
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
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.
Required to Complete
- 1:8 scale Radio-controlled car nitro motor (.21 class rear exhaust engine)
- Exhaust system: muffler and header going pack, or muffler spring
- 4.8V-7.6V receiver battery
- Radio control battery charger (suited for batteries mentioned above)
- 2-channel RC car surface transmitter, 2-channel receiver, throttle and steering servos
- Lexan(R) specific spray paint for body
- 1:8 scale off-road wheels and tires
- 4x AA batteries
- Other helpful items: Silicone Shock Fluid, Silicone Diff Fluid, Body Scissors (#1737), Reamer / Hole Punch, FT Wrench Set (#1519), Hobby Knife, Needle Nose Pliers, Wire Cutters, Soldering Iron, Calipers or a Precision Ruler
- 1:8 body
Manuals/Documents
- Blank Setup Sheet (editable) (1.51 Mb)
- #80947 RC8T4 Team Kit -- press release and notable wins (598.20 Kb)
- #80947, 80948 RC8T4/T4e Parts List -- press release (and RC8B4/B4e compatibility) (272.44 Kb)
- PressRelease 80951 RC8T4 with gearbox upgrade (639.03 Kb)
- RC8T4 Gearbox Supplement 1 16 2025 (1.07 Mb)
- Instruction Manual (17.40 Mb)
- #97084 Team Associated Pit Mat, 2023 -- press release (211.98 Kb)
- #81590 RC8B4 FT CVA Axle Sleeves -- press release (306.96 Kb)
- #81504, 81624 V2 Aluminum Front Towers -- press release (268.93 Kb)
- Spring Color Codes (128.05 Kb)
- New Parts from Team Associated -- press release (287.57 Kb)
- #81655 RC8B4 FT Engine Mount Set -- press release (285.61 Kb)
- KPI Comparison (616.62 Kb)
- Power Source:
- Nitro Fuel
- Terrain:
- Off-Road
- Body Style:
- Truck
- Scale Size:
- 1:8 Scale
- Assembly Level:
- Kit (This vehicle comes as a kit and must be fully assembled by the user. See "Required to Complete" for extra items needed.)
- Length:
- 560mm (22.05in)
- Width:
- Varies
- Wheelbase:
- Varies
- Weight:
- Varies
- Drive:
- 4WD