Overview
The Traxxas Carrier, Differential / x-ring gasket / o-ring (2 pcs) / 10x19.5x0.5 TW TRX8981 is an essential drivetrain spare part designed for serious RC enthusiasts who demand reliability and performance from their RC models. Whether you're running a Traxxas Maxx Slash short course truck or a WideMaxx monster truck, this differential carrier assembly ensures smooth power delivery and durability during intense off-road bashing sessions. As a critical component of your RC car's transmission system, the differential carrier is responsible for distributing engine torque to both wheels while allowing them to rotate at different speeds during cornering. For anyone investing in a high-performance brushless RC 4WD truck, maintaining quality drivetrain components like this is essential for longevity and consistent performance.
This is not a complete ready to run RC car, but rather a precision-engineered spare part that forms the heart of your vehicle's power delivery system. If you've noticed wear in your differential assembly, experienced noise during acceleration, or simply want to maintain your Traxxas RC truck in peak condition, this replacement carrier with gaskets provides the genuine Traxxas engineering you can trust. RC model shop enthusiasts across the UK rely on authentic Traxxas spares like this one to keep their vehicles performing at their best, whether competing in races or enjoying casual weekend bashing.
What sets this component apart is the inclusion of purpose-designed gaskets and seals that prevent differential fluid leakage and contamination. These X-ring gaskets (2 pieces included) and O-rings create a tight seal that maintains the integrity of your differential assembly even under the most demanding conditions. The 10x19.5x0.5 mm TW specification indicates precision engineering designed specifically for compatibility with Traxxas' advanced differential system, ensuring a perfect fit and flawless performance every time you take your RC truck to the track or the trails.
Key Features
- Complete Differential Carrier Assembly — This genuine Traxxas part includes the differential carrier itself, providing the core component needed to restore or upgrade your transmission system with authentic manufacturer quality and engineering precision.
- Dual X-Ring Gaskets Included — The package includes two high-quality X-ring gaskets that create superior sealing compared to standard O-rings, effectively preventing differential fluid leakage and protecting internal components from dirt, moisture and contamination during off-road use.
- PTFE Washer for Durability — A 6x10x0.5 mm PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) washer is included in this assembly, providing low-friction performance and enhanced durability during high-speed differential operation and acceleration events.
- Ring Gear Gasket Included — The ring gear gasket seals the critical interface between the differential carrier and the ring gear assembly, ensuring no fluid leakage during aggressive cornering and power delivery to your RC car's wheels.
- Precision 10x19.5x0.5 TW Specification — The exact dimensional specification (10x19.5x0.5 mm) ensures perfect compatibility with Traxxas Maxx Slash and WideMaxx vehicles, delivering plug-and-play installation without modification or adjustment.
- Multiple Vehicle Compatibility — This genuine Traxxas spare is compatible with the Traxxas Maxx Slash 1/8 4WD 6S brushless short course truck in all colour options (Rock N Roll, Blue, Red, and Green) as well as the WideMaxx Monster Truck range (Red, Rock N Roll, and Green variants).
- Authentic Traxxas Engineering — Manufactured to the highest standards by Traxxas, this component ensures that your RC truck maintains the performance characteristics and durability that Traxxas vehicles are renowned for throughout the UK and beyond.
Technical Performance
The differential carrier is a fundamental component in any high-performance RC 4WD system, responsible for managing torque distribution between the left and right wheels while enabling controlled turning and cornering behaviour. This Traxxas component is engineered from durable materials capable of withstanding the forces generated by brushless motors and high-speed acceleration. The inclusion of multiple gasket types—including X-ring gaskets, ring gear gaskets, and a precision PTFE washer—demonstrates Traxxas' commitment to fluid sealing integrity. The X-ring design offers enhanced sealing properties compared to traditional O-rings due to its four-point contact geometry, making it ideal for containing differential fluid under the vibration and pressure cycles experienced in serious RC applications. The 10x19.5x0.5 mm specification has been precisely engineered to work seamlessly within the Traxxas Maxx platform, which features advanced 6S LiPo brushless power delivery capable of generating substantial torque. Whether you're running your 1/8 scale short course truck on high-grip asphalt, loose dirt tracks, or rocky terrain, this differential carrier maintains consistent performance and reliability. The PTFE washer reduces friction during differential operation, contributing to smoother power delivery and more predictable vehicle behaviour during acceleration and deceleration events. These genuine Traxxas components are built to exacting tolerances, ensuring perfect fit and eliminating common issues like differential noise, fluid seepage, and inconsistent torque delivery that plague inferior aftermarket alternatives.
What's in the Box
- Differential Carrier assembly
- X-Ring Gaskets (2 pieces)
- Ring Gear Gasket
- PTFE Washer 6x10x0.5 mm
Frequently Asked Questions
- Which Traxxas RC models is this differential carrier compatible with? — This TRX8981 differential carrier is specifically designed for the Traxxas Maxx Slash 1/8 4WD 6S brushless short course truck (available in Rock N Roll, Blue, Red, and Green variants) and the Traxxas WideMaxx Monster Truck series (Red, Rock N Roll, and Green models). The precise 10x19.5x0.5 mm specification ensures perfect fit and function with these vehicles.
