AXIAL SCX10 III JEEP CJ-7 1/10 4WD BRUSHED ROCK CRAWLER RTR

The Axial SCX10 III Jeep CJ-7 combines one of the most recognizable off-road bodies ever built with a proven trail-crawler chassis and a transmitter-operated DIG system. This factory-assembled 1/10 RTR is designed for drivers who want genuine scale detail, predictable brushed power and real mechanical capability rather than a generic body sitting on an entry-level platform.

KEY FEATURES

• Officially licensed Jeep CJ-7 body with removable/opening doors, full interior and molded scale accessories.
• Officially licensed Gen-Right bumpers and body armor.
• SCX10 III steel C-channel chassis for frame rigidity and controlled suspension movement.
• AR45 straight axles with an offset front differential for authentic appearance and a low center of gravity.
• Transmitter-operated DIG with the micro servo installed at the factory.
• Dynamite 35T 540 brushed motor and Spektrum Firma 40A Smart 2-in-1 ESC/receiver.
• Spektrum DX3 Smart 2.4GHz radio with Smart battery-status capability when compatible equipment is used.
• Licensed Raceline Daytona 1.9 beadlock wheels and Mickey Thompson Baja Boss tires in R35 compound.
• RTR completion level: add only a compatible 2S–3S LiPo battery and charger.

TWO FACTORY-FINISHED COLOR OPTIONS

The Blue and Red versions share the same mechanical specification. Both use the classic short-wheelbase CJ-7 profile, Renegade-inspired graphics, exposed roll cage, open side presentation and black trail hardware. The color choice changes the character, not the capability: Blue is the more restrained build; Red has the unmistakable period-correct attitude.

LICENSED CJ-7 BODY WITH FUNCTIONAL SCALE DETAIL

The factory-painted polycarbonate body is officially licensed by Jeep and supported by a full injection-molded roll cage. Axial did not stop at the outline: the truck includes licensed Gen-Right bumpers and armor, folding side mirrors, a realistic dashboard and a complete seating area. The doors can be opened or removed, allowing the driver to change the truck’s presentation without replacing the body.

The interior includes an opening center console, removable coffee tumbler and soda can, transfer-case twin-stick shifters, an automatic-transmission shifter and bucket seats with slots for optional harnesses. Those details matter on an open-body Jeep because there is nowhere for shortcuts to hide.

SCX10 III STEEL C-CHANNEL CHASSIS

The CJ-7 is built on Axial’s SCX10 III platform using an adjustable steel C-channel frame. Steel rails and crossmembers limit unwanted frame flex so the suspension can do the articulation instead of the chassis twisting unpredictably. That gives steering and shock adjustments a more repeatable effect and creates a durable foundation for trail use and future scale upgrades.

The 312mm wheelbase is common enough to support a broad aftermarket while remaining faithful to the compact stance of the full-size CJ-7. The low-mounted drivetrain and straight-axle layout help control the center of gravity despite the detailed cage and interior above the frame.

AR45 STRAIGHT AXLES: SCALE ACCURACY WITH A LOW CENTER OF GRAVITY

Axial chose AR45 standard straight axles instead of portal axles. That is an important distinction: portals can create more differential clearance, but straight axles preserve the axle appearance of the full-size CJ-7 and keep weight closer to the ground. The front housing uses an offset differential for a more realistic driveline layout.

The differentials are locked for consistent four-wheel traction. An optional 6-bolt overdrive gear set, part AXI332001, is available separately for drivers who want the front axle to turn faster than the rear and pull the vehicle more aggressively through tight climbs.

MULTI-LINK SUSPENSION AND ALUMINUM COIL-OVER SHOCKS

The solid axles are located by a multi-link suspension using 6mm stainless-steel links and all-metal pivot balls. That construction is designed to resist bending and reduce unwanted compliance under steering or driveline load. Oil-filled coil-over shocks use threaded aluminum bodies, allowing spring preload and ride height to be tuned without crude spacer stacks.

For a balanced starting setup, adjust preload in small and equal steps from side to side. Excessive preload does not create more suspension travel; it raises ride height and can increase rollover tendency. Tire placement, smooth throttle and a low battery position remain more valuable than simply lifting the chassis.

TRANSMITTER-OPERATED DIG

DIG is the CJ-7’s most useful technical feature. When activated from the radio, the transmission locks the rear axle while continuing to drive the front wheels. The front tires can then pull the nose around a much tighter radius, helping the truck pivot on narrow ledges, line up for gates and reposition without a long multi-point turn.

The Spektrum SX108 micro analog metal-gear servo is installed and assigned to the radio’s third channel. Use DIG only when the drivetrain is not heavily bound. Forcing engagement while the tires are wedged between rocks can overload the shift fork, servo and transmission components.

