VRD Mullet Kit: What It Includes and Build Notes

By Vanquish Products - Premium RC Crawler Kits & Accessories | Published: 2026-10-21

Category: Buying Guides

A clear breakdown of the VRD Mullet Kit's contents, key build notes, and who should buy this unique RC crawler kit.

Quick answer

The VRD Mullet Kit bundles a Carbon Spec VFD transmission with a unique F10 straight front axle and F10 portal rear axle. This build guide covers what's in the box and key assembly notes.

Why the mullet axle setup matters

The VRD Mullet's defining feature is its mixed axle configuration: a straight front axle and a portal rear axle. This combination, new to the RC crawling world, aims to balance front-end steering precision with rear-end articulation. It's a deliberate design choice that affects how the truck handles on technical terrain, not just a random mix of parts.

What to expect during assembly

Building the VRD Mullet requires patience and attention to detail. The kit includes the Carbon Spec VFD transmission, which is lightweight but demands careful shimming and gear mesh setup. The portal rear axle has additional components like the portal gear and housing that need proper alignment. Plan for a few evenings of focused work if you're experienced, or a weekend project for a careful first build.

Decision rules for building the VRD Mullet

Inspect all parts before starting: Open the box and verify you have the Carbon Spec VFD transmission case, gears, bearings, F10 straight front axle components, F10 portal rear axle parts, and all hardware. Missing or damaged parts are easiest to resolve before you begin assembly.
Follow the portal axle assembly order: Build the portal rear axle first: install the portal gear into the housing, then the axle shaft, and finally the outer hub. This sequence prevents binding and ensures the portal gear runs smoothly. The straight front axle is more straightforward but still needs proper shimming. Taking extra time on portal gear alignment pays off in smooth operation.
Set gear mesh carefully in the VFD transmission: The Carbon Spec VFD transmission is lightweight but sensitive to mesh. Use a thin piece of paper (like a business card) between the pinion and spur gear as a spacer, then tighten and remove the paper. Check for binding by rotating the output shaft by hand.
Test-fit the axles to the chassis before final assembly: Dry-fit the front and rear axles to the chassis rails to check that the driveline angles are correct and the links clear the axle housings. Adjust link lengths or shim axle mounts as needed before tightening everything permanently. This step saves you from disassembling later to fix clearance issues.

Product facts

VRD Mullet - Kit: The VRD Mullet Kit uses a Carbon Spec VFD Transmission and an industry-first combination of F10 Straight front axle and F10 Portal rear axle. This mullet setup gives you front axle simplicity for precise steering and rear axle articulation for better rock crawling performance in a single kit.
VRD Mullet - Kit

Who should buy the VRD Mullet Kit

Best for

Experienced RC crawler builders who want a unique axle configuration for technical crawling
Enthusiasts who already own a Vanquish kit and appreciate the brand's build quality and design innovation

Not for

First-time RC kit builders who would benefit from a simpler, single-axle design
Competition drivers who need a proven, symmetrical axle setup with extensive aftermarket support