Overview
The FTX Outback 2 Aluminium Drive Unit with 38T Gear and FR/RR Bearings (FTX8253) is an essential upgrade component for FTX Outback 2.0 scale RC crawler enthusiasts throughout the UK. This precision-engineered transmission assembly is designed to deliver superior durability and performance to your RC vehicle, making it an ideal choice for both experienced RC car UK builders and those looking to enhance their existing Outback 2 setup. The aluminium construction provides excellent strength-to-weight ratio, whilst the integrated 38-tooth gear and front/rear bearing arrangement ensures smooth power delivery and extended component lifespan.
Whether you're a dedicated off-road RC enthusiast or a weekend basher tackling challenging terrain, this drive unit represents a significant performance upgrade that will transform how your Outback 2 performs on the track or trail. The combination of premium aluminium materials with precision bearings makes this an investment in reliability and longevity for your scale RC crawler. This is the kind of upgrade that serious RC car enthusiasts in the UK consistently choose when they want to maximise their vehicle's potential and reduce maintenance headaches caused by worn transmission components.
Key Features
- Aluminium Construction — The entire drive unit is manufactured from high-grade aluminium, which provides exceptional strength whilst remaining lightweight, improving your RC vehicle's performance and durability compared to plastic alternatives. This material choice is standard in professional RC racing and high-end hobby builds because it resists wear and maintains precision tolerances far better than polymers.
- 38-Tooth Gear Configuration — The integrated 38T gear has been specifically selected to provide the optimal balance between acceleration and top speed for the Outback 2.0 platform. This gear ratio is engineered to work seamlessly with the stock motor and drivetrain components, delivering predictable handling and responsive control in diverse terrain conditions.
- Front and Rear Bearings — Both front and rear bearing positions are equipped with precision ball bearings that significantly reduce friction and rotational resistance. These bearings allow the drive shafts to spin freely whilst supporting the full load of your RC vehicle, which directly translates to better efficiency, longer battery run times, and reduced heat generation during extended driving sessions.
- OEM FTX Component — This is an official FTX factory part, guaranteeing compatibility with your Outback 2.0 RC crawler and ensuring you receive a component built to the exact specifications your vehicle requires. Using genuine manufacturer parts eliminates fitment issues and provides confidence that your upgrade will work perfectly straight out of the box.
- Drop-In Replacement Design — The FTX8253 is engineered as a direct replacement for the standard Outback 2 drive unit, meaning installation requires no modifications, custom fabrication, or complicated adjustments. This makes upgrading accessible to RC enthusiasts of all skill levels who want to improve their vehicle without undertaking extensive mechanical work.
Technical Performance
The FTX Outback 2 Aluminium Drive Unit represents a significant engineering upgrade over standard plastic drivetrain components commonly found in entry-level RC crawlers. The aluminium construction utilises aerospace-grade materials that provide superior rigidity and precision compared to injection-moulded plastics, which can flex under load and develop play over time. The 38-tooth gear ratio has been carefully selected to suit the Outback 2.0 platform's motor and battery specifications, providing smooth engagement and optimal torque delivery without sacrificing top-end speed capability. The incorporation of precision ball bearings at both front and rear axle positions dramatically reduces parasitic drag throughout the drivetrain, which translates to measurable improvements in acceleration response and overall vehicle efficiency. These bearings are manufactured to tight tolerances and use superior lubrication formulations that maintain performance even under the demanding conditions of off-road RC driving, where dirt, sand, and moisture can quickly degrade inferior bearing systems. The overall engineering approach prioritises reliability and longevity, making this an ideal upgrade choice for RC enthusiasts who want to reduce maintenance intervals whilst simultaneously improving their vehicle's on-trail performance across all terrain types.
What's in the Box
- FTX Outback 2 Aluminium Drive Unit with 38T Gear
- Front Bearings
- Rear Bearings
Frequently Asked Questions
- What vehicles is the FTX8253 Aluminium Drive Unit compatible with? — This drive unit is specifically designed for the FTX Outback 2.0 RC crawler. If you own an Outback 2.0, this component will fit directly as a replacement or upgrade without any modifications required. Always verify your vehicle model before purchasing to ensure compatibility, as FTX manufactures multiple crawler platforms with different drivetrain specifications.
- Will this upgrade improve my Outback 2's performance? — Yes, upgrading to the aluminium drive unit will deliver noticeable improvements in several performance areas. The precision bearings reduce friction throughout the drivetrain, which means your battery charge will last longer and your vehicle will accelerate more responsively. The aluminium construction is significantly more durable than the standard plastic unit, so you'll experience fewer component failures during intense driving sessions and less downtime for repairs and maintenance.
- How difficult is it to install the FTX8253 drive unit? — Installation difficulty is quite low because this is a direct replacement component engineered to mount seamlessly into your Outback 2.0. If you're reasonably comfortable removing wheels and basic transmission components, you should be able to complete the installation yourself. RC Model Shop stocks a full range of tools and can provide guidance if you need support with the installation process.
- What's the difference between this aluminium drive unit and the plastic version? — The primary differences centre on material construction and bearing quality. Aluminium offers superior rigidity, which maintains more precise tolerances over thousands of operating hours compared to plastic that can develop flex and play. The bearing arrangement in this upgrade unit features precision ball bearings at both positions, whereas plastic units often use simpler bearing designs. These improvements combine to deliver better durability, longer component lifespan, and enhanced drivetrain efficiency that translates to real performance gains you'll feel when driving your RC vehicle.
- Can I use this drive unit with aftermarket motors or ESC systems? — Yes, the drive unit itself is motor and ESC agnostic because it's a passive mechanical component. As long as your aftermarket motor and ESC are compatible with the Outback 2.0 platform generally, they will work fine with this upgraded drive unit. The 38-tooth gear ratio is matched to the Outback 2.0's standard specifications, so any components engineered for this platform will work together harmoniously.
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 FTX OUTBACK 2 ALUMINIUM DRIVE UNIT WITH 38T GEAR AND FR/RR BEARINGS FTX8253 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: FTX
- Model Number: FTX8253
- Product Type: Aluminium Drive Unit / Transmission Assembly
- Compatible Platform: FTX Outback 2.0
- Material: Aluminium
- Gear Configuration: 38-tooth
- Bearing Positions: Front and Rear
- Bearing Type: Precision Ball Bearings
- EAN: 5056135710531
- RRP: £14.99
- Tune-Up Category: Transmission
- Installation Type: Direct Drop-In Replacement
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.
