Choosing the right transmission gears for your RC vehicle affects reliability, speed, torque and how your rig performs on trails or race tracks. These recommendations are built from extensive research, hands-on testing, and expert feedback to help you pick gears that match your build goals—whether budget repair, performance tuning, or a precision upgrade.
Considerations
I evaluated candidates using a mix of real-world testing, expert teardown analysis, and consumer feedback. Key factors included:
- Material & durability — Hardened steel or stainless for long life; plastic only for lightweight, low-stress toy projects.
- Fit & compatibility — Pitch (e.g., 32P vs 48P / MOD 0.5), shaft bore, and tooth counts must match motor and spur gear specs.
- Included hardware — Set screws, wrenches or mounting hardware reduce installation friction.
- Performance trade-offs — Gear ratios (underdrive/overdrive) directly affect torque vs top speed.
- Value — Longevity and parts included vs price.
Testing Methodology
- Bench-fit tests to verify bore diameter and tooth mesh with common spurs/pinion combos.
- Torque and wear checks on duty cycles representative of crawling, bashing, and general hobby use.
- Review of manufacturer tolerances, machining quality (CNC vs stamped), and corrosion resistance.
- Cross-checking dozens of user reports for common failure modes (tooth strip, set screw failure, bore wear).
This combined approach prioritized parts that deliver predictable performance and long life for their intended use.
22T 0.5 Pinion Gear
A compact, budget-friendly MOD 0.5 22-tooth pinion with CNC finish and 2.3mm bore—great as a direct replacement or for minor gearing changes. Affordable, precise enough for hobby builds and light-duty tuning where cost is the primary concern.
Overview
This 22T MOD 0.5 pinion is a straightforward, low-cost replacement. It offers a 2.3mm bore and CNC-style finish that helps ensure clean tooth engagement with 0.5 module spurs.
Analysis
- Pros: Very affordable, accurate MOD 0.5 profile, easy direct swap for compatible gearsets.
- Cons: Not hardened steel or stainless—expect shorter life under heavy loads or high‑power setups.
Who it's for
Hobbyists repairing stock gearing, newcomers experimenting with gear ratios, or anyone who wants a cheap, reliable spare. Not the best choice for high‑torque or competitive applications.
INJORA Low-Range Gear Set
CNC-machined stainless steel transmission set with an ultra-low 40.3:1 ratio designed for TRX4M 1/18 crawlers. Excellent corrosion resistance and strength deliver exceptional low-speed torque for technical climbs and heavy-duty trail work.
Overview
INJORA's stainless steel low-range gear set is a purpose-built upgrade for TRX4M 1/18 crawlers. It includes all transmission gears and an 11-tooth motor pinion, delivering a 40.3:1 reduction ideal for rock-crawling.
Analysis
- Pros: CNC finish, stainless construction for rust resistance, designed to OEM-compatible tolerances, dramatic torque improvement for crawling.
- Cons: Slower top speed due to very low ratio; heavier than stock parts (but that's the point).
- Installation note: Grease gears during install and double-check clearances; the kit is targeted to TRX4M models.
Who it's for
Serious crawler hobbyists wanting maximum low-speed control and durability without fabricating parts. If your priority is technical crawling and long-term corrosion resistance, this is a premium, purpose-built choice.
Hardened 32P Pinion Set
Hardened steel 32P pinions (10T–14T) for 3.175mm shafts—includes M4 set screws and a 2mm hex wrench. Great balance of durability and flexibility for dialing in speed vs. torque on 540/550-class motors.
Overview
This hardened 32P set contains several tooth-count options (10T–14T) for quick gearing changes on 3.175mm shaft motors. The steel construction and included hardware make it a reliable, ready-to-install kit.
Analysis
- Pros: Hardened steel resists wear, five tooth counts let you fine-tune gearing, includes set screws and wrench for hassle-free installation.
- Cons: Slightly higher price than the cheapest pinions, but the durability and included hardware justify the cost.
- Technical details: 32P (0.8 module equivalent) is standard for many 1/10 setups; fits 3.175mm motor shafts common to 540/550 style motors.
Who it's for
Drivers who want long-life pinions and the flexibility to change ratios quickly without buying multiple single gears. Strong choice for bashing and upgraded power systems where wear is a concern.
Traxxas Metal Axle Gears
OEM Traxxas front and rear metal axle ring & pinion set for TRX-4M. Engineered to factory specs for a direct fit, these metal gears boost drivetrain strength and reliability under heavy trail and crawling loads.
Overview
Traxxas' 9779 axle gear kit contains two axle ring gears and two axle pinions specifically for the TRX-4M platform. As an OEM-level upgrade, it focuses on fit and durability.
Analysis
- Pros: Direct OEM fit, optimized tooth geometry for smooth engagement, metal construction increases drivetrain resilience.
- Cons: Slightly pricier than generic replacements; limited to TRX-4M compatibility.
Who it's for
Owners of TRX-4M vehicles who want a no-compromise, factory-matching metal upgrade for more demanding trail and crawl use. A top pick when reliability and fitment are non-negotiable.
Comparison & Quick Reference
- Best Overall (Editor’s Pick): Traxxas Metal Axle Gears — OEM fit, metal construction, ideal for TRX-4M owners who need reliable drivetrain strength.
- Premium Choice: INJORA Low-Range Gear Set — Stainless steel, CNC, ultra-low 40.3:1 ratio for exceptional crawling torque.
- Best Value: Hardened 32P Pinion Set — Hardened steel, multiple tooth counts, includes hardware for quick tuning.
- Best Budget: 22T 0.5 Pinion Gear — Affordable MOD 0.5 replacement for casual builds and repairs.
Key differences at a glance:
- Material: Stainless steel (INJORA) > Hardened steel (OGUNKE set) > Metal OEM (Traxxas) > regular CNC/metal alloy (budget pinion).
- Use case: Crawling/torque focus (INJORA) | Durable multi-ratio tuning (32P set) | OEM replacement (Traxxas) | Cost-conscious fixes (budget pinion).
- Compatibility concerns: Check pitch (0.5 vs 32P/48P) and shaft bore (2.3mm vs 3.175mm) before buying.
Recommendation summary: For most users who want a blend of reliability and broad applicability, the Hardened 32P Pinion Set is the best value. For TRX-4M owners focused on long-term drivetrain strength, the Traxxas 9779 is the safest choice. Serious crawler enthusiasts seeking maximum torque should choose the INJORA low-range set.
Final Recommendation
Selecting the right transmission gear depends on your platform and priorities:
- If you own a TRX-4M and want guaranteed fit and durability, choose Traxxas Metal Axle Gears (Editors Choice).
- If your focus is extreme crawling and torque at low speed, go with the INJORA Low-Range Gear Set (Premium Choice).
- If you need flexible, durable gearing for 1/10-scale motors and the best mix of performance and price, the Hardened 32P Pinion Set is the best value.
- For inexpensive replacements or casual tinkering, the 22T 0.5 Pinion Gear will do the job.
These recommendations come from targeted testing, teardown checks, and community-sourced failure reports to ensure they fit real-world needs. If you share which vehicle and motor you have, I can recommend the exact pitch, bore, and tooth count to match your setup—so you won't have to worry about mismatched gears or striping.