Quick answer
Incision SCX10-III straight axle links are a viable option for VS4-10 builds when you verify link length and clearance first. They suit budget-conscious builders and those who want a straight-link geometry. Vanquish straight axle links remain the safer choice for stock VS4-10 fitment and matched hardware. Choose Incision for cost and availability; choose Vanquish for guaranteed platform fit.
Fitting aftermarket links to a VS4-10 is less about brand loyalty and more about three numbers: eye-to-eye length, rod end size, and clearance at full articulation. Incision SCX10-III straight axle links and Vanquish straight axle links both use common hardware, but they are not automatically interchangeable on every VS4-10 configuration.
This comparison covers what actually differs between the two options, where each one makes sense, and the checks to run before you install anything. It also notes the supporting parts—shift linkage, body mounts, and axle hardware—that often get overlooked when links are changed.
What separates Incision SCX10-III links from Vanquish straight axle links
Incision SCX10-III straight axle links are sold as a link set with rod ends and pivot balls, intended for SCX10-III applications. On a VS4-10, the main question is whether the supplied lengths match your axle and chassis combination. Vanquish straight axle links are designed around Vanquish platforms, so they are the lower-risk choice when you want a drop-in fit without measuring.
The practical difference is not material quality—both use standard link hardware—but fitment certainty. If you already run SCX10-III geometry or have measured your VS4-10 link lengths, Incision can work. If you want to avoid trial and error, Vanquish links remove the guesswork.
- Measure eye-to-eye length on your current links before ordering either option.
- Confirm rod end thread size matches your existing pivots.
- Check clearance at full steering lock and full suspension compression.
Link length and clearance: where VS4-10 fitment gets tricky
VS4-10 link fitment depends on axle type, skid plate, and whether you run a straight or bent link geometry. A link that is a few millimeters long can push the axle forward or back, changing driveshaft angle and tire clearance. Incision SCX10-III link length may be close but not exact for your build, so test-fit before final assembly.
Crawler link clearance matters most at the chassis side, where links can contact the skid or motor mount under compression. Straight links trade ground clearance for predictable geometry. If you run a high-clearance skid or larger tires, check that the links do not bind at the pivot.
- Cycle the suspension by hand with the shocks removed to find binding.
- Check link-to-driveshaft clearance at full droop.
- Verify steering links do not contact the axle at full lock.
Supporting parts that affect link setup
Changing links often exposes worn rod ends, bent pivot balls, or loose hardware elsewhere. The Incision VFD Twin Shift Linkage is a hardware set for VFD Twin applications that includes stainless steel links, rod ends, and pivot balls. If you are already working in that area, refreshing shift linkage hardware at the same time avoids a second teardown.
Incision VFD Twin Shift Linkage
For builds using a VFD Hurtz Dig, the VFD Hurtz Dig Replacement Parts kit replaces wear items including the drive dog, slide dog, rear dog, shift arm, arm pivot, and rear output hardware. Note that it is not for Hurtz Dig V2 three-gear transmissions. These are not link parts, but they are common wear points that affect how the drivetrain behaves once links are sorted.
- Replace rod ends if they have visible play or cracks.
- Use new hardware where threads show wear.
- Check shift linkage operation before closing up the chassis.
How to choose between Incision and Vanquish links
If your VS4-10 is stock and you want a known fit, Vanquish straight axle links are the straightforward choice. If you are building a custom rig, running SCX10-III geometry, or need a cost-effective link set, Incision SCX10-III straight axle links can work provided you confirm length and clearance. The trade-off is risk versus cost: Incision may require shimming or adjustment, while Vanquish reduces setup time.
Neither option is universally better. The right pick depends on how much measuring and test-fitting you are willing to do, and whether your build already uses Incision or Vanquish components elsewhere.
- Stock VS4-10: prioritize fitment certainty.
- Custom or SCX10-III-based build: measure and test-fit Incision links.
- Mixed builds: match hardware brand where possible to simplify spares.
Trade-offs: Incision SCX10-III links vs Vanquish straight axle links
- Fitment certainty: Vanquish links are designed for Vanquish platforms, reducing guesswork. Incision SCX10-III links may need length verification and shimming on a VS4-10. Choose Vanquish for stock builds; choose Incision only if you can measure and test-fit.
- Cost and availability: Incision links are often a lower-cost option and may be easier to source for SCX10-III builds. Budget builds can use Incision if you accept setup time.
- Clearance and geometry: Straight links change clearance at the skid and axle. Incision SCX10-III geometry may sit differently than Vanquish links on a VS4-10. Cycle suspension and steering before final assembly.
- Supporting hardware: Rod ends, pivot balls, and shift linkage wear together. Incision VFD Twin Shift Linkage and VFD Hurtz Dig Replacement Parts address common wear points. Refresh related hardware while the chassis is apart.
Product facts that matter for this comparison
- Incision VFD Twin Shift Linkage: Hardware set for VFD Twin applications; includes 2pc stainless steel links, 4pc rod ends, and 4pcs pivot balls. If you are refreshing link hardware, this set provides the small components that often wear out alongside axle links.
- VFD Hurtz Dig Replacement Parts: Replacement wear items for the VFD Hurtz Dig (VPS01360 & VPS01361); includes drive dog, slide dog, rear dog, shift arm, arm pivot, rear output hardware. Not for Hurtz Dig V2 three-gear transmissions. Drivetrain wear can mimic link or suspension issues; knowing the correct replacement kit prevents ordering the wrong parts.
- VRD1 Body Mounts: Body mounts for the VRD1 Cage assembly; for use with VPS10183 VRD1 Cage set, Phoenix Body VPS10181, Phoenix bumpers and slider set. For complete VRD1 Cage set use VPS10182. Body mounting changes can affect link and suspension clearance, so verify cage and body compatibility when modifying a VS4-10.
Which link set fits your VS4-10 build
Best for
- Stock VS4-10 owners who want a drop-in fit with minimal measuring
- Builders who already run Vanquish components and want matched hardware
Not for
- Custom builds with non-standard link lengths that require precise measurement
- Builders who want the lowest-cost option and are willing to test-fit
Incision SCX10-III straight axle links can work on a VS4-10, but only if you verify link length and clearance first. Vanquish straight axle links remain the lower-risk choice for stock fitment. Whichever you pick, check rod ends, pivot balls, and nearby drivetrain wear parts before you finalize the build.