- What is the difference between X-ring gaskets and standard O-rings? — X-ring gaskets feature a four-point contact geometry that creates superior sealing compared to the two-point contact of traditional O-rings. This design provides better fluid retention, reduced leakage, and improved performance under the vibration and pressure cycles experienced in high-performance RC applications like brushless 4WD trucks.
- Why would I need to replace my differential carrier? — Over time, differential carriers can wear due to the tremendous forces generated by brushless motors and aggressive driving. Signs that replacement might be needed include differential noise (whining or grinding sounds), fluid leakage, loss of smooth power delivery, or inconsistent wheel torque. Replacing the carrier assembly along with gaskets restores your transmission to factory specifications.
- Do I need any tools to install this differential carrier? — Installation requires standard RC maintenance tools including hex drivers, wrenches appropriate to your vehicle, and potentially differential fluid. We recommend consulting your Traxxas Maxx manual for detailed installation instructions, or contacting our experienced team at RC Model Shop if you need guidance on the installation process.
- Is this suitable for beginners? — This is a replacement spare part rather than a complete vehicle, so it is intended for intermediate to advanced RC enthusiasts who understand differential systems and transmission maintenance. If you're new to RC and require support with technical questions, our team at RC Model Shop is happy to provide expert guidance.
- What is the PTFE washer and why is it important? — The PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) washer included in this kit reduces friction during differential operation and contributes to smoother torque delivery. PTFE is chosen for its low-friction properties and durability under the high-speed rotational forces present in performance RC transmissions.
Why Buy from RC Model Shop?
RC Model Shop is a trusted UK RC retailer and authorised dealer for all the brands we stock, including Traxxas, ARRMA, Losi, FTX, Hobbywing, Spektrum and more. Based in Walsall, we have a physical store where customers are welcome to come in, view products and purchase in store. Whether you are a seasoned competitor, a weekend basher, or just discovering the world of RC for the first time, our team of experienced RC enthusiasts is here to help you find the perfect setup and provide ongoing support. Order the Traxxas Carrier, Differential / x-ring gasket / o-ring (2 pcs) / 10x19.5x0.5 TW TRX8981 today with confidence, knowing you are buying from an authorised retailer with genuine products, expert knowledge and a commitment to customer satisfaction. Shop online or visit us in Walsall — we look forward to helping you get the most out of your RC experience.
- Part Number: TRX8981
- EAN: 020334898104
- Brand: Traxxas
- Component Type: Differential Carrier Assembly
- Spare Part Category: Drivetrain Spares
- Gasket Type: X-Ring Gaskets (2 pieces included)
- Additional Gasket: Ring Gear Gasket (1 piece included)
- Washer: PTFE Washer 6x10x0.5 mm
- Seal Specification: 10x19.5x0.5 mm TW
- Compatible Vehicles: Traxxas Maxx Slash 1/8 4WD 6S Brushless Short Course Truck (all colour variants); Traxxas WideMaxx Monster Truck (all colour variants)
- Specific Compatible Models: TRX102076-4-RNR, TRX102076-4-BLUE, TRX102076-4-RED, TRX102076-4-GRN, TRX89086-4-RED, TRX89086-4-RNR, TRX89086-4-GRN
We want to make sure your delivery goes smoothly, so here are some important details about our service:
- For orders above £120, we offer delivery to most mainland UK addresses. For orders under £120, we can still deliver to Northern Ireland and the outlying isles, as long as the item can be sent by Royal Mail, weighs less than 30kg, and fits within 61cm × 46cm × 46cm. Some highland and remote areas may carry an extra delivery charge as couriers often apply surcharges in these locations. If you live in one of these areas, feel free to contact us before ordering so we can confirm the delivery options and costs for you.
- Most of our products include delivery in the price. If your order is under £90, a small delivery fee will apply but do not worry this will always be clearly shown at checkout before you complete your purchase.
- Depending on what you choose at checkout, your order will usually be delivered either the next working day or within 2 working days. For next day delivery please place your order before 2:00pm. Orders are dispatched Monday to Friday only. Some items may take a little longer and if that is the case we will always show the expected delivery time on the product page.
- If your order includes items with different dispatch times we will normally wait and send everything together once all items are in stock. If one of the items is going to take a while we will give you the choice either wait for everything to arrive or let us send the available items now and deliver the rest later. It is up to you.
- We use trusted delivery partners to make sure your order gets to you safely and on time. We use DPD for next working day deliveries and Royal Mail for the 2 day option.
- As soon as your order is on its way we will send you a tracking number by email. If you provide your mobile number at checkout we will also send delivery updates straight to your phone so you can keep an eye on progress.
- If a product is marked as "Dispatched within 3 working days" delivery usually takes around 3 to 5 working days from when your order is placed.
- For customers in Inverness and other parts of the Scottish Highlands deliveries can take up to 2 working days even if you select next day delivery as couriers do not currently offer a guaranteed next day service to those areas.