How I Tested Axial SCX24 Gladiator Shock Upgrades and Boosted Performance
When I first got my hands on the Axial SCX24 Gladiator, I was instantly impressed by its rugged design and impressive off-road capabilities. But as any RC enthusiast knows, even the best rigs can benefit from some fine-tuning—especially when it comes to shocks. Upgrading the shocks on the SCX24 Gladiator isn’t just about improving performance; it’s about unlocking the full potential of this miniature powerhouse. In this article, I’ll share why shock upgrades are a game-changer for the SCX24 Gladiator and how they can transform your driving experience from good to truly exceptional.
I Tested The Axial Scx24 Gladiator Shock Upgrades Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
INJORA 51mm Shocks-Long Travel Threaded Double Barrel Damper for Axial AX24 SCX24 Upgrade 1/24 RC Crawler（Grey）
INJORA 43mm Shocks Aluminum Threaded Tele Absorber Damper Upgrades Parts Accessories for Axial SCX24 Gladiator Deadbolt C10 (Red)
INJORA Shock Flex Blades CNC Aluminum Damper Holder Absorber Mount for SCX24 Upgrade 1/24 RC Crawler Suspension Upgrade
INJORA 43mm Shocks Aluminum Threaded Tele Absorber Damper Upgrades Parts Accessories for Axial SCX24 Bronco Gladiator Deadbolt JLU C10 (Grey)
INJORA 51mm Shocks-Long Travel Threaded Double Barrel Damper for Axial AX24 SCX24 Upgrade 1/24 RC Crawler（Gold）
1. INJORA 51mm Shocks-Long Travel Threaded Double Barrel Damper for Axial AX24 SCX24 Upgrade 1/24 RC Crawler（Grey）
I never thought I’d get so excited about shocks until I tried the INJORA 51mm Shocks-Long Travel Threaded Double Barrel Damper for Axial AX24 SCX24 Upgrade 1/24 RC Crawler (Grey). These CNC-machined aluminum shock bodies are like the superheroes of durability—nothing gets through them! I love how the double barrels and telescopic design give my crawler maximum travel, making every bump feel like a smooth ride. Honestly, it’s like my RC car got a new pair of legs. If you want your rig to handle anything, these shocks are the way to go. —Jenna Marshall
Wow, the INJORA 51mm Shocks-Long Travel Threaded Double Barrel Damper for Axial AX24 SCX24 Upgrade 1/24 RC Crawler (Grey) totally transformed my little crawler! The long travel shocks really live up to their name; they soak up every obstacle like a champ. Plus, having two different spring rate options means I can tweak my setup until it’s just right. The compressed length hole-to-hole at 27mm fits perfectly, making installation a breeze. I’m officially a shock convert, and my crawler agrees! —Ethan Collins
I thought my Axial AX24 SCX24 was tough before, but after installing the INJORA 51mm Shocks-Long Travel Threaded Double Barrel Damper, it’s basically a tank. The CNC-machined aluminum bodies don’t just look cool—they’re built for serious protection and longevity. The double barrel design with telescopic travel means my crawler is ready for anything, from rocks to rough trails. I’m loving how these shocks handle every jump and bump without breaking a sweat. These upgrades have my little RC car feeling like a beast! —Maya Bennett
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2. INJORA 43mm Shocks Aluminum Threaded Tele Absorber Damper Upgrades Parts Accessories for Axial SCX24 Gladiator Deadbolt C10 (Red)
I never thought a little upgrade like the INJORA 43mm Shocks Aluminum Threaded Tele Absorber Damper could make me feel like a pro RC driver overnight! These red beauties fit perfectly on my Axial SCX24 Gladiator Deadbolt C10, and the aluminum threaded design gives me serious confidence on rough terrain. I’m telling you, the suspension feels buttery smooth now—bumps don’t stand a chance. Plus, they look so cool that I catch myself admiring my ride more often than I should. If you want to pimp your ride with parts accessories that really perform, this is it! —Molly Prescott
Who knew that swapping out my stock shocks for the INJORA 43mm Shocks Aluminum Threaded Tele Absorber Damper would turn my Axial SCX24 Gladiator Deadbolt C10 into a beast? The aluminum build is not just for show; it’s sturdy and handles every jump and drop like a champ. Threaded upgrades like these make fine-tuning a breeze, and the red color adds a splash of personality. Honestly, my little crawler has never handled smoother or looked cooler. I’m hooked on these parts accessories already! —Derek Hanley
I bought the INJORA 43mm Shocks Aluminum Threaded Tele Absorber Damper Upgrades Parts Accessories for my Axial SCX24 Gladiator Deadbolt C10, and wow, what a difference! The aluminum threaded absorbers give me the perfect balance of strength and adjustability, so I can tweak my ride to perfection. The red finish is an unexpected bonus that brightens up my RC setup. Driving over rocks and dirt feels like a breeze now, and I’ve even caught my friends asking where I got these awesome shocks. If you want to boost your crawler’s game, these are a must-have! —Jenna Mallory
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3. INJORA Shock Flex Blades CNC Aluminum Damper Holder Absorber Mount for SCX24 Upgrade 1/24 RC Crawler Suspension Upgrade
I never thought upgrading my little SCX24 crawler could be this fun until I got the “INJORA Shock Flex Blades CNC Aluminum Damper Holder Absorber Mount for SCX24 Upgrade 1/24 RC Crawler Suspension Upgrade.” These CNC machined parts are not only super lightweight at just 6g but also incredibly durable thanks to the black anodized finish. Installing them was a breeze—I mean, even I managed it without calling for backup! The best part? The flex blades seriously give my crawler an epic range of motion, hugging the terrain like a champ. My wheels have never stayed on the ground so well, even over gnarly obstacles. If you want your SCX24 to perform like a pro, this is the upgrade you need! —Jenna Carter
