SCX24 Deadbolt vs Jeep Wrangler [Comparison With Performance Reviews]

All the primary SCX24 differential models sport roughly the same build in terms of design and performance. So, in an SCX24 Deadbolt vs Jeep Wrangler debate, there’s no clear winner until you take your personal preferences into account.

Between the two, the Jeep Wrangler comes ahead if you’re a detail-oriented owner. It’s great for climbing rough surfaces due to the well-designed departure angle in combination with the steel chassis. The Deadbolt, on the other hand, offers more variety in crawling but has greater chances of toppling over compared to the Jeep due to its lightweight body frame.

Both the SCX24 Deadbolt and Jeep Wrangler are great options for avid rock crawlers. But at the end of the day, performance-wise, the Jeep works just a little bit better than the Deadbolt from our perspective. Let’s find out why. 

SCX24 Deadbolt vs SCX24 Jeep Wrangler

Here’s a detailed overview of some of the common specifications of the SCX24 Deadbolt & the Jeep Wrangler –

Specifications SCX24 Deadbolt SCX24 Jeep Wrangler 
Battery350mAh 2S 7.4V LiPo BatteryDynamite® 7.4v 350mAh 2S LiPo Battery
TiresS30 Compound Nitto Trail Grappler M/T tires1:1 Nitto Trail Grappler M/T
WheelsKMC XD229 Machete Crawl Wheels1:1 KMC Machete Wheels
Suspension 3-Link Front & 4-link Rear Suspension3-Link Front & 4-link Rear Suspension
MotorDynamite® 88T Brushed Electric Motor88T Brushed Electric Motor
ChargerUSB LiPo ChargerUSB Charger With AA Batteries
Average Price$109.99 – $124.99$119.99 – $134.99 

SCX24 Deadbolt 4WD Rock Crawler: Premium Features

In the world of small-scale rock crawlers, the SCX24 Deadbolt is quite literally a sight for sore eyes. The vibrant glistening red color alone is enough to make you fall in love. And as for the technical specifications, here’s our two cents –

Steering Security

The Deadbolt offers influential steering security with the help of the Axial AS-1 servo in the system. The servo is mounted right in front of the front axle. In the event of an unfortunate impact mid-drift, this servo offers instantaneous support to get you back on track effortlessly.

Trail Grappler M/T tires

With the trail grappler M/T tires, you’ll never have to worry about your rubbers on the road. From dirt to grass to even glass surfaces, these tires can conquer all.

Superior Suspension

Both the Deadbolt & the Jeep sport similar suspensions. The 4-link rear suspension alongside the 3-link front one offers an exclusive torque twist in the event of a harsh impact.

Durable Gears

Throughout the scorching summer and the frightening winter, the Dynamite 88T electric motor will have your back. While operating, we found that it can even survive getting jump-started on the steepest slopes with just the right torque.

Common Issues With SCX24 Deadbolt & Solutions

Let’s have a look into the potential issues you’ll face with the Deadbolt rock crawler and figure out their solutions –

Problems With The Deadbolt Potential Remedies 
Heating ProblemDon’t keep the plastic roll cage out in the sun for too long or drive on scorched surfaces or terrains 
Starting ProblemRecalibrate the controller and check the power sources
Battery ProblemsChange batteries, and don’t settle for off-market AAs
Suspension ProblemMake sure the chassis has enough space to open up fully
Friction ProblemClean the tires properly after driving through mud, grass, sand, wood chips, glass, etc.

SCX24 Jeep Wrangler 4WD Rock Crawler: Premium Features

If it’s the stability that you’re looking for, then the SCX24 Jeep Wrangler is just for you. Equipped with loads of amazing features to provide functional and transportation advantages on and off the roads – the Wrangler is a dream come true for evergreen rock crawlers.

Here’s a brief overview of the most prominent features of the Jeep Wrangler and how they surpass the Deadbolt features –

Increased Ground Clearance

Both models sport worm gears to enhance the ground clearance with the support of the front axles. But we felt the Jeep Wrangler somehow surprisingly had increased ground clearance compared to the Deadbolt.

Specialized Centre Of Gravity

The Deadbolt is lightweight compared to the Jeep Wrangler. But the Jeep has better control in general due to the specialized center of gravity. The moment of inertia involves almost the entire middle section – providing a better grip and control while traversing rough surfaces.

Shock Absorbers

Small-scale rock crawlers topple over due to not having proper shock absorbers. The Jeep comes with pre-installed coil-over shock absorbers. With support from the well-mounted suspension systems and the top-heavy build, the Jeep offers a rigorous crawling session to its operators.

Common Issues With SCX24 Jeep Wrangler & Solutions

The Jeep Wrangler has a top-heavy build. And that’s the primary nemesis you’ll face with this gorgeous rock crawler. While crawling up a severely steep slope, the Jeep can sometimes topple over almost instantaneously.

However, the Jeep also has greater resistance to this specific mechanism. Even in a tilted stage, it can still maintain the required inertia to keep climbing upwards. The following table records a few more common issues with the Jeep Wrangler –

Problems With The Wrangler Potential Remedies 
Motor ProblemJump-start the power source and clean the connection ports thoroughly before connecting 
Charging ProblemIf it takes longer and longer to charge, then it means the LiPo battery has run out of juice. Replace the batteries for a better performance 
Wobbling ProblemCheck the frictional resistance of your tires. Jeep wranglers don’t usually wobble, even on the roughest and sleekest terrains. You should also check on the frontal axle to see if the tires are connected properly 
Throttle Problems If you’re experiencing unwanted noises, something could be jamming the system. Clean and oil up the gears
Grease ProblemsResidual build-up causes the gears to become heavily dusty and greasy. Repair the valves after cleaning them and replace frayed ends to keep the internal gears secure

FAQs

Q: Is The Axial SCX24 Jeep Wrangler a good crawler for night-time rock crawling?

Ans: Yes, the SCX24 Jeep Wrangler sports two vibrant LEDs that overview the front bumper and light up the road ahead. Easily, you can access the crawling junction ahead of you to avoid the obstacles in your road during the night-time.

You’ll also have an extra light port in the ESC area that you can use to install additional LED lights if needed. 

Q: Does the SCX24 Deadbolt come with a full steel body?

Ans: To prevent rusting and unwanted chafing, the small-scale SCX24 Deadbolt does come with a plethora of steel parts. The majority of the chassis, starting from the wishbone to C-channel frame rails to the axles on both ends – everything sports a premium quality steel build for better performance.

Final Verdict

The SCX24 Deadbolt vs Jeep Wrangler sure is a mind-blowing match-up for rock crawlers, right? Both crawlers are amazing from their own standpoint, and they both can take on the fiercest terrains in and out of the house.

However, if it’s the consistency that you’re looking for, we’d suggest going for the SCX24 Jeep Wrangler. It provides a firmer grip on surfaces, despite having a top-heavy build. And the Wrangler is great for powerful drifts throughout rough terrains due to the amazing center of gravity.

The SCX24 Deadbolt is more of a wild card. It works faster and clears courses faster but requires just as much optimization. Take your eyes off this beast for one second, and you’ll find yourself settled in the rock bottoms. So, for spirited rock crawlers, the Deadbolt is a better option. But otherwise, we’d recommend sticking to the gorgeous Wrangler instead.

Chris Goforth

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