Redcat Upgrades: 5 Must-Have RC Car Upgrade Parts That Deliver

Quick answer

The most worthwhile Redcat upgrades are the ones that fix a weak point you actually experience. Start with aluminum shock caps (RER41339) if you keep losing shock oil, add a 50KG brushless servo (RER23355) if steering feels slow or weak, and keep CVA shafts (RER37059) on hand for drivetrain wear. Only upgrade parts that fit your specific model.

Not every part labeled as an upgrade makes your Redcat faster or tougher. The smartest redcat upgrades solve a problem you can see: a shock that leaks, steering that struggles in grass, or a driveshaft that wears out after months of bashing. This guide walks through five Redcat Racing parts that genuinely change how your vehicle performs, plus the fit details and trade-offs you should know before spending money.

Redcat Racing sells both vehicles and spare parts, so the catalog includes everything from body shells to electronics. The five parts below cover common weak points across several models. Check the listed compatible vehicles for each part, and if your model is not listed, measure or compare the original part before ordering.

Why upgrade at all?

Upgrades make sense when a stock part fails repeatedly or holds back the rest of the vehicle. If you drive on pavement and never jump, a heavier-duty shock cap may not change your experience. If you run in tall grass or loose dirt, steering torque and drivetrain strength matter much more. The goal is not to replace everything; it is to fix the one or two things that actually limit your fun.

Another reason to upgrade is convenience. Keeping common wear parts like CVA shafts or shock caps in your pit box means less downtime when something breaks. That is a different kind of upgrade: not more performance, but more time driving. Both are valid, and both should guide which parts you buy first.

• Upgrade the part that fails most often before adding power.
• Match the part to your driving surface and style.
• Keep one spare of each common wear item if your budget allows.

Upgrade 1: Aluminum shock caps (RER41339)

Stock plastic shock caps can crack or strip after hard landings, especially in cold weather. The RER41339 Shock Caps w/ Bushings (Aluminum) (4pc) replace the top of four shocks with aluminum, which resists deformation and holds thread better than plastic. The set includes bushings, so you get the mounting hardware with the caps. This is one of the least expensive ways to prevent a leaky shock from ending your session.

These caps fit many Redcat shocks, but not every model uses the same shock body. Before ordering, remove one of your shock caps and compare the thread and diameter. If your shocks are a different design, this part may not seal properly. When in doubt, check your vehicle's exploded view or ask Redcat support.

• Buy two sets if you run four shocks and want spares.
• Use fresh shock oil when you replace caps.
• Tighten aluminum caps firmly but do not overtighten; the threads are stronger than plastic but the shock body may not be.

Upgrade 2: HX-50BL 50KG brushless servo (RER23355)

If your steering feels slow, weak, or gets stuck in grass, a higher-torque servo is a direct fix. The HX-50BL 50KG Brushless Servo (1pc) is a Redcat Racing servo listed under Servos and Spare Parts. It is compatible with the BED DANCER, VERTEX 10, and VERTEX 10 WIDE vehicles. A 50KG brushless servo provides strong torque and quick response, which helps heavy tires and rough terrain.

This servo is not eligible for air shipping, so plan for ground delivery if you order it. Also confirm your receiver and ESC can supply enough current; a high-torque servo can draw more power than a stock unit. If your vehicle uses a 2-in-1 ESC/receiver like the MR-30V2, check that it supports the servo's current draw.

• Set your steering endpoints after installation to avoid buzzing or overheating.
• Use a servo saver if your vehicle has one; it protects the servo gears.
• If you are not sure your model is listed, measure the stock servo size and compare.

Upgrade 3: CVA shafts with pins (RER37059)

Driveshafts and axles take a beating, especially with big tires or a powerful motor. The RER37059 CVA Shafts w/ pins (1set) is a replacement set for constant-velocity axles. Worn shafts can cause vibration, clicking noises, or lost drive to one wheel. Replacing them restores smooth power delivery and can prevent damage to differentials and bearings.

This is a maintenance-style upgrade rather than a performance boost. If your shafts are bent or the pins are worn flat, new ones will make the vehicle feel tighter and quieter. Keep the old pins as emergency spares only if they are not too worn; otherwise discard them.

• Inspect pins for flat spots every few runs.
• Grease the shaft joints lightly during installation.
• Replace both sides at the same time if one fails.