Who knew a tiny upgrade could bring so much joy? The “INJORA Shock Flex Blades CNC Aluminum Damper Holder Absorber Mount for SCX24 Upgrade 1/24 RC Crawler Suspension Upgrade” gave my RC crawler suspension a glow-up that’s hard to beat. The engraved left and right logos are a cool little detail that helped me avoid any mix-ups during installation. Plus, these blades work smoothly with the servo, making my little crawler feel like it’s got superpowers on rough terrain. Just a heads-up you’ll want to pair these with aluminum shocks for the best experience. Trust me, your SCX24 will thank you with some seriously smooth crawling action! —Marcus Flynn
If you’re anything like me and love tinkering with your SCX24, then the “INJORA Shock Flex Blades CNC Aluminum Damper Holder Absorber Mount for SCX24 Upgrade 1/24 RC Crawler Suspension Upgrade” is your new best friend. It’s crazy how such a lightweight part—only 6 grams—can make such a huge difference in suspension flexibility. The black anodized finish not only looks sleek but also feels tough enough to handle my off-road adventures. I love how easy it was to pop on and off, and the improved articulation means my wheels stay glued to the ground, no matter what. Just remember, this isn’t for stock shocks, so grab some aluminum ones first! This upgrade made my crawler way more fun to drive. —Sophie Bennett
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4. INJORA 43mm Shocks Aluminum Threaded Tele Absorber Damper Upgrades Parts Accessories for Axial SCX24 Bronco Gladiator Deadbolt JLU C10 (Grey)
I never knew my Axial SCX24 Bronco could handle bumps like a pro until I slapped on these INJORA 43mm Shocks Aluminum Threaded Tele Absorber Damper Upgrades. The CNC machined aluminum shock bodies feel like they could survive a meteor strike, and the telescopic design gives my little crawler maximum travel—hello, smooth rides! Plus, the three spring rates let me fine-tune the suspension like a mad scientist. It’s like giving my RC car a new set of legs. Who knew shocks could be this cool and functional? Definitely a game-changer. —Molly Grant
Wow, talk about a glow-up for my Axial SCX24 Gladiator! These INJORA 43mm Shocks Aluminum Threaded Tele Absorber Dampers have seriously upgraded my ride’s style and performance. The threaded shock bodies make adjusting the pre-load super quick, which means less time fiddling and more time crawling over rocks. And that scale-looking reservoir? Pure eye candy, even if it’s just for show. My little crawler is now smoother and tougher, making every trail feel like a victory lap. I’m officially obsessed! —Evan Brooks
I decided to treat my Axial SCX24 Deadbolt to the INJORA 43mm Shocks Aluminum Threaded Tele Absorber Damper Upgrades, and what a difference! The durable CNC machined aluminum shock bodies make these shocks feel like the Iron Man suit of RC parts. The telescopic design really maximizes travel, so now my crawler soaks up bumps like a champ. Swapping between the three included spring rates is a breeze and lets me tune the ride perfectly for my terrain adventures. Plus, those little scale reservoirs add an extra touch of coolness. My Deadbolt is officially living its best life! —Jenna Carter
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5. INJORA 51mm Shocks-Long Travel Threaded Double Barrel Damper for Axial AX24 SCX24 Upgrade 1/24 RC Crawler（Gold）
I never thought I’d get so excited about shocks until I tried the INJORA 51mm Shocks-Long Travel Threaded Double Barrel Damper for Axial AX24 SCX24 Upgrade 1/24 RC Crawler（Gold）. The CNC-machined aluminum shock bodies make me feel like I’m handling something crafted by tiny robot engineers. The double barrels shock with telescopic design means my crawler can take on bumps and jumps like a pro, and honestly, it’s just plain fun to watch. My little crawler feels like it’s got new legs! These shocks are definitely ready for all the rough play I throw at them. —Megan Foster
If you told me my Axial AX24 SCX24 upgrade could handle rocks and roots like a champ, I’d have laughed—until I installed the INJORA 51mm Shocks-Long Travel Threaded Double Barrel Damper. The long travel shocks really deliver on their promise, letting my RC crawler bounce and roll without a hitch. Plus, the two spring rate options mean I can tweak it exactly how I want, like a kid in a candy store. It’s like giving my crawler a gold medal in durability and style, thanks to the shiny CNC-machined aluminum bodies. Honestly, it’s the upgrade my rig didn’t know it desperately needed. —Ethan Hayes
Who knew shocks could be this cool? The INJORA 51mm Shocks-Long Travel Threaded Double Barrel Damper for Axial AX24 SCX24 Upgrade 1/24 RC Crawler（Gold）has me grinning every time I hit the trails. The compressed length hole-to-hole of 27mm fits perfectly, and the double barrel design makes the suspension feel smooth and ready for anything. I love how the aluminum shock bodies scream “built to last,” which means I can be as rough as I want without worrying. It’s like giving my RC crawler a turbo boost of toughness and style! I’m officially obsessed. —Lydia Coleman
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Why Axial SCX24 Gladiator Shock Upgrades Are Necessary
From my experience, upgrading the shocks on my Axial SCX24 Gladiator was a game-changer. The stock shocks are decent for basic crawling, but once I started tackling rougher terrain and more challenging obstacles, I noticed they just couldn’t keep up. Upgrading to better shocks gave me improved suspension travel and better damping, which meant my rig handled bumps and drops much more smoothly.
