FTX Shim Set 8mm X 13mm X 0.2mm M8 Differential Wheel Hex Spacer 10 Pack FTX9661

Overview

The FTX Shim Set 8 X 13 X 0.2 (FTX9661) is an essential maintenance and tuning component for RC enthusiasts across the UK. Whether you're running an FTX DR8 1/8 Desert Racer or any of the compatible vehicles listed, these precision shims are critical for achieving optimal differential and wheel hex performance. Shims are thin spacer washers that allow you to fine-tune the clearances and pre-load settings in your RC car's drivetrain, which directly impacts handling characteristics, acceleration response, and overall driving performance. For anyone serious about maintaining their ready to run RC cars or optimising their custom builds, quality shim sets like this one are indispensable.

RC car maintenance and tuning can seem intimidating to newcomers, but having the right spare parts on hand is the foundation of keeping your vehicle running smoothly. The FTX Shim Set 8 X 13 X 0.2 comes with ten individual shims, giving you multiple options to experiment with different setups depending on your driving style and track conditions. These shims work with differential assemblies and wheel hex components, allowing you to adjust bearing preload, side play, and other critical tolerances that affect how power is transferred to the wheels. Whether you're a weekend basher enjoying your RC hobby casually or a more competitive driver fine-tuning every aspect of your setup, this shim set is a smart addition to your spares box.

RC Model Shop stocks genuine FTX spare parts and hop-up components for a vast range of FTX models and compatible vehicles. These shims are manufactured to precise specifications and are compatible with numerous popular RC car platforms, making them a versatile option for UK RC enthusiasts who run multiple vehicles or who want to have backup parts readily available.

Key Features

• Precision 0.2mm thickness — Each shim has a consistent thickness of just 0.2mm, allowing for fine adjustments to your RC car's differential pre-load and wheel hex clearances, which is crucial for achieving the exact handling balance you want without introducing binding or excessive play.
• M8 size specification — Designed to fit M8 differential and wheel hex components, these shims are manufactured to match the exact requirements of compatible FTX vehicles and other leading RC car platforms that use standard metric fastener sizing.
• Set of ten shims — Rather than purchasing single shims, this set provides ten pieces, giving you the flexibility to try different pre-load configurations, swap them between multiple vehicles, or keep spares in case shims are lost or damaged during maintenance.
• Silver finish — The shims feature a professional silver finish that resists corrosion and wear, ensuring they maintain their dimensional accuracy even after repeated use and exposure to the moisture and dirt that comes with outdoor RC racing and bashing sessions.
• Wide vehicle compatibility — These shims work with the FTX DR8 1/8 Desert Racer, numerous ARRMA models including the Felony, Infraction, KRATON, and MOJAVE, as well as multiple Corally brushless truck and buggy platforms, making them a genuinely versatile spare part for UK RC car owners.
• Essential maintenance component — Shims are wear items that may need periodic replacement or adjustment during the life of your RC car, particularly if you race frequently or bash in rough terrain, making it smart to keep a supply available rather than being caught without them when tuning becomes necessary.

Technical Performance

The FTX Shim Set 8 X 13 X 0.2 comprises precision-manufactured washers with a 0.2mm thickness and M8 sizing, engineered to exacting tolerances to ensure consistent performance in differential assemblies and wheel hex applications. The shim dimensions of 8mm inner diameter, 13mm outer diameter, and 0.2mm thickness are calculated to work in tandem with standard RC car drivetrain components, allowing you to stack multiple shims to achieve cumulative thickness changes that directly influence bearing pre-load, side play, and drivetrain responsiveness. In practical terms, adding or removing shims changes how tightly or loosely bearings are loaded, which affects everything from acceleration smoothness to cornering traction and differential lock-up characteristics. The silver finish is not merely cosmetic; it provides protection against oxidation and wear during repeated disassembly and reassembly cycles, which is essential given that serious RC car tuning often involves frequent drivetrain adjustments. These shims are made from hardened material capable of withstanding the mechanical pressures generated by high-performance brushless motors and the impact loads experienced during off-road driving. The set of ten shims allows you to experiment across a range of pre-load settings, making it ideal for fine-tuning everything from casual weekend leisure driving to competitive racing where every millisecond of performance matters. Compatible with FTX DR8 desert racers, ARRMA 6S and brushless models, and Corally 1/8 scale brushless trucks and buggies, these shims represent a fundamental understanding of RC drivetrain geometry and are essential for anyone looking to maintain their RC car in peak condition or to optimise performance through precise mechanical adjustment.

What's in the Box

• Ten precision shims, 8 X 13 X 0.2mm each in silver finish

Frequently Asked Questions

• What are shims and why do I need them for my RC car? — Shims are thin, precision-engineered spacer washers that fit into your RC car's differential and wheel hex assemblies. They allow you to adjust bearing pre-load and side play, which are critical settings that control how much resistance and movement exists in the drivetrain. Adjusting shim thickness can dramatically improve handling, acceleration response, cornering grip, and overall drivetrain smoothness. Most RC enthusiasts in the UK find that having a quality shim set available is essential for ongoing maintenance and performance tuning.
• Are these shims compatible with my FTX DR8? — Yes, the FTX Shim Set 8 X 13 X 0.2 is specifically designed to be compatible with the FTX DR8 1/8 Desert Racer in both the 6S Red and Blue colour variants. If you own an FTX DR8 ready to run RC car, these shims are the correct specification for maintaining and tuning your differential and wheel hex assemblies.
• What other RC cars can use these shims? — Beyond the FTX DR8, this shim set is compatible with a wide range of popular RC vehicles, including ARRMA Felony 6S BLX models, ARRMA Infraction 6S BLX, ARRMA KRATON 6S EXB, ARRMA MOJAVE 6S V2 BLX, ARRMA Typhon 6S V5 BLX, ARRMA TALION 6S EXB, Corally Kagama XP 6S brushless trucks, Corally Spark XB6 6S brushless buggy, and Corally Syncro-4 1/8 brushless basher buggies. If you run multiple brushless RC vehicles in your fleet, this single shim set can potentially work across several models.
• How many shims should I use in my differential? — The ideal number of shims depends on your specific RC car model, bearing sizes, and desired pre-load characteristics. We recommend consulting your vehicle's manual for manufacturer guidance, or seeking advice from experienced RC enthusiasts. Generally, you'll experiment with different quantities to find the balance that gives smooth operation without binding or excessive play. This is why a set of ten shims is valuable — it gives you enough pieces to try different configurations.
• Can I use these shims on other parts of my RC car? — While these shims are primarily designed for differential and wheel hex assemblies, their M8 sizing and 0.2mm thickness may be applicable to other drivetrain components depending on your specific vehicle. Always verify compatibility with your RC car's documentation before using shims on components other than the differential and wheel hex.
• Are these shims suitable for beginners? — While shims themselves are not complex parts, adjusting them requires opening your RC car's drivetrain, which requires basic mechanical knowledge and tools. If you're completely new to RC car maintenance, you might want to learn basic drivetrain disassembly from experienced hobbyists or online tutorials first. However, once you understand the basics, shim adjustment is one of the most accessible forms of RC car tuning and is well within the capabilities of most enthusiasts.
• How often do I need to replace shims? — Shims are generally durable components that don't wear out quickly under normal use. However, if you frequently disassemble and reassemble your drivetrain, you may occasionally damage or lose a shim. Additionally, if you're actively tuning your RC car's performance, you'll be swapping shims in and out regularly. Having a spare set ensures you always have pieces available for experimentation and maintenance.

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 SHIM SET 8 X 13 X 0.2 FTX9661 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.