New RC8T4 series Gearbox Upgrade!

1:8 scale truck is the R/C hobby’s highest stress discipline; Associated Electrics’ Area 51 created a new gearbox upgrade to absolutely bulletproof the RC8T4 drivetrain. The new upgraded 40/9 ring and pinion are completely re-designed with massive teeth which allow for more tooth engagement and prevent skipping. In addition, the RC8B4 front and rear gearboxes are updated for the tightest possible screw and bearing fit using high stiffness polymer.

Team Associated driver Spencer Rivkin used the new parts win the 2024 ROAR Electric Truck National Title with his RC8T4e, never having to worry about the durability of his truck gearboxes while he pushed it to the max on track.

Legacy RC8T4 Features

• Innovative front-end geometry with new 8° steering blocks are paired with a new wider upper suspension arm pivot for improved steering balance and predictable handling in all conditions.
• RC8B4 front and rear gearbox designs are engineered for better drivetrain efficiency with reduced phasing and vibration. Larger bearing sizes result in longer life of ring and pinion gears.
• V2 front shock tower design with updated suspension geometry and body mount positions for all styles of truck bodies.
• RC8B4 gray material on rod ends and anti-roll bar links for improved durability.
• RC8B4 +2 mm and +4 mm shock rod ends for finer adjustment of droop and up-travel settings.
• Front upper suspension arms updated to have bushing insert for improved fitment and performance.
• RC8B4 rear wing mount has adjustable wing angle shims, significant strength improvements, an aerodynamic shape, and extra clearance for shock position adjustment.
• The adjustable rear wing has more vertical fins for increased straight-line stability, a taller rear lip height for increased downforce, and increased strength in various areas to reduce bending fatigue.
• RC8B4 rear chassis brace is mounted centrally to the gearbox, which reduces material fatigue, centralizes shear forces, and improves the life of rear end drivetrain parts. There are three different chassis flex options using two chassis hole mounting locations and an optional turnbuckle ball for flex in more degrees of freedom.
• RC8B4 rear hub features a symmetrical left and right common design with axle height inserts for adjustable roll center tuning options.
• Fuel tank with an ergonomically designed lid puller, high capacity, quick reference fuel markings, and 1-, 2-, and 3cc stackable volume inserts for volume adjustment at sanctioned events.
• RC8B4 gearboxes are specific to front and rear with larger bearing sizes resulting in longer life of ring and pinion gears: Front gearbox is a 3.5° inclined pinion gear angle to straighten the center driveshaft for increased drivetrain efficiency and reduced phasing and vibration. Rear gearbox is a 0° pinion gear angle and a center mounted rear chassis brace.

Legacy RC8T4e Features

• RC8T4e chassis layout featuring two saddle pack-style battery configurations. Both configurations include a centrally mounted center differential and in-line center driveshafts for superior drivetrain efficiency and equalized chassis balance.
• Four battery configurations to choose from: --Two 2S shorty LiPo batteries for lowest CG and exceptional weight bias --Two full size “saddle pack” LiPo batteries for lowest CG and exceptional weight bias --One 4S shorty LiPo battery for simplified setup and more centralized weight bias --One full size LiPo battery for simplified setup and more centralized weight bias.
• Innovative front-end geometry with new 8° steering blocks are paired with a new wider upper suspension arm pivot for improved steering balance and predictable handling in all conditions.
• RC8T4e gearboxes are specific to front and rear with larger bearing sizes resulting in longer life of ring and pinion gears: Front gearbox is a 3.5° inclined pinion gear angle to straighten the center driveshaft for increased drivetrain efficiency and reduced phasing and vibration. Rear gearbox is a 0° pinion gear angle and a center mounted rear chassis brace.
• V2 front shock tower design with updated suspension geometry and body mount positions for all styles of truck bodies.
• Front and rear center dogbone driveshafts for improved drivetrain efficiency and durability.
• Front upper suspension arm updated to have bushing insert for improved fitment and performance.
• RC8B4 rear wing mount has adjustable wing angle shims, significant strength improvements, an aerodynamic shape, and extra clearance for shock position adjustment.
• The adjustable rear wing has more vertical fins for increased straight-line stability, a taller rear lip height for increased downforce, and increased strength in various areas to reduce bending fatigue.
• RC8B4 rear chassis brace is mounted centrally to the gearbox, which reduces material fatigue, centralizes shear forces, and improves the life of rear-end drivetrain parts. There are three different chassis flex options using two chassis hole mounting locations and an optional turnbuckle ball for flex in more degrees of freedom.
• +2 mm and +4 mm shock rod ends for finer adjustment of droop and up-travel settings.
• 35.5 mm front and 44.5 mm rear shock shafts for improved dampening
• RC8B4 rear hub features a symmetrical left and right common design with axle height inserts for adjustable roll center tuning options.
• +2° steering block arm.
• V3 differentials with HTC gear sets.
• RC8T3.2 split center diff mounts with aluminum center top plate.
• 16mm shocks equipped with improved material locking spring cups and rod ends, V2 springs, “stiff” style shock bladder, combination bleeder/emulsion caps, and blue aluminum threaded collars.
• RC8B3.2 narrow C and D arm mounts.