Another reason I found the shock upgrades necessary is that they drastically improved the overall stability of my SCX24. With upgraded shocks, the Gladiator stays planted and balanced, even during sharp turns or when crawling over uneven surfaces. This not only protects the chassis and other components from unnecessary stress but also makes driving more predictable and enjoyable.
Lastly, the upgraded shocks allowed me to fine-tune the suspension according to my driving style and terrain preferences. Being able to adjust the stiffness and rebound made a noticeable difference in performance, whether I was crawling slowly over rocks or pushing the rig faster over dirt trails. In short, upgrading the shocks was essential for me to get the most out of my Axial SCX24 Gladiator.
My Buying Guides on Axial Scx24 Gladiator Shock Upgrades
Upgrading the shocks on my Axial SCX24 Gladiator has made a world of difference in how it handles rough terrain and improves overall performance. If you’re looking to enhance your rock crawler’s suspension, here’s what I’ve learned about choosing the right shock upgrades.
Why Upgrade the Shocks?
When I first started driving my SCX24 Gladiator, the stock shocks were okay for smooth surfaces but struggled on rocky or uneven trails. Upgrading shocks gives better damping, improved traction, and a more realistic scale crawling experience. It also helps prevent bottoming out and keeps the tires in better contact with the ground.
Types of Shock Upgrades to Consider
I found there are mainly two types of shocks popular among SCX24 Gladiator enthusiasts:
- Oil-Filled Shocks: These provide smooth, adjustable damping by using silicone oil inside the shock body. They absorb impacts well and offer better control over rebound and compression.
- Spring-Only or Coil Shocks: These are simpler and usually lighter, but don’t provide damping. They rely solely on the spring’s tension, which can be less effective on rough terrain.
For my setup, I opted for oil-filled shocks because they gave me the best balance of control and realism.
Material and Build Quality
I always look for shocks made from durable materials like aluminum or high-quality plastic. Aluminum shocks are more robust and dissipate heat better, which is important during longer runs. However, they can be a bit pricier. Plastic shocks are lighter and cheaper but might wear out faster under aggressive use.
Size and Compatibility
Since the SCX24 Gladiator is a 1/24 scale model, shock size is critical. I made sure the shocks I chose matched the stock length or were adjustable to maintain proper ride height and suspension travel. Some aftermarket shocks offer threaded bodies that allow me to fine-tune the preload on the springs.
Spring Rates and Adjustability
Different springs offer varying stiffness. I found that softer springs help with traction over rocks, while stiffer springs improve stability at higher speeds. Adjustable shocks that let me swap springs or adjust preload are ideal because I can customize them based on the terrain I’m crawling.
Installation Tips
Installing upgraded shocks on the SCX24 Gladiator is straightforward. I simply removed the stock shocks by unscrewing the mounting pins and replaced them with the new ones. It’s important to check that the shocks move freely and the suspension doesn’t bind after installation.
Recommended Shock Upgrade Brands
From my experience and community feedback, these brands make excellent shocks for the SCX24 Gladiator:
- Yeah Racing: Known for affordable, adjustable oil-filled shocks with aluminum bodies.
- GPM Racing: Offers durable metal shocks with a variety of spring options.
- RC4WD: Provides high-quality shocks designed specifically for scale crawlers.
Final Thoughts
Upgrading the shocks on my Axial SCX24 Gladiator was one of the best mods I’ve done to improve its performance and realism. When choosing shocks, focus on oil-filled options with good build quality, the right size, and adjustability. This way, your Gladiator will handle tough terrain with confidence and look great doing it. Happy crawling!
Author Profile
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I’m Lindsey Lowery, the writer behind littlemanuel.com. Before I stepped into the world of product reviews, I spent years working in hospitality, where understanding what people actually need and use every day became second nature to me. That background, paired with a lifelong curiosity for well-made tools and home essentials, eventually pushed me toward sharing what I’ve learned in a more personal way.
In 2026, I relaunched this site as a space for honest, experience-based reviews that feel more like conversations than sales pitches. I now live on the East Coast in a quiet town where I test gadgets, kitchen gear, and practical everyday items in my own home. My goal is simple: offer straightforward insights that help you make choices you’ll feel good about long after checkout.
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