ALL-METAL TRANSMISSION GEARS AND FULL BEARINGS

The SCX10 III transmission runs all-metal internal gears on a full set of ball bearings. The published drivetrain specification lists a 32-pitch gear system, 14-tooth pinion, 52-tooth spur and a final drive ratio of 45.6:1. This deep reduction works with the 35-turn motor to deliver controlled wheel speed and useful braking feel on descents.

Metal gears improve load capacity, but they still depend on correct mesh, clean lubrication and sensible throttle use. A crawler can generate its highest drivetrain load when a tire is trapped and the driver adds throttle. When the truck stops moving, back out and choose a different line rather than turning the transmission into a very expensive rock detector.

35T BRUSHED MOTOR AND SPEKTRUM SMART ELECTRONICS

Power comes from an installed Dynamite 35T 540-size brushed motor. A 35-turn motor prioritizes manageable low-speed response and trail torque over the outright speed of a lower-turn unit. It is paired with a Spektrum Firma 40A Smart 2-in-1 ESC and receiver, reducing wiring and preserving space inside the chassis.

The drivetrain provides forward, brake and reverse. The platform is compatible with 2S and 3S LiPo batteries using an EC3 or IC3 connector. A 2S pack is the sensible starting point for learning throttle response and DIG operation; 3S delivers more wheel speed and power but also increases heat, stress and the consequences of poor throttle control.

The vehicle is specified as water-resistant, not submersible. Avoid prolonged immersion, protect connectors and dry the axles, bearings and hardware after wet running.

LICENSED RACELINE WHEELS AND MICKEY THOMPSON TIRES

Officially licensed Raceline Daytona beadlock wheels carry equally licensed Mickey Thompson Baja Boss tires. The 1.9-inch setup uses a high-traction R35 rubber compound, a 12mm wheel hex and a wheel width of approximately 25.4mm. The aggressive tread is designed to find edges in rock and evacuate loose dirt while the compliant compound conforms around irregular surfaces.

Inspect bead seating and wheel-hardware tightness after the first run. If water enters the tire assembly, remove it before storage so the foams do not stay saturated and unbalanced.

SPEKTRUM DX3 SMART RADIO SYSTEM

The included Spektrum DX3 Smart three-channel transmitter provides proportional steering and throttle, with the third channel assigned to DIG. When a compatible Spektrum Smart LiPo is used with the installed Firma Smart electronics, the DX3 can display the vehicle battery’s remaining power status in real time.

The radio is supplied with four AA alkaline transmitter batteries. Before the first run, confirm steering direction, throttle direction, brake/reverse operation, DIG engagement and failsafe behavior with the vehicle supported so the tires cannot drive it unexpectedly.

DIMENSIONS AND SPECIFICATIONS

WHAT’S INCLUDED

• Axial SCX10 III Jeep CJ-7 1/10 4WD RTR, factory assembled and finished
• Dynamite 35T brushed motor, installed
• Spektrum S614 waterproof metal-gear steering servo, installed
• Spektrum SX108 metal-gear DIG servo, installed
• Spektrum Firma 40A Smart 2-in-1 ESC/receiver, installed
• Spektrum DX3 Smart 2.4GHz transmitter
• Four AA alkaline transmitter batteries
• Product manual

WHAT YOU NEED TO COMPLETE

• One compatible 2S or 3S LiPo battery with EC3 or IC3 connector
• One charger appropriate for the selected LiPo battery

GASHEAD RC PRE-RUN CHECKLIST

1. Read the manual and verify the DX3 third-channel DIG control.
2. Install a compatible 2S or 3S LiPo and secure it without pinching the balance lead.
3. Power on the transmitter first, then the vehicle.
4. Test steering, throttle, brake/reverse, DIG and failsafe with the tires off the ground.
5. Check wheel nuts, beadlock hardware, steering links, driveshaft screws and shock caps.
6. Start with smooth throttle and avoid activating DIG while the drivetrain is under heavy load.
7. After the first run, inspect temperatures and recheck accessible hardware.

WHO THIS TRUCK IS FOR

• The Jeep enthusiast who wants a properly licensed CJ-7 rather than an approximation.
• The crawler driver who values DIG, locked axles and tunable suspension.
• The scale builder who wants a detailed RTR foundation with strong aftermarket potential.
• The experienced beginner who is ready to learn LiPo care and mechanical drivetrain controls.

Specifications are based on Axial documentation for the AXI03008 family and may be subject to production changes. Actual runtime, speed, traction and operating temperature vary with battery, terrain, driving style, setup and ambient conditions.