Overview
The FTX DR8 Front Aluminium 5mm CNC Shock Tower in Blue is a premium upgrade component specifically designed for the FTX DR8 1/8 Desert Racer. This high-quality replacement part is engineered for drivers who demand the best performance and durability from their RC car UK setup. Whether you're a competitive racer, weekend basher, or serious RC hobbyist, this shock tower delivers the precision engineering and robust construction that separates quality builds from ordinary setups.
Constructed from aluminium that has been precision machined using advanced CNC technology, this shock tower provides exceptional rigidity and reliability during intense driving sessions. The 5mm thickness offers the perfect balance between strength and weight, ensuring your FTX DR8 maintains optimal handling characteristics without unnecessary mass. This component is essential for drivers who want to upgrade their vehicle's suspension mounting system or replace a damaged original part with something demonstrably superior.
Available in an attractive blue colour that matches your FTX DR8 1/8 Desert Racer, this shock tower is an ideal upgrade for those building a custom RC setup or maintaining their existing vehicle. The precision engineering means perfect fitment every time, so you can spend less time troubleshooting and more time enjoying high-speed desert racing action.
Key Features
- Aluminium Construction — Manufactured from high-grade aluminium, this shock tower provides exceptional strength-to-weight ratio, crucial for maintaining responsive handling and reducing unsprung mass that can affect suspension performance during aggressive driving.
- 5mm Thickness — The 5mm gauge aluminium offers superior rigidity compared to thinner alternatives, preventing flex and distortion that could compromise suspension geometry and cause handling inconsistencies during high-speed manoeuvres.
- CNC Precision Machining — Every shock tower is produced using computer numerical control machining, guaranteeing precise tolerances and perfect fitment to your FTX DR8 without modification or adjustment required.
- Blue Colour — Matches the standard FTX DR8 1/8 Desert Racer colour scheme, allowing you to maintain a cohesive and professional appearance on your built-up vehicle.
- Purpose-Built for FTX DR8 — Specifically engineered and tested for the FTX DR8 1/8 Desert Racer platform, ensuring perfect compatibility and optimal performance with your vehicle's existing suspension geometry and mounting points.
Technical Performance
The FTX DR8 Front Aluminium 5mm CNC Shock Tower represents a significant upgrade in suspension mounting quality over standard plastic components. The 5mm thickness of precision-machined aluminium provides exceptional rigidity that translates directly into more consistent suspension performance, particularly when pushing the limits of your ready to run RC car UK. During aggressive cornering, braking, and acceleration, the rigid mounting prevents flex that could alter suspension geometry and create unpredictable handling characteristics. The CNC machining process ensures that every mounting hole is perfectly positioned within tolerances measured in fractions of a millimetre, eliminating the guesswork from assembly and ensuring repeatable results. This is especially important for the FTX DR8, which is engineered as a precision desert racing platform where suspension tuning and response are critical to competitive performance. The aluminium material also provides superior damping characteristics compared to plastic, helping to reduce vibration transmission that can affect driver feedback and vehicle control. For drivers operating their brushless RC vehicle in demanding conditions or pushing towards higher speeds, this upgrade shock tower should be considered essential maintenance and performance equipment.
What's in the Box
- FTX DR8 Front Aluminium 5mm CNC Shock Tower (Blue)
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is this shock tower compatible with my FTX DR8? — Yes, this shock tower is specifically designed for the FTX DR8 1/8 Desert Racer. It is confirmed compatible with both the FTX5495B (Blue) and FTX5495R (Red) versions of the vehicle, so fitment and mounting are guaranteed without modification.
- What are the benefits of upgrading to an aluminium shock tower? — Aluminium shock towers provide several advantages over standard plastic components, including superior rigidity that prevents flex during aggressive driving, better suspension geometry consistency, improved handling precision, reduced vibration and flex transmission, and enhanced durability for long-term use and high-impact driving sessions.
- Why is 5mm thickness important for a shock tower? — The 5mm thickness provides optimal stiffness to prevent flex and distortion during cornering, acceleration, and braking while maintaining reasonable weight. Thinner materials would flex under load, compromising suspension tuning, whilst thicker materials add unnecessary unsprung mass that can negatively impact handling response and suspension action.
- How does CNC machining improve quality? — CNC machining ensures every shock tower is produced to identical specifications with precision tolerances measured in fractions of a millimetre. This guarantees perfect mounting hole alignment, consistent material thickness, and perfect fitment every time, eliminating variation that could result from manual manufacturing or moulding processes.
- Is this a direct replacement for the standard plastic shock tower? — Yes, this is a direct replacement that uses the same mounting points as the original component. No modification, drilling, or adjustment is required—simply remove the original and install the aluminium upgrade using the existing fasteners.
- Will this improve my FTX DR8's performance? — This shock tower will improve suspension consistency and responsiveness by eliminating flex and ensuring precise suspension geometry. You'll notice more predictable handling, sharper cornering response, and better overall control, particularly when driving at speed or in aggressive conditions.
- What makes this different from other aftermarket shock towers? — This FTX OEM upgrade component is engineered specifically for the DR8 platform with precision CNC manufacturing. It's not a generic part from a third-party manufacturer—it's designed by FTX engineers who understand the exact suspension geometry and mounting requirements of the DR8, ensuring perfect compatibility and optimal performance.
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 DR8 FRONT ALUMINIUM 5MM CNC SHOCK TOWER - BLUE FTX9636B 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: FTX9636B
- Product Type: Front Shock Tower
- Material: Aluminium
- Thickness: 5mm
- Manufacturing Method: CNC Precision Machined
- Colour: Blue
- Compatible With: FTX5495B - FTX DR8 1/8 Desert Racer 6S RTR Blue
- Compatible With: FTX5495R - FTX DR8 1/8 Desert Racer 6S RTR Red
- EAN Code: 5056135738429
- Included Quantity: 1x Front Shock Tower
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.
