Associated Factory Team 31T 48DP Aluminium Pinion Gear 1/8 Inch Shaft AS1349

Overview

The Associated Factory Team Aluminium Pinion Gear 31T 48DP represents a premium upgrade for RC enthusiasts across the UK looking to fine-tune their drivetrain performance. Whether you're racing a competitive buggy, enjoying weekend bashing, or optimising your RC car for track days, this precision-engineered pinion gear delivers the lightweight efficiency and durability that serious RC hobbyists demand. As an authorised Associated Factory Team component, this pinion gear is engineered to the highest standards and manufactured from aerospace-grade materials that prioritise both performance and longevity.

Pinion gears are critical drivetrain components that directly influence your RC car's acceleration, top speed, and overall performance characteristics. By selecting the correct tooth count for your specific setup, you can optimise your vehicle's power delivery and efficiency. The 31-tooth configuration in this gear makes it an excellent choice for drivers seeking a balanced approach between speed and acceleration across a wide range of track conditions and driving styles. This is why upgrading from standard steel pinions to Factory Team aluminium versions is such a popular modification among RC enthusiasts in the UK.

Unlike budget pinion gears that wear quickly and require frequent replacement, this Associated Factory Team component is built to outlast and out-perform standard alternatives. The hard-anodised aluminium construction ensures exceptional durability whilst maintaining the lightweight profile that competitive drivers require. Every detail has been considered, from the precise tooth geometry to the weight-reduction holes machined into the larger tooth counts, demonstrating Associated's commitment to engineering excellence in the RC hobby.

Key Features

• Factory Team 7075-T6 Aluminium Construction — Machined from high-strength aerospace-grade 7075-T6 aluminium alloy, this pinion gear combines exceptional strength with significant weight savings compared to standard steel pinions. The superior material composition ensures the gear can withstand the intense stresses of competitive racing and aggressive bashing whilst maintaining dimensional accuracy over extended use.
• Hard Anodised Finish for Extended Lifespan — The hard anodised coating provides exceptional wear resistance and corrosion protection, meaning your pinion gear will maintain its precision tooth profile even after countless hours of use. This finish is particularly valuable for UK RC enthusiasts who race in variable weather conditions, as the anodising protects against moisture and oxidation that can degrade standard aluminium.
• 31-Tooth Count for Balanced Performance — The 31-tooth configuration positions this gear in the larger-size range, offering a balanced setup that suits a wide variety of RC vehicles and driving conditions. This tooth count is ideal for drivers seeking a sweet spot between acceleration and top speed, making it suitable for both on-road and off-road applications.
• 48DP Pitch for Precision Engagement — The 48 Diametral Pitch specification ensures this pinion gear maintains perfect mesh with corresponding spur gears, providing smooth power transfer and minimising drivetrain noise. The 48DP standard is widely adopted across the RC industry, ensuring compatibility with most modern RC vehicles.
• 1/8 Inch Shaft Bore for Standard Compatibility — The 3.2mm (1/8 inch) shaft bore is sized to fit standard motor shafts specified at this diameter, ensuring straightforward installation on most RC car motor assemblies. This universal sizing makes it an ideal replacement component for builders maintaining multiple vehicles or those upgrading existing setups.
• Dual Set-Screw Mounting Holes — Two precisely positioned set-screw holes provide redundant securing points, ensuring the pinion gear remains absolutely locked to the motor shaft during acceleration, braking, and cornering. This dual-hole design offers peace of mind during high-intensity racing or aggressive track conditions.
• Weight-Reduction Holes on 30T and Above — The strategically positioned weight-reduction holes machined into the gear body further reduce rotating mass without compromising structural integrity. Every fraction of weight saved in rotating components translates directly to improved acceleration and handling response, which is precisely why this feature matters to competitive drivers.
• Laser-Etched Tooth Count for Quick Identification — The tooth count is permanently laser-etched into the gear body, making identification quick and easy whether you're preparing your vehicle at the track, organising your spares box, or swapping pinions during tuning sessions. This seemingly small detail prevents confusion and saves valuable time during competitive events.

Technical Performance

The Associated Factory Team 31T 48DP Aluminium Pinion Gear exemplifies precision engineering principles applied to RC car drivetrain optimisation. Machined from 7075-T6 aluminium—the same material specification used in aerospace applications—this pinion gear delivers uncompromising strength-to-weight ratio that directly translates to improved vehicle dynamics. The hard anodised finish creates a protective ceramic-like surface layer that resists wear from constant meshing with your spur gear whilst also protecting against corrosion, ensuring your investment maintains its performance characteristics across extended use periods. The 48DP pitch specification provides the fine tooth geometry necessary for smooth, efficient power delivery with minimal backlash, whilst the precision shaft bore ensures perpendicular alignment with your motor for optimal gear mesh. For RC enthusiasts using 1/8-inch shaft motors—a standard specification across numerous Associated RC vehicles including various buggy and truck platforms—this pinion gear offers immediate compatibility and measurable performance improvements over factory-standard components. The weight-reduction holes on this 31-tooth version represent thoughtful engineering design, as every gram of weight removed from rotating drivetrain components directly improves acceleration response and overall agility. Whether you're running this on a tight indoor carpet circuit, a dusty outdoor track, or rough terrain, the hard anodised finish withstands the abrasive environment whilst the precision tooth profile maintains smooth engagement. The dual set-screw design ensures absolute reliability under the intense rotational stresses of modern brushless motors, making this an essential upgrade for serious RC competitors and dedicated hobbyists across the UK.

