The Best Shock Oil for an RC Crawler
Researched by Johnny Alto · last updated July 27, 2026
Short answer: The best shock oil for an RC crawler is the Traxxas Silicone Shock Oil 60wt (700cSt). The shock oil crawler builders recommend as the starting weight. The main things to weigh are buy by weight, heavy for crawling, match rig weight, and tune from a baseline.
Traxxas Silicone Shock Oil 60wt (700cSt)
The shock oil crawler builders recommend as the starting weight. Traxxas 60 weight, around 700 centistokes, is the heavy viscosity forums point to for most crawlers: it slows rebound so the suspension settles and stays planted on rock instead of bouncing you off line. The silicone formula is consistent and widely stocked, and 60 weight is the safe default that suits a typical crawler before you fine-tune. For controlled crawling it is the reliable, do-first pick.
Check price on Amazon Live price on Amazon. Representative image.Shock oil is bought by weight, not brand, and for a crawler you want a heavy oil that slows the shocks down for controlled, deliberate suspension over rocks. Too thin and the rig bounces and pogos; too thick and it will not articulate. The right weight depends on your rig's mass and how technical you crawl. Look for a heavy silicone oil in the right viscosity, and match it to your crawler's weight.
How do the best options for shock oil for an RC crawler compare?
| Pick | Product | Why it makes the list |
|---|---|---|
| Top pick | Traxxas Silicone Shock Oil 60wt (700cSt) | The shock oil crawler builders recommend as the starting weight. |
| Thicker | Traxxas Silicone Shock Oil 80wt (1000cSt) | A thicker 1000 centistoke oil for maximum damping and slow droop on heavier or competition rigs. Step up to this if your crawler is heavy or still bounces on 60 weight and you want the suspension even more deliberate. |
| Thinner | Traxxas Silicone Shock Oil 40wt (500cSt) | A thinner 500 centistoke oil for lighter rigs or faster rebound over trail terrain, where 60 weight would feel too slow. Pick it for a light crawler or a more trail-speed feel. |
What should you look for in shock oil for an RC crawler?
A few things separate a good shock oil for an RC crawler from a frustrating one: buy by weight, heavy for crawling, match rig weight, and tune from a baseline. Weigh these before you buy.
- Buy by weight: viscosity (cSt/wt) matters more than brand.
- Heavy for crawling: a thicker oil slows rebound and keeps you planted.
- Match rig weight: heavier rigs want thicker oil.
- Tune from a baseline: start around 60 weight, then adjust.
How to choose shock oil weight
| Weight | 60wt / 700cSt (pick) | 80wt / 1000cSt | 40wt / 500cSt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Damping | Balanced, planted | Maximum, slow droop | Lighter, faster rebound |
| Best for rig | Most crawlers (baseline) | Heavy / comp rigs | Light / trail rigs |
| Feel | Controlled crawling | Very deliberate | More trail speed |
| Size | 60cc | 60cc | 60cc |
| Approx price | ~$8 | ~$8 | ~$7 |
What are the best alternatives?
Traxxas Silicone Shock Oil 80wt (1000cSt)
A thicker 1000 centistoke oil for maximum damping and slow droop on heavier or competition rigs. Step up to this if your crawler is heavy or still bounces on 60 weight and you want the suspension even more deliberate.
Check price on AmazonTraxxas Silicone Shock Oil 40wt (500cSt)
A thinner 500 centistoke oil for lighter rigs or faster rebound over trail terrain, where 60 weight would feel too slow. Pick it for a light crawler or a more trail-speed feel.
Check price on AmazonBottom line: Traxxas 60 weight is the do-first baseline for most crawlers; step to 80 weight for heavy comp rigs and 40 weight for light trail rigs.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best shock oil for an RC crawler?
Traxxas Silicone Shock Oil 60wt (700cSt). The shock oil crawler builders recommend as the starting weight.
What should you look for in shock oil for an RC crawler?
Focus on buy by weight, heavy for crawling, match rig weight, and tune from a baseline.
What is a good alternative to the Traxxas Silicone Shock Oil 60wt (700cSt)?
The Traxxas Silicone Shock Oil 80wt (1000cSt). A thicker 1000 centistoke oil for maximum damping and slow droop on heavier or competition rigs. Step up to this if your crawler is heavy or still bounces on 60 weight and you want the suspension even more deliberate.
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This is a research-based buying guide, not a personal hands-on review; recommendations reflect community consensus and verified buyer reviews. Prices and availability are subject to change, so always confirm on Amazon. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.
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