rcbldr
LearnReferenceBeginner

SCX24 model guide: differences between Jeep JLU, C10, Bronco, Deadbolt, and Base Camp

Every SCX24 model compared on chassis, axles, body, and gearing, with a take on which one is the best starting point for your kind of build.

Axial has released nine SCX24 models. They share most parts under the body but the body shells, wheelbases, and trim details are different enough that “which one should I buy” is a real question. Here's how they actually differ and which one I'd recommend for different goals.

The full lineup

  • SCX24 Deadbolt (AXI90081). The first SCX24, released 2019. Fictional body, retro styling. 133.5mm wheelbase.
  • SCX24 Jeep Wrangler JLU CRC (AXI00002). The most popular SCX24. 2019 JLU body. 133mm wheelbase. The default recommendation for first-time buyers.
  • SCX24 Chevrolet C10 1967 (AXI00001). Classic pickup body. Sits the lowest of any standard-WB model. 133mm wheelbase.
  • SCX24 B-17 Betty (AXI00004). Limited edition Axial 15th anniversary release. Rock Lizards tires. 133.5mm wheelbase.
  • SCX24 Ford Bronco 2021 (AXI00006). Hard body. 133mm wheelbase. Newer 2-in-1 board generation (HRZ00014 or HRZ00015).
  • SCX24 Jeep JT Gladiator (AXI00005). Extended wheelbase (+22mm vs. standard). Unique link set. Around 155mm wheelbase.
  • SCX24 Dodge Power Wagon 1940s (AXI00007). 4-door body. 133mm wheelbase.
  • SCX24 Base Camp (AXI-1219). Bare-chassis trail rig aesthetic. 133mm wheelbase. Often spec'd with a 2-speed transmission depending on year.
  • SCX24 Toyota 4Runner (AXI-2035). Newer release. Modeled after the 2024 4Runner.

What's actually different

Under the body, every SCX24 shares the same basic platform: same transmission, same 2-in-1 board (with two generation revisions), same plastic axles, same battery plug, same 7mm hex.

What changes between models:

  • Body shell. Different molds, different trim, different paint.
  • Wheelbase. Gladiator is +22mm. Everything else clusters around 133mm.
  • Link length and mount position. Especially on the Gladiator. Aftermarket links list compatibility by part number.
  • Tire choice. B-17 Betty ships with Rock Lizards. Most others ship with the same generic Axial tire.
  • Body lift / clearance. The C10 sits the lowest. Tall aftermarket tires don't fit without trimming or hex extenders.
  • 2-in-1 board generation. Bronco V2, Gladiator, and late JLU shipped with the HRZ00014 or HRZ00015 board, which has no usable channel-2 bypass. Earlier production used the SPMXSE2425RX which does. Affects ESC upgrade paths.

My recommendations by goal

  • First-time SCX24 buyer: Jeep JLU. Most popular, most aftermarket support, easiest to find tutorials for everything.
  • Bashy / fun driving: JLU or Bronco. Hard bodies, good fender clearance, durable looks.
  • Scale realism: Dodge Power Wagon, 4Runner, or C10. The body details are excellent.
  • Comp builds: Deadbolt or Base Camp. Less body to compromise around, lighter shells, easier to fit comp tires.
  • Maximum aftermarket weirdness (custom bodies, 3D-printed parts): JLU. The hardpoints are most universal.
  • Longer wheelbase preference: Gladiator. The +22mm changes the truck's character. More stable on climbs, less nimble in tight spots.
  • Collector / display: B-17 Betty. Limited edition with unique tires.

The C10 fender problem

The C10 ships with a body that sits the lowest of any SCX24. Tires above about 58mm OD start to rub on the fenders. Common ways around this:

  • Hex extenders (push the wheel outward to clear the fender).
  • Fender trimming (cut a small relief in the inner fender).
  • Body lift spacers (raise the body posts).
  • Just buy 56mm tires and skip the bigger sizes.

If you want to run big tires (60mm+) without thinking about clearance, pick the Bronco or the JLU instead.

The Gladiator wheelbase question

The Gladiator is +22mm longer than every other SCX24. This means:

  • Different link length and chassis pan. Most aftermarket parts list it separately.
  • Better high-speed stability. More planted on climbs.
  • Worse low-speed agility. Tight comp gates are harder.
  • Some aftermarket bodies designed for standard WB don't fit. Check before you buy.

Cross-compatibility

Wheels, tires, axles, shocks, motors, ESCs, and electronics swap freely between most models. The exceptions are body-specific parts (fender flares, body lifts, body posts) and link sets sized for the specific wheelbase.

Detailed cross-compat in the compatibility reference. If you're cross-shopping with the FMS FCX24, see the SCX24 vs. FCX24 comparison.

Continue reading

A note on recommendations

If I recommend a part, it's because I've actually used it on one of my builds and liked it. I'm not sponsored. If a part is junk, I'll let you know. I may add affiliate links down the road to help cover hosting, but this is a passion project. I'll keep running it whether five people use it or five thousand do. I'm a tech nerd, and this is the kind of thing I'd build for myself anyway.

Track your build

Stop tracking your build in a spreadsheet.

rcbldr.com is the PCPartPicker for SCX24 builders. Log parts, statuses, costs, and photos in one place, then share a clean public link.

Start buildingBrowse the catalog