire transmission. This level of adjustability was previously impossible in ready to run RC vehicles, making it a genuine innovation in RC trail truck engineering.
- Will this work with all Element RC Enduro models? — This top shaft is compatible with seven different Element RC Enduro variants including the Trailwalker, Ecto, Sendero HD, and Trail Truck models. Check the compatible model list above to verify your specific vehicle. If you're unsure, contact our RC experts at RC Model Shop and we'll help you identify your model and confirm compatibility before you order.
- Do I need any special tools to install this part? — Installation of this component requires mechanical aptitude and appropriate tools. We recommend consulting the Element RC assembly manual or instruction booklet for your specific model. If you're uncomfortable with mechanical work, our team at RC Model Shop can provide guidance or recommend a local RC specialist who can assist with installation.
- What should I do if my current top shaft is damaged or worn? — If your Stealth X gearbox is making grinding noises, not engaging gears smoothly, or causing power delivery issues, the top shaft may be damaged or worn. Replacement is the correct solution. This genuine OEM part will restore your vehicle to factory specifications and ensure reliable operation for years of trail running enjoyment.
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 ELEMENT RC STEALTH X TOP SHAFT, INVERSE GEARBOX EL42024 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.
- Manufacturer: Element RC
- Part Number: EL42024
- EAN Barcode: 784695420243
- Component Type: Stealth X Top Shaft for Inverse Gearbox
- Spare Part Category: Drivetrain Spares
- Compatible Vehicle Scale: 1:10
- Gearbox System: Stealth X with Adjustable Overdrive Gears
- Drive Ratio Adjustment Levels: 3 positions
- Stock Configuration: 27T and 53T gears with 5.7% front overdrive
- Option 1 Configuration: 28T and 52T gears with one-to-one front to rear drive ratio
- Option 2 Configuration: 26T and 54T gears with 11.83% front overdrive
- Material: Machined and hardened steel construction
- Function: Rotating component enabling independent front and rear drive ratio adjustment
- Compatible with seven Element RC Enduro Trail Truck variants
- Quality Grade: Genuine OEM Element RC replacement part
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.
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- 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.
