SCX24 Frame Rails Overview for Customization and Upgrades

Overview of the SCX24 Frame Rails

The SCX24 is a popular 1/24 scale radio controlled off-road truck from Axial. It's known for its scale looks and versatile performance on various terrains. One of the standout features of the SCX24 is its sturdy frame rails that provide a solid foundation for customization and handling rugged trails.

Design of the SCX24 Frame Rails

The SCX24 features a molded composite ladder frame chassis that resembles full-size trucks. The side rails are made from a durable nylon composite and help absorb impacts from jumps and rough surfaces. The frame uses a five-link suspension design with four plastic link mounts on each rail. This allows for a good range of articulation and axle travel for climbing over obstacles.

The composite frame rails use an I-beam cross section design. This gives them stiffness while keeping weight down. Large open cavities in the frame rails allow space for mounting servos and electronics too. The front part of the frame incorporates mounting points for the motor, bumpers, and skid plate/panhard bar.

Strength and Durability

The composite frame rails provide plenty of durability for the 1/24 SCX24. Their stiff I-beam design resists bending and twisting forces when driving over rough terrain. The nylon composite material holds up well to scratches and scuffs. It won't easily crack or split like plastic frames can. The frame provides good bash and crash resistance overall.

For heavier duty use, some SCX24 owners opt for aluminum frame rail replacements. These are even more rigid and resilient than the stock composite rails. They also allow for easy mounting of accessories by drilling holes. The downside is increased weight.

Customization and Upgrades

The SCX24's frame rails make a great foundation for customization. Their I-beam cavities allow mounting servos, receivers, battery packs, and other electronics partially hidden inside. The link mounts facilitate suspension lifts and articulation improvements. And the side rails have plenty of space for adding scale accessories or fab work.

Some popular SCX24 frame rail upgrades include:

• Longer wheelbase frame rails
• Chassis mounted servo tray
• Cross brace stiffeners
• Aluminum side armor
• Rock sliders and side steps
• Drop down links for more travel

Angled front and rear frame rail mounts are also available. These allow tweaking the truck's approach and departure angles for increased capability on steep inclines.

Improving Performance with Frame Stiffening

The molded composite frame rails on the SCX24 provide decent rigidity. But some flex is inevitable with their lightweight nylon composite design. Excess chassis flex can hinder performance in slow technical driving and when crawling over obstacles. Luckily there are a few ways to stiffen up the flexible stock frame rails.

Adding Chassis Braces

Aftermarket cross braces mount between the frame rails to reduce twisting and flex. Straight brace bars or formed X-style braces both work well. Braces are commonly made from aluminum, carbon fiber, or stiff Delrin plastic. They bolt or glue into place and noticeably reduce chassis twist.

Upgrading Frame Rails

Some SCX24 builders opt to replace the stock frame side rails with metal versions. This provides the maximum stiffness enhancement. Most metal rail options are made from aluminum or stainless steel for a good strength-to-weight ratio. They bolt directly in place of the stock rails.

Downsides of metal frame rails are increased vehicle weight and reduced crash durability. Metal-on-metal contact with drive components can also cause annoying noises while driving if not properly isolated.

Adding Scale Details

A bonus of stiffening the chassis is it allows adding more scale detailing without issues. Details like fuel tanks, tool boxes, and spare tires bolted to the frame are less likely to break off while driving if the frame resists twisting and flexing.

Scale builders will sometimes rivet sheet styrene or aluminum panels to the frame rails for an even more realistic look too. The upgraded frame stiffens the whole truck and enables going all-out on scale accessories.

Frame Clearance and Ground Clearance

The design of the SCX24's frame rails provides decent ground clearance for small obstacles and terrain. At stock ride height, the frame rails sit about 1.4" off the ground. This leaves room for small rocks and debris to pass under without hanging up the chassis.

Some obstacles like steep inclines do occasionally make contact with the frame though. The smooth contours of the stock composite rails help in these situations. They allow the truck to slide up obstacles without catching.

Increasing Clearances

There are a couple ways SCX24 owners boost frame clearance for tackling bigger obstacles:

• Taller suspension links to lift the truck
• Larger diameter wheels and tires
• Fender trimming or removal

Lifted links are the most popular and affordable option. Extended links from brands like RPM provide up to 1/2" of additional ride height. This is enough lift for larger wheels and tires too.

Trimming for Clearance

Some builders will trim the fender flares of the SCX24 body for maximum frame clearance. This allows the wheels and suspension to fully droop and articulate without rubbing. It gives a more scale, rugged look as well.

The downside is it reduces protection from kicking up dirt and rocks onto the truck body. Fenderless setups are best suited only for slow trail crawling, not high speed driving.

Mounting Accessories to the Frame Rails

The SCX24's frame rails offer plenty of room for scale accessories and functional upgrades. Small openings in the frame cavities allow secure mounting of electronics with zip ties or adhesive velcro.

For heavier accessories, the composite material accepts 3mm self-tapping screws. Small pilot holes should be drilled first to avoid cracking the frame rails. Alternatively, U-bolts can be used to securely mount items like rock sliders without drilling.

Some builders will add custom aluminum mounting plates that bolt onto the frame sides as well. This facilitates easy mounting of LED light bars, fuel cans, spare tires and any other accessories in secure and removable way.

Wiring and Protection

For electronics mounted inside the frame rails, take care to protect and properly route any wiring. Foam tubing will prevent wires rubbing against the chassis. And threading wires through the holes in the composite material keeps things tidy.

It's also a good idea to waterproof any electronics mounted inside the frame rails. Exposed servo splines or charging ports can allow water ingress which causes issues. A dab of silicone sealant around holes helps keep the inside of the chassis dry.

Conclusion

The contoured composite ladder frame of the SCX24 provides a versatile foundation for customization and upgrades. The frame rails offer space for scale accessories, improved performance from chassis stiffening, and moderate ground clearance increases. With the right modifications and accessories, the SCX24's frame rails can support an incredibly capable rig for tackling tough trails.

FAQs

What are the stock SCX24 frame rails made of?

The stock SCX24 frame rails are made from a durable composite nylon material. It provides good strength while keeping weight down.

Can I mount servo and electronics inside the SCX24 frame rails?

Yes, the composite frame rails have open cavities designed to allow mounting servos, receivers, battery packs and other electronics partially hidden inside.

Will aluminum frame rails improve performance?

Aluminum frame rails will maximize chassis stiffness for improved crawling and slow speed driving. But they add weight and reduce crash durability.

What is the stock ride height of the SCX24 chassis?

At stock ride height, the SCX24 frame rails sit about 1.4 inches off the ground, giving decent clearance for small obstacles.

Can I mount scale accessories to the composite frame?

Yes, the composite material can handle small 3mm self-tapping screws for mounting scale accessories. Zip ties, velcro and U-bolts also work well.