Overview
The Associated RC8B3.1/RC8B3.2 FT Aluminium Turnbuckle Ball Set is a precision upgrade component designed for serious RC enthusiasts and competitive drivers using Team Associated RC 1/10 scale buggies. Whether you're running an RC8B3.1 or RC8B3.2, this Factory Team component delivers measurable performance improvements over standard steel turnbuckle balls. If you're looking to optimise your RC buggy UK setup and reduce unnecessary weight whilst improving suspension reliability, this is an essential upgrade that separates the casual basher from the dedicated racer.
Turnbuckle balls are critical connection points in your buggy's suspension system, allowing smooth articulation and precise geometry adjustment. The stock steel versions are functional but susceptible to corrosion and add unnecessary weight to your RC car. This hard-anodised aluminium upgrade addresses both problems, making it an intelligent choice for anyone serious about performance. Available at RC Model Shop, the UK's trusted source for Team Associated spares and upgrades, this component is suitable for both off-road racing and general hobby use.
Upgrading to aluminium turnbuckle balls is one of the most straightforward yet effective modifications you can make to a 1/10 buggy. The improvement in suspension response is noticeable, and the weight saving of approximately 5 grams across the set contributes to better acceleration and handling characteristics. For RC buggy competitors and enthusiasts across the UK seeking Factory Team quality components, this turnbuckle ball set represents genuine value and proven performance.
Key Features
- Hard-Anodised 7075 Aluminium Construction — The turnbuckle balls are manufactured from premium-grade 7075 aluminium, which is then hard-anodised to create a protective surface layer that prevents oxidation and rust formation, ensuring long-term durability and reliable performance even in demanding racing conditions.
- Corrosion Resistance — The hard-anodising process provides excellent corrosion resistance compared to untreated steel, meaning your turnbuckle balls will maintain their smooth operation and appearance far longer, particularly important if you regularly run your RC buggy in wet or humid conditions.
- Smooth Turnbuckle Action — The aluminium construction, combined with precise engineering tolerances, promotes exceptionally smooth and consistent turnbuckle movement, allowing for precise suspension geometry adjustments and more predictable handling characteristics during racing.
- Significant Weight Saving — This set delivers approximately 5 grams of weight saving compared to the stock steel turnbuckle balls supplied with your buggy, which improves overall vehicle dynamics, acceleration response, and handling agility, particularly noticeable in competitive racing environments.
- Factory Team Specification — As an official Associated Factory Team component, these turnbuckle balls are engineered to the same standards used by professional racing teams, ensuring compatibility and performance reliability with your RC8B3.1 or RC8B3.2 buggy.
Technical Performance
The Associated RC8B3.1/RC8B3.2 FT Aluminium Turnbuckle Ball Set represents the pinnacle of suspension component engineering for 1/10 scale RC buggies. Manufactured from 7075-grade aluminium, this alloy is recognised throughout the aerospace and motorsport industries for its exceptional strength-to-weight ratio and corrosion resistance properties. The hard-anodising process applied to these balls creates a protective oxide layer that is significantly harder than the underlying aluminium, preventing rust and oxidation whilst maintaining the smooth surface finish required for optimal turnbuckle operation. The engineering precision ensures that each ball maintains consistent dimensions and surface quality, eliminating the binding or galling that can occasionally occur with steel components. The approximately 5-gram weight saving across the complete set may seem modest, but in 1/10 scale racing, this reduction in unsprung weight directly translates to improved suspension response, faster weight transfer during cornering, and enhanced acceleration characteristics. For competitive RC buggy racing in the UK and beyond, where every fraction of a second counts, these Factory Team components deliver measurable advantages in both performance and longevity compared to standard steel alternatives.
What's in the Box
- Associated RC8B3.1/RC8B3.2 FT Aluminium Turnbuckle Ball Set (AS81408)
Frequently Asked Questions
- What vehicles is this turnbuckle ball set compatible with? — This set is specifically designed for the Team Associated RC8B3.1 and RC8B3.2 1/10 scale 2WD off-road buggies, making it an authentic Factory Team upgrade for these models.
- How much weight does this set save compared to standard steel balls? — The aluminium turnbuckle balls deliver approximately 5 grams of weight saving compared to the stock steel turnbuckle balls supplied with your buggy, which improves handling and acceleration response.
- Why would I upgrade to aluminium turnbuckle balls? — Aluminium balls provide superior corrosion resistance, smoother turnbuckle action, reduced weight, and longer service life compared to standard steel. For RC racers and serious enthusiasts in the UK, the improved suspension geometry consistency and handling characteristics make this upgrade worthwhile.
- Are these turnbuckle balls difficult to install? — No, these aluminium balls are direct replacements for the stock steel balls and install using the standard turnbuckle system on your RC8B3.1 or RC8B3.2 buggy. If you are familiar with basic buggy maintenance, installation is straightforward.
- Will these improve my lap times? — Whilst turnbuckle balls are not a performance upgrade that will dramatically change your buggy's speed, the improved suspension response and consistency can help optimise your handling characteristics, potentially contributing to more consistent lap times and better overall vehicle control during racing.
- How do hard-anodised balls compare to regular anodised aluminium? — Hard-anodising creates a much thicker and harder protective oxide layer compared to regular anodising, providing superior durability, corrosion resistance, and surface hardness, which is essential for suspension components that require smooth, consistent operation.
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 RC8B3.1/RC8B3.2 FT ALUMINIUM TURNBUCKLE BALL SET AS81408 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: Team Associated
- Model Number: AS81408
- Product Type: Aluminium Turnbuckle Ball Set
- Compatibility: RC8B3.1, RC8B3.2
- Material: Hard-anodised 7075 aluminium
- Weight Saving: Approximately 5 grams compared to stock steel turnbuckle balls
- Features: Corrosion resistant, rust prevention, smooth turnbuckle action
- Construction: Durable hard-anodised finish
- Barcode: 784695814080
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.
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- 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.
