Team Associated RC8B4.1e FT Aluminium Rear Hubs Blue AS81656

Overview

The TEAM ASSOCIATED RC8B4.1/e FT Aluminium Rear Hubs (AS81656) represent a premium Factory Team upgrade designed specifically for owners of the RC8B4.1 and RC8B4.1e electric buggies. These CNC machined rear hub carriers deliver exceptional durability and performance, making them an essential component for both competitive racers and serious hobbyists looking to maximise the longevity of their RC buggy. Whether you're running a high-performance RC car in the UK or competing at events, these aluminium rear hubs provide the reliability and precision engineering you need to keep your vehicle performing at its best.

Manufactured from premium 7075 aluminium and finished in Factory Team blue anodising, these rear hubs showcase Team Associated's commitment to quality and durability. The updated design incorporates kit-compatible carbon fibre FT rear hub towers along with molded factory team adjustable axle inserts and bearing inserts, creating a clean and elegant upgrade path for your RC8B4.1 series buggy. This is not merely a replacement component; it's a performance enhancement that brings professional-grade durability to your electric RC model.

For UK RC enthusiasts seeking to upgrade from the standard plastic components, the AS81656 represents an investment in longevity and reliability. These parts directly replace the #81642 RC8B4.1 rear hubs (medium), offering a seamless compatibility with existing RC8B4.1 and RC8B4.1e chassis. An instruction supplement is included to guide installation, ensuring that upgrading your buggy is a straightforward process for experienced modellers.

Key Features

• CNC Machined 7075 Aluminium Construction — The rear hubs are precision-engineered from 7075 aluminium alloy, which is recognised as one of the strongest and most durable aluminium alloys available for RC applications, ensuring your buggy can withstand the rigours of competitive racing and aggressive bashing without component failure.
• Factory Team Blue Anodised Finish — The anodised coating provides both aesthetic appeal and protective corrosion resistance, keeping your RC buggy looking professional whilst safeguarding the aluminium components against wear and environmental damage during outdoor use.
• Molded Bearing and Axle Height Inserts — These integrated inserts allow for precise adjustability of bearing position and axle height, enabling you to fine-tune your buggy's handling characteristics and suspension geometry to match your driving style and track conditions.
• Kit-Compatible Carbon Fibre FT Rear Hub Towers — The design utilises the existing kit-compatible carbon fibre tower system, ensuring seamless integration with your RC8B4.1 chassis whilst maintaining structural rigidity and reducing unsprung mass for improved handling.
• Direct Replacement for #81642 — These hubs are engineered as a direct upgrade from the standard plastic #81642 RC8B4.1 rear hubs (medium specification), making the transition to aluminium components straightforward and hassle-free for existing buggy owners.
• Instruction Supplement Included — Comprehensive installation guidance is provided with every purchase, ensuring that modellers of varying experience levels can confidently install these components on their RC8B4.1 or RC8B4.1e buggy.

Technical Performance

The TEAM ASSOCIATED RC8B4.1/e FT Aluminium Rear Hubs demonstrate exceptional engineering quality through their use of 7075 aluminium alloy, which is renowned in the RC industry for its superior strength-to-weight ratio compared to standard plastic hubs. The CNC machining process ensures absolute precision in component tolerances, critical for maintaining consistent performance across multiple heat cycles and extended use. The molded factory team adjustable axle inserts and bearing inserts provide the flexibility that competitive racers demand, allowing micro-adjustments to suspension geometry and ride height without requiring complete component replacement. When paired with the kit-compatible carbon fibre FT rear hub towers and the standard #91564 FT bearings (8x16x5mm specification, included in the RC8B4.1 kit), these hubs create a rear suspension system of professional-grade quality. The Factory Team blue anodising adds approximately 15-25 microns of protective coating to the aluminium surface, providing enhanced durability against oxidation and mechanical wear encountered during regular RC car operation. For UK modellers running their buggies on varied terrain, from polished racing circuits to rough outdoor tracks, the combination of material strength and precision engineering delivers reliability that justifies the upgrade investment.

What's in the Box

• TEAM ASSOCIATED RC8B4.1/e FT Aluminium Rear Hubs (pair)
• Instruction Supplement

What You Need to Complete

• #81649 RC8B4.1 FT Rear Hub Tower Set, carbon fibre (middle height included in RC8B4.1 kit)
• #91564 FT Bearings 8x16x5mm (included in RC8B4.1 kit)

Compatibility Information

The AS81656 rear hubs are specifically engineered for the TEAM ASSOCIATED RC8B4.1 and RC8B4.1e electric buggy platforms. These components also offer compatibility with RC8T4 and RC8T4e truggy models, though additional parts beyond the standard hub towers and bearings may be required for proper fitment on truggy chassis. Before ordering, verify that your buggy model matches the RC8B4.1/e or RC8T4/T4e designation, as the hubs are not compatible with other Team Associated chassis designs.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Are these rear hubs compatible with my RC8T4e truggy? — Yes, the AS81656 hubs can be fitted to RC8T4 and RC8T4e truggies, though additional parts beyond those included in this package may be required. We recommend contacting our team for specific guidance on RC8T4 compatibility, as the fitment differs from the RC8B4.1 buggy application.
• What is the difference between these Factory Team hubs and the standard #81642 hubs? — The primary difference is material and precision: the AS81656 hubs are CNC machined from aerospace-grade 7075 aluminium alloy with Factory Team blue anodising, whereas the #81642 standard hubs are injection-moulded plastic. The aluminium upgrade offers superior durability, adjustable bearing and axle inserts for geometry tuning, and a significantly longer service life under competitive racing conditions.
• Do I need to purchase the hub tower set separately? — The #81649 FT Rear Hub Tower Set in carbon fibre is required for installation, though the middle height tower is included in the standard RC8B4.1 kit. The #91564 FT Bearings (8x16x5mm specification) are also necessary and are included in the RC8B4.1 kit, so most RC8B4.1 owners will only need to purchase these hubs to complete the upgrade.
• Are these hubs suitable for beginners? — These components represent an advanced performance upgrade rather than a beginner-level part. However, if you already own an RC8B4.1 or RC8B4.1e buggy and wish to upgrade from plastic to aluminium hubs, the installation is straightforward with the included instruction supplement. These hubs are ideal for hobbyists looking to extend the lifespan of their buggy and improve reliability during competitive racing or aggressive bashing.
• What does the anodised finish do? — The Factory Team blue anodised coating serves two purposes: it provides visual identification of genuine Team Associated Factory Team components, and it creates a protective barrier against corrosion and oxidation. This coating is particularly valuable if you run your RC buggy outdoors in varying weather conditions across the UK, as it shields the aluminium from moisture and salt exposure.
• Can I adjust the bearing height and axle height with these hubs? — Yes, the molded factory team adjustable axle inserts and bearing inserts allow you to modify bearing position and axle height without replacing the entire hub assembly. This precision adjustability is one of the key advantages over fixed-geometry plastic hubs, enabling you to fine-tune your buggy's handling characteristics to match specific track conditions or your 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 TEAM ASSOCIATED RC8B4.1/e FT ALUMINIUM REAR HUBS AS81656 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.