AS81636

Overview

The Team Associated RC8B4.1/e Side Front Lower Suspension Arms in Soft compound (part number AS81636) are genuine factory replacement parts designed for serious RC buggy enthusiasts and competitors. These front lower suspension arms are engineered to work seamlessly with the RC8B4 series of 1/8 scale nitro-powered buggies, including the latest RC8B4.1 and RC8B4.1e models. Whether you're a seasoned racer looking to maintain your competition rig or someone restocking worn components after intensive track use, these soft blend arms represent the manufacturer's latest engineering for durability and performance on both groomed and un-groomed outdoor tracks.

As part of Team Associated's comprehensive spare parts ecosystem, these front lower suspension arms incorporate the updated design philosophy of the RC8B4.1 generation, which evolved from the 2022 IFMAR World Champion-winning RC8B4 platform. The soft material compound has been specifically selected to provide maximum durability in cold weather conditions whilst maintaining the precise geometry and handling characteristics your RC8B4 buggy was engineered to deliver. Whether you're racing in the UK or internationally, having genuine Team Associated spare parts ensures your setup remains true to the original specifications and allows for consistent reference with your manual and factory setup sheets.

These suspension arms are an essential component of the front suspension geometry that works in concert with other RC8B4.1 innovations such as the new front shock towers, improved pivot ball geometry, and updated anti-roll bar configuration. The arms maintain the exact fit and function intended by Team Associated's engineers, making them ideal for routine maintenance, crash replacement, or simply refreshing your buggy to like-new condition.

Key Features

• Soft Blend Material Compound — The arms are manufactured from a soft blend plastic material that has been specifically formulated for maximum durability and resilience, particularly in cold weather conditions where standard materials can become brittle and prone to breaking during aggressive cornering and jumps.
• Factory Original Design — These arms incorporate Team Associated's latest suspension geometry developed for the RC8B4.1 generation, including updated design features for added durability and improved handling characteristics on un-groomed outdoor tracks.
• Front Lower Suspension Geometry — The arms work as part of the RC8B4.1's innovative new pivot ball front suspension geometry that improves steering balance and provides predictable handling in all conditions, whether you're racing on smooth surfaces or challenging outdoor terrain.
• Compatible with Angled Anti-Roll Bar Link — These arms work with the new angled, one-piece anti-roll bar link that is mounted in-line with the anti-roll bar assembly with a BHCS (button head cap screw) instead of the older shock pin design, simplifying assembly and improving reliability.
• Optional Insert Mounting — The arms feature optional inserts that mount to the top, allowing for tuning flexibility and geometry adjustments to suit different track conditions and driving styles.
• Genuine Team Associated Component — As original factory parts, these arms maintain the manufacturer's intended fit, finish, and performance characteristics, ensuring your RC8B4 buggy continues to perform at the highest level.
• Easy Parts Reference — Incorporating the exact Team Associated part number (AS81636) in your build helps ensure consistent setup and makes it straightforward to cross-reference with your manual, factory setup sheets, and driver notes.

Technical Performance

The RC8B4.1/e Side Front Lower Suspension Arms represent the culmination of Team Associated's decades of experience in competitive 1/8 scale off-road racing. These arms are manufactured from a carefully formulated soft blend compound that balances durability with responsiveness. The material composition has been engineered to maintain its properties across temperature extremes, ensuring consistent performance whether you're racing during cold UK winter months or in warmer international competitions. The arms are part of a comprehensive front suspension system that includes new low-CG aluminium shock towers featuring 16mm shock bodies and shorter overall length to reduce weight and lower the centre of gravity. The suspension geometry incorporates an 8-degree steering block configuration paired with a wider upper suspension arm pivot, which increases stability and provides consistent steering through the entire steering throw. The new pivot ball front suspension geometry improves steering balance and provides predictable handling across a wide range of track conditions, from smooth high-grip surfaces to rough, un-groomed terrain. The integration with the updated anti-roll bar system, which now features a new angled one-piece design mounted in-line with a BHCS fastener, creates a more robust and tunable front end. These arms work in concert with the RC8B4.1's 44/13 bevel gear set and 47T spur gear to deliver smooth power delivery on outdoor tracks, whilst the overall chassis stiffness improvements provided by the new tapered RWB chassis design ensure that the suspension geometry remains true even under aggressive cornering and high-speed acceleration.

What's in the Box

• Team Associated RC8B4.1/e Side Front Lower Suspension Arms in soft blend material
• Part number AS81636

Compatibility

• RC8B4
• RC8B4.1
• RC8B4.1e

Frequently Asked Questions

• Are these genuine Team Associated parts or aftermarket replacements? — These are genuine factory parts from Team Associated, manufactured to the same specifications and quality standards as the arms supplied with your new RC8B4.1 kit. Using original parts ensures perfect compatibility and maintains the performance characteristics your buggy was engineered to deliver.
• What is the difference between soft and hard suspension arm compounds? — The soft blend material is formulated for maximum durability and resilience in cold conditions, making it ideal for UK racing and winter months when standard materials can become brittle. The compound maintains flexibility and impact resistance across temperature ranges, reducing the risk of cracking or breaking during aggressive manoeuvres.
• Can I use these arms on an older RC8B3 or RC8B4 model? — These arms are specifically designed for the RC8B4 series. Whilst the RC8B4 is listed as compatible, we recommend checking your model's instruction manual to confirm that AS81636 is the correct part for your specific kit and variant, as suspension geometry may differ between generations.
• How often should I replace my suspension arms? — Suspension arms should be inspected regularly for cracks, stress marks, or bending. High-impact crashes or regular competition use may require replacement more frequently. Keeping spare arms on hand is a best practice for serious racers to ensure you can get back on the track quickly if damage occurs.
• Do these arms require any special tools to install? — Installation requires basic hobby tools including hex wrenches, needle-nose pliers, and optionally a turnbuckle wrench. Refer to your RC8B4.1 instruction manual for detailed assembly procedures and torque specifications.
• Are these arms suitable for beginners? — These are replacement parts intended for those maintaining or repairing an existing RC8B4 series buggy. Beginners would typically purchase a complete RC8B4.1 kit which includes all necessary components. However, if you've already purchased a kit, these genuine spares are perfect for keeping as backup parts.
• What makes the RC8B4.1 design superior for un-groomed outdoor tracks? — The RC8B4.1 was engineered specifically to lower the centre of gravity, reduce weight, and improve handling on un-groomed outdoor tracks through innovations including new low-CG shock towers, shorter shock bodies, 3-hole rear suspension arms, and a stiffer tapered chassis profile that delivers predictable high-speed handling whilst allowing softer shock packages.

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 TEAM ASSOCIATED RC8B4.1/e SIDE FRONT LOWER SUSP. ARMS, SOFT AS81636 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.