If you're looking for the best arrma kraton 6s exb upgrades, you probably already know that this truck is a beast right out of the box. The "EXB" badge stands for Extreme Bash, and Arrma definitely put some extra muscle into the chassis and components compared to the standard BLX version. But let's be honest, no matter how tough a truck is built, those of us who spend our weekends at the local park or construction site are always going to find its breaking point. Whether you're sending it 30 feet into the air or just want more precision on the ground, there's always room to make this platform even more reliable.
The Arrma Kraton 6S EXB is a unique beast because it comes with several "option parts" already installed, like the 7075 aluminum chassis and those beefy turnbuckles. However, "ready to bash" doesn't mean "invincible." After putting some serious packs through mine, I've noticed a few areas where the stock setup leaves a bit to be desired. If you want to keep your downtime to a minimum, focusing on the electronics and a few key structural bits is the way to go.
Swapping Out the Stock Servo
One of the first things most people look at when considering arrma kraton 6s exb upgrades is the steering servo. Arrma's stock servos have improved over the years, but they still feel a little sluggish for a truck this heavy. When you're barreling toward a curb at 50 mph, you want the front wheels to respond the exact second you flick that transmitter wheel. The stock unit often lacks the torque to turn those massive tires in thick grass or during high-speed cornering.
I usually recommend jumping straight to a high-torque brushless servo. Brands like Savox, Reefs, or even the higher-end Protek options make a world of difference. You want something with at least 400 oz-in of torque. Not only does it make the truck feel more "connected" to your hands, but a high-quality servo also handles the vibration and impact of landings much better. If you go this route, just make sure you check if you need a different servo horn, as the spline count might differ from the stock Spektrum unit.
Improving the Power System and Cooling
While the 6S power system is plenty for most, some of us just can't help ourselves. If you're pushing for more speed or running in hot climates, cooling becomes your biggest enemy. Heat kills brushless motors and ESCs faster than anything else. One of the most practical arrma kraton 6s exb upgrades is a dedicated motor cooling fan setup. The stock heatsink is okay, but a dual-fan shroud from a company like Game Changer or PowerHobby will keep those temps in the safe zone even during back-to-back battery packs.
If you find that the stock ESC is hitting thermal shutdown, or you just want smoother throttle control, switching to a Castle Mamba Monster X or a Hobbywing Max6 is a popular move. These ESCs are built to handle the amp draw that a heavy 1/8 scale monster truck demands. Plus, they offer way more tunability. You can adjust your punch settings, braking force, and even data log your runs to see exactly what's happening under the hood. It's a bit of an investment, but it changes the entire personality of the Kraton.
Strengthening the Chassis with M2C Parts
Even though the EXB comes with a 7075 aluminum plate, physics is a cruel mistress. If you land a massive jump "nose-down" or "flat," that chassis can still develop a slight smile. When it comes to structural arrma kraton 6s exb upgrades, M2C Racing is basically the gold standard. They make a chassis that is almost legendary in the RC community for being nearly impossible to bend.
Beyond the main plate, their shock towers and chassis braces are huge improvements. The stock braces are decent, but they can allow some flex, which eventually leads to stripped center driveshafts or cracked gearboxes. Moving to solid aluminum or high-grade aftermarket braces keeps the whole backbone of the truck rigid. It might add a tiny bit of weight, but the peace of mind you get when the truck hits the ground after a huge air is worth every penny.
The Tire Dilemma: Pro-Line vs. Stock
The dBoots Copperhead 2 tires that come on the Kraton are actually pretty good all-rounders, but they aren't perfect for every terrain. If you're bashing in loose dirt or thick mud, you'll notice they start to struggle. Upgrading your tires is one of those arrma kraton 6s exb upgrades that provides instant gratification.
Pro-Line Badlands or Trenchers are the go-to choices here. The Badlands give you that aggressive motocross-style tread that hooks up on almost anything. However, be aware that heavier tires put more strain on your drivetrain and servo. If you go with the massive MX38 Badlands, you're adding a lot of rotating mass. This makes the truck easier to flip in the air (yay, backflips!), but it also means you need to be more careful with your throttle finger when landing to avoid snapping a driveshaft.
Shimming the Differentials
This is a "pro tip" that doesn't cost much but saves a lot of headache. The EXB comes with limited-slip differentials, which are great for traction, but the tolerances from the factory can sometimes be a little loose. One of the most underrated arrma kraton 6s exb upgrades is simply taking the time to shim your diffs properly.
By adding thin stainless steel shims, you ensure that the ring and pinion gears have a perfect mesh. If there's too much play, the gears will eventually "skip" under heavy load, which rounds off the teeth and leaves you with a two-wheel-drive truck in the middle of a bash session. While you're in there, you can also experiment with different weights of silicone diff oil to change how the truck handles. Thicker oil in the center diff will give you more wheelie-popping power, while thinner oil makes it more manageable and "racy."
Don't Forget the Small Stuff
Sometimes the best arrma kraton 6s exb upgrades are the ones you barely notice until they save your day. Replacing the stock plastic hinge pin plates with aluminum ones is a smart move. Also, consider getting a set of high-quality hex drivers. The screws on Arrma vehicles are notoriously tight, and using a cheap L-wrench is a one-way ticket to Stripped Screw City.
Lastly, look at your body mounts. The Kraton body takes a beating, and the holes tend to pull through the Lexan over time. Using some drywall tape and E6000 glue to reinforce the underside of the body, or switching to specialized "unbreakable" bodies, can save you from buying a $70 replacement shell every few months.
Upgrading an RC car is half the fun of the hobby. The Arrma Kraton 6S EXB is a fantastic platform to start with, and by focusing on these key areas, you'll end up with a truck that's not just fast, but genuinely tough enough to handle whatever you throw at it. Just remember to change one thing at a time so you can really feel the difference on the dirt!