Team Associated RC8T3.2 FT Front Upper Suspension Arms Pair AS81496

Overview

Upgrade your 1/8 scale Team Associated RC8T3.2 or RC8T3.2e truggy with the Factory Team Front Upper Suspension Arms (AS81496), engineered to deliver superior performance and durability on the track. Whether you're a seasoned RC racer in the UK or an enthusiast looking to optimise your vehicle's handling characteristics, these suspension arms represent a significant step up from standard components. The HD (Heavy Duty) polymer construction provides a stiffer platform that enhances suspension responsiveness and consistency, allowing you to push harder through corners and maintain better control over rough terrain. These arms have been proven at top competitive events by professional Team Associated drivers, including multiple podium finishes at prestigious championships, making them a trusted choice for anyone serious about RC racing.

The Team Associated RC8T3.2 Front Upper Suspension Arms are the result of extensive development and real-world testing at the highest levels of 1/8 scale competition. The new HD polymer material used in these arms strikes the perfect balance between rigidity and durability, providing noticeably improved suspension action whilst protecting both the arm itself and the insert plate from damage during intense racing sessions. This makes them an excellent investment for both weekend bashers and serious competitors who want their RC buggy or truggy to handle consistently across different track conditions. The Factory Team finish gives your vehicle that professional competition look whilst delivering measurable performance improvements that you'll feel immediately when driving.

RC Model Shop stocks genuine Team Associated parts and upgrades for UK customers who demand authenticity and quality. If you're running an RC8T3.2, RC8T3.2e, RC8T4, or RC8T4e, these front upper suspension arms are a direct upgrade that will improve your vehicle's handling, durability and overall racing capability. Order with confidence knowing you're getting genuine Factory Team components backed by years of motorsport expertise.

Key Features

• HD (Heavy Duty) Polymer Construction — The upgraded polymer material used in these suspension arms is specifically formulated for 1/8 scale vehicles, providing a stiffer platform than standard plastic components whilst remaining more flexible than the hard or carbon options used in the 1/10 range, ensuring optimal performance characteristics for your truggy or buggy.
• Improved Suspension Stiffness — The increased rigidity of the HD material means your suspension will operate with greater consistency and precision, translating to better handling through corners and more predictable steering response across varying track surfaces and conditions.
• Enhanced Durability — Both the arm itself and the associated insert plate benefit from the improved material properties, meaning you'll experience fewer breakages and longer component lifespan even under the demands of competitive racing or intensive bashing sessions.
• Factory Team Quality and Finish — These are genuine Team Associated Factory Team components that carry the professional competition pedigree and aesthetic that serious RC enthusiasts expect, backed by the same engineering standards used by top drivers competing at national and international events.
• Proven Race Heritage — These suspension arms have been tested and validated by professional Team Associated drivers including Spencer Rivkin, who achieved second place at the Southern Indoor Championships and third place electric buggy at the Dirt Nitro Challenge, demonstrating real-world performance credentials.
• Stiffer Platform for Consistent Suspension Action — The HD material creates a more rigid mounting platform that allows your suspension geometry to remain more stable during aggressive driving, preventing unwanted flex that can compromise handling and responsiveness.

Technical Performance

The Team Associated RC8T3.2 FT Front Upper Suspension Arms represent a significant engineering upgrade for 1/8 scale competition vehicles. The HD (Heavy Duty) polymer material has been specifically engineered for the dimensional and stress requirements of 1/8 scale suspension systems, where the forces generated during racing are substantially different from smaller 1/10 scale vehicles. This means these arms provide superior stiffness compared to standard plastic components, but they maintain the appropriate flex characteristics for 1/8 scale suspension geometry — they are intentionally not as stiff as the hard or carbon materials used in Team Associated's 1/10 series, as over-stiffening would compromise the suspension's ability to absorb impacts and maintain traction on uneven terrain. The arms feature precise engineering that allows seamless integration with existing RC8T3.2 and RC8T3.2e suspension systems, including compatibility with the associated insert plates that are critical to suspension tuning. When upgrading to these carbon fibre inserts on compatible models, Team Associated recommends using shorter M3x6mm BHCS fasteners for the two inner hinge pin locations and M3x6mm FHCS fasteners for other mounting points, ensuring proper fitment and optimal load distribution. The material properties have been validated through extensive track testing and competitive use, with proven results at major UK and international RC racing events. These arms work in conjunction with your existing shock absorbers and anti-roll bars to create a more responsive and durable suspension system that will handle the demands of both indoor and outdoor RC racing throughout the UK.

What's in the Box

• Pair of Team Associated RC8T3.2 FT Front Upper Suspension Arms in HD polymer

Compatibility and Installation

• Compatible with RC8T3.2 suspension arms (#81472, 81476, and 81480)
• Fits RC8T3.2 truggy and buggy models
• Fits RC8T3.2e electric truggy and buggy models
• Compatible with RC8T4 and RC8T4e vehicles
• When using with carbon fibre inserts, M3x6mm BHCS fasteners recommended for inner hinge pin locations
• M3x6mm FHCS fasteners recommended for other mounting points

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the difference between the HD polymer in these arms and standard plastic suspension components? — The new HD (Heavy Duty) polymer material used in these Factory Team arms provides significantly increased stiffness compared to standard plastic suspension arms, creating a more rigid platform for your suspension to work from. This results in more consistent and predictable handling characteristics, which is essential for competitive racing. The material has been specifically developed for 1/8 scale vehicles and provides the optimal balance between stiffness and durability — it is not as hard as the carbon or hard options used in Team Associated's 1/10 series, because 1/8 scale vehicles require different material properties to handle the larger forces they experience.
• Will these arms fit my RC8T3.2? — Yes, these Factory Team front upper suspension arms are specifically designed for the RC8T3.2 and RC8T3.2e models, as well as the RC8T4 and RC8T4e variants. They are direct replacements for the standard arms and integrate seamlessly with your existing suspension system without any modifications required.
• Are these arms suitable for competitive racing or just casual bashing? — These arms are suitable for both uses, though they are especially beneficial for competitive racing where consistent suspension performance and durability are critical. The Factory Team finish and proven race heritage mean they've been validated at the highest levels of 1/8 scale competition, but their improved durability also makes them an excellent choice for intensive bashing sessions where impact resistance is important.
• What fasteners do I need when upgrading to carbon fibre inserts? — Team Associated recommends using shorter M3x6mm BHCS fasteners (#31531) for the two inner hinge pin locations and M3x6mm FHCS fasteners (#31541) for the other mounting points when switching to carbon fibre inserts alongside these suspension arms.
• How do these compare to the standard RC8T3.2 suspension arms? — The Factory Team HD polymer arms offer improved stiffness and durability compared to standard components, providing a noticeably stiffer platform that enhances suspension action and consistency. The increased rigidity translates to better handling precision, more predictable steering response, and reduced flex during aggressive cornering and acceleration phases of racing.
• Can I use these arms on an RC8T4? — Yes, these arms are compatible with both the RC8T4 and RC8T4e models in addition to the RC8T3.2 and RC8T3.2e, providing suspension upgrades across multiple Team Associated 1/8 scale platforms.

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 TEAM ASSOCIATED RC8T3.2 FT FRONT UPPER SUSPENSION ARMS AS81496 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.