Overview
The Associated RC8B3.1/RC8B3.2 Diff Shim Set (AS81381) is an essential spare part for RC enthusiasts and competition drivers who maintain their own vehicles. Whether you're a serious racer competing at the track or a weekend basher enjoying RC car UK clubs and events, keeping your differential in peak condition is crucial for performance and reliability. This genuine Associated shim set provides replacement shims for servicing and rebuilding the differential assembly on compatible Team Associated RC8 platforms, making it a must-have component for anyone serious about their RC buggy maintenance.
Differential shims are small but critically important components that control preload and clearance within your diff assembly. Over time, through regular use and competition, these shims can wear, compress, or become damaged, affecting differential performance, handling characteristics, and drivetrain durability. Having a quality shim set on hand means you can perform routine maintenance when refreshing your diff assembly without waiting for parts or compromising your racing schedule. This is the genuine part supplied directly by Team Associated, ensuring perfect compatibility and quality you can trust.
Whether you're carrying out standard differential rebuild procedures, refreshing your transmission after a season of racing, or simply performing routine maintenance on your RC buggy, the AS81381 shim set is the practical solution. For those with Team Associated RC8B3.1, RC8B3.2, or other compatible RC8 platform models, this spare part should be part of your essential toolkit. RC Model Shop stocks this genuine Associated spare, ready to ship, so you can keep your RC car running at its best.
Key Features
- Genuine Team Associated Component — This is an official part supplied directly by Team Associated, guaranteeing authenticity, precise fitment, and the exact specifications required for your RC8 differential assembly without any compatibility concerns.
- Compatible with Multiple RC8 Platforms — The shim set works across the Team Associated RC8B3.1 and RC8B3.2 range, making it a versatile spare for owners of these competition-grade RC buggies and extended platform models.
- Essential for Differential Servicing — These shims are specifically designed for use during standard differential rebuild procedures, allowing you to restore your diff assembly to like-new condition and maintain optimal performance.
- Routine Maintenance Solution — Perfect for refreshing your diff assembly after a season of racing or regular bashing, ensuring consistent performance and preventing premature wear to other drivetrain components.
- Competition-Grade Quality — Designed for the demands of RC racing and serious hobbyist use, these shims maintain the precision engineering standards that Team Associated is renowned for.
- Cost-Effective Spare — Keeping a shim set on hand is far more economical than having to replace entire differential assemblies when wear occurs, making this a smart investment in your RC car maintenance strategy.
Technical Performance
The AS81381 Diff Shim Set represents Team Associated's commitment to providing quality replacement parts that enable owners to maintain their RC vehicles to competition standards. Differential shims are precision-engineered components that control the preload and clearance within differential gears, directly affecting how power is distributed to the wheels and how your RC buggy handles under acceleration and cornering. When shims wear or compress through use, they can result in excessive play in the differential, poor acceleration response, inconsistent handling, and accelerated wear to gear teeth. By replacing worn shims with this genuine Associated set, you restore your differential to the correct specifications and ensure smooth, predictable performance on track or off-road. The shims work in conjunction with the differential gear assembly to maintain precise tolerances that are essential for the competitive performance expected from Team Associated's range of RC8 buggies. Whether you race your RC car at club meetings, compete in regional championships, or simply enjoy regular hobby driving, maintaining your drivetrain with genuine spares like this shim set is the professional approach to vehicle ownership. The precision manufacturing and material quality of these shims ensures they will perform reliably through multiple service cycles, giving you consistent results whether you're servicing your diff monthly or seasonally.
What's in the Box
- Associated RC8B3.1/RC8B3.2 Diff Shim Set
Frequently Asked Questions
- What are differential shims and why do I need them? — Differential shims are precision washers that control preload and clearance within your RC car's differential assembly. They ensure the differential gears maintain the correct spacing and tension, which is essential for smooth power delivery, consistent handling, and durability. Over time with regular use, shims compress and wear, so having replacement shims available means you can restore your differential to factory specifications during routine maintenance.
- How often should I service my differential and replace shims? — This depends on your usage intensity. Casual weekend bashers might service their differential every few months, whilst competition racers typically service more frequently, sometimes after major events or every month during racing season. If you notice inconsistent handling, clicking sounds from the differential, or reduced acceleration response, it's time to inspect and potentially replace your shims.
- Will this shim set fit my RC8B3.1 or RC8B3.2? — Yes, the AS81381 shim set is specifically designed for compatibility with both Team Associated RC8B3.1 and RC8B3.2 models, as well as other compatible RC8 platform variants. It's a genuine Associated part that matches the exact specifications required for these vehicles.
- Do I need special tools to replace differential shims? — Differential servicing typically requires basic RC maintenance tools such as hex wrenches, screwdrivers, and possibly a small spring hook for working with internal components. Whilst not complicated, differential work does require care and attention to detail. If you're not confident, many RC hobby shops and clubs offer maintenance services.
- Is this suitable for beginners? — Differential shim replacement is an intermediate-level maintenance task. Whilst experienced RC hobbyists and competition racers handle this routinely, beginners might prefer to have their differential serviced by an experienced technician initially. However, once you've seen the process, it's a learnable skill that will save you money on maintenance costs.
- What is the difference between this and complete differential assemblies? — This shim set contains only the shims, the thin precision components that control preload and clearance. A complete differential assembly would include all internal gears, carriers, and hardware. Buying just the shim set is ideal for maintenance and renewal of existing differentials, whilst a complete assembly is necessary if your differential has suffered damage to gears or carriers.
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 ASSOCIATED RC8B3.1/RC8B3.2 DIFF SHIM SET AS81381 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.
- Brand: Team Associated
- Part Number: AS81381
- Barcode: 784695813816
- Product Type: Differential Shim Set
- Compatible with: Team Associated RC8B3.1
- Compatible with: Team Associated RC8B3.2
- Compatible with: Team Associated RC8B3.1E
- Compatible with: Team Associated RC8B3.2E
- Compatible with: Team Associated RC8T3.1E
- Compatible with: Team Associated RC8T3.2
- Compatible with: Team Associated RC8T3.2E
- Compatible with: Team Associated RC8B4
- Compatible with: Team Associated RC8B4E
- Compatible with: Team Associated RC8T4
- Compatible with: Team Associated RC8T4E
- Compatible with: Team Associated RC8B4.1
- Compatible with: Team Associated RC8B4.1E
- Purpose: Replacement shims for differential servicing and rebuilding
- Application: Standard differential rebuild procedures on compatible RC8 models
- Use Case: Routine maintenance and drivetrain service
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.
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- 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.