Upgrade 4: MR-30V2 ESC/RX 2-in-1 (RER44281)

The MR-30V2 ESC/RX 2 in 1 (1pc) combines electronic speed control and receiver in one unit. This is useful if your original combo fails or you want a simpler wiring setup. It is a direct replacement for vehicles that use this specific unit. Because it is a 2-in-1, you cannot swap just the receiver or just the ESC; if one half fails, you replace the whole unit.

Before buying, confirm your motor type and battery connector match this ESC. The catalog does not list continuous current or cell count, so check your vehicle manual or the product page for those details. If you are upgrading to a different motor, make sure the ESC can handle its current draw.

• Take a photo of your current wiring before removing anything.
• Calibrate the throttle endpoints after installation.
• If you plan to run a hotter motor later, choose an ESC with known higher ratings instead.

Upgrade 5: 1/16th truck body with stickers (RER13659)

A body shell is not a performance part, but it protects electronics and lets you change the look of your truck. The 1/16th Truck Body W/ Stickers(Red)(1pc) is a red body for 1/16-scale trucks. If your original body is cracked or you want a fresh race look, this is a low-cost refresh. The stickers let you customize the appearance without painting.

Fit is the main concern. This body is sized for 1/16th trucks, so it may not fit larger 1/10 models. Check the wheelbase and body mount positions on your vehicle before ordering. If you are unsure, measure your old body and compare.

• Trim the body with curved scissors for a clean edge.
• Use body reamer to make mounting holes instead of drilling.
• Apply stickers before installing the body to avoid handling smudges.

Compatibility and fit guidance

The most common mistake with redcat vehicle upgrades is assuming a part fits because it looks similar. Redcat makes many models, and a shock cap or driveshaft that fits one may not fit another. Always check the listed compatible vehicles in the product description. If your model is not listed, compare the part number from your manual or measure the original part.

For electronics, fit is not just physical size. Voltage, current draw, and connector type matter. A servo that draws too much current can cause a brownout or damage a small ESC. An ESC that cannot handle your motor will overheat. When a specification is missing from the catalog, treat that as a reason to verify before buying, not a reason to guess.

• Write down your model name and number before shopping.
• Keep a photo of your vehicle's manual parts page on your phone.
• When in doubt, contact Redcat support with your model and the part number.

Decision rules for Redcat upgrades

• If you keep losing shock oil: Replace plastic shock caps with aluminum RER41339 and refill with fresh oil. Do this before upgrading power; a leaking shock ruins handling.
• If steering struggles in grass or with big tires: Upgrade to the HX-50BL 50KG brushless servo (RER23355) if your model is listed as compatible. Check ESC/receiver current capacity first.
• If you hear clicking or vibration from the drivetrain: Inspect CVA shafts and replace with RER37059 if pins are worn or shafts are bent. Replace both sides at once for even wear.
• If your stock ESC/receiver fails: Replace with MR-30V2 ESC/RX 2 in 1 (RER44281) only if it matches your motor and battery. Verify current rating and connector type before buying.
• If your body is cracked or you want a new look: Choose the 1/16th Truck Body W/ Stickers (RER13659) for 1/16-scale trucks. Measure your old body to confirm fit.

Product facts

• RER41339: Shock Caps w/ Bushings (Aluminum) (4pc) Aluminum caps resist cracking better than plastic, helping prevent shock oil leaks after hard landings.
• RER23355: HX-50BL 50KG Brushless Servo (1pc) is compatible with the BED DANCER, VERTEX 10, and VERTEX 10 WIDE vehicles. Air shipping is not eligible. A high-torque brushless servo improves steering in grass and rough terrain; ground shipping only means plan ahead.
• RER37059: CVA Shafts w/ pins (1set) Replacing worn CVA shafts restores smooth power delivery and reduces vibration and clicking noises.
• RER44281: MR-30V2 ESC/RX 2 in 1 (1pc) A combined ESC and receiver simplifies wiring but means replacing the whole unit if either half fails.

Fit guidance

Best for

• Owners of BED DANCER, VERTEX 10, or VERTEX 10 WIDE needing a stronger servo
• Drivers who run in grass, dirt, or rough terrain and want fewer breakdowns
• Anyone with a 1/16-scale truck who wants a replacement body

Not for

• Vehicles not listed as compatible without verifying dimensions or part numbers
• Drivers expecting a direct power increase from bolt-on parts alone
• Owners who have not identified a specific weak point or failure

Upgrade with a purpose. Pick the part that solves a problem you actually have, confirm it fits your Redcat model, and install it carefully. The five parts above cover common weak points, but your driving style and vehicle model should decide the order. When a specification is missing, verify before you buy.