What's in the Box

• Associated Factory Team 31T 48DP Aluminium Pinion Gear with 1/8 inch (3.2mm) shaft bore

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is a pinion gear and why do I need to upgrade from the standard version? — A pinion gear is the small gear attached to your RC motor shaft that meshes with the larger spur gear in your transmission, transferring power to the wheels. Standard pinion gears are typically made from hardened steel, which whilst durable, is heavier than aluminium alternatives and wears more quickly. Upgrading to this Associated Factory Team aluminium version provides three key benefits: reduced rotating mass improves acceleration and handling response, the hard anodised finish lasts significantly longer than standard finishes, and the precision manufacturing ensures smoother power delivery with reduced drivetrain noise. For competitive drivers or those who use their RC cars frequently, the performance gains and longevity justify the investment.
• Will this 31-tooth pinion gear fit my RC car? — This pinion gear features a 1/8 inch (3.2mm) shaft bore, which fits standard motor shafts specified at this diameter. The 48DP pitch specification is the industry standard for most modern RC cars. However, you should verify that your specific vehicle uses a 1/8 inch motor shaft and 48DP spur gear before purchasing. This pinion is compatible with numerous Associated vehicles including various buggy, truck, and touring car platforms, as well as vehicles from other manufacturers that use standard 48DP drivetrains.
• How does the 31-tooth count compare to other available options? — Associated offers pinion gears ranging from 17 teeth up to 34 teeth in the 48DP 1/8 inch shaft range. The 31-tooth count positions this gear in the larger range and is ideal for drivers seeking a balanced setup. Lower tooth counts (17-24T) provide higher top speeds but require stronger acceleration, whilst higher tooth counts (32-34T) favour torque and acceleration over outright speed. The 31-tooth option represents an excellent middle ground suitable for general-purpose RC use across various track conditions and driving styles. Choosing the correct tooth count is one of the most effective tuning adjustments available to RC drivers.
• What makes the 7075-T6 aluminium special compared to other metals? — 7075-T6 is an aerospace-grade aluminium alloy renowned for exceptional strength-to-weight ratio. The "T6" designation refers to the specific heat-treatment process that maximises hardness and structural integrity. Compared to standard aluminium alloys, 7075-T6 is significantly stronger and more fatigue-resistant, meaning it can withstand the intense stresses of brushless motors and aggressive driving without deforming or cracking. This material choice is why this gear maintains its precision tooth profile over extended use periods, whereas lower-grade aluminium alternatives may develop tooth deflection.
• Why are weight-reduction holes important in RC car components? — Every gram of weight removed from rotating drivetrain components—such as pinion gears, spur gears, and wheels—directly improves your RC car's acceleration and handling agility. The weight-reduction holes machined into this 31-tooth gear (and larger sizes 30T and above) reduce rotational inertia, meaning your motor requires less energy to spin up the pinion during acceleration. This translates to measurably quicker throttle response and improved overall performance, particularly noticeable during competitive racing where every millisecond counts.
• Is the hard anodised finish just for appearance, or does it provide functional benefits? — Whilst the hard anodised finish does produce an attractive appearance compared to raw aluminium, its functional benefits are equally important. Hard anodising creates a ceramic-like surface layer approximately 0.002 inches thick that dramatically resists wear from constant meshing with your spur gear. Additionally, hard anodising protects the aluminium from corrosion caused by moisture, dirt, and salt—particularly important for UK hobbyists who may race in variable weather conditions. This means your pinion gear maintains its dimensional accuracy and smooth tooth profile for significantly longer than non-anodised alternatives, resulting in lower maintenance requirements and extended component lifespan.
• What do the dual set-screw holes accomplish? — The two set-screw holes provide redundant securing points that lock the pinion gear firmly to your motor shaft. This is critical because even the slightest slippage between the gear and shaft results in immediate loss of power delivery and potential drivetrain damage. The dual-hole design ensures absolute reliability by providing two independent clamping points, offering peace of mind during intense acceleration, emergency braking, and high-speed cornering. This feature is particularly valuable for drivers using high-powered brushless motors where rotational stresses are substantial.
• How do I know which tooth count is right for my setup? — Pinion gear selection depends on several factors including your intended use (racing versus bashing), track surface (carpet versus dirt), desired speed characteristics, and motor power. Lower tooth counts favour speed, whilst higher counts favour acceleration and torque. The 31-tooth option in this lineup is considered a versatile, balanced choice suitable for general-purpose use. Many experienced RC drivers maintain multiple pinion gears in different tooth counts, allowing rapid tuning adjustments between track sessions. If you're unsure which count suits your specific setup, the team at RC Model Shop can provide expert guidance based on your vehicle type and driving preferences.

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 FACTORY TEAM ALUM. PINION GEAR 31T 48DP 1/8"SHAFT AS1349 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.