Overview
The FTX Outback Hi-Rock Aluminium Centre Distribution Housing (FTX9296) is a premium upgrade component designed specifically for the FTX Outback Hi-Rock 4x4 RTR 1/10 Trail Rock Crawler. This essential chassis component represents a significant performance and durability enhancement for anyone serious about getting the most from their RC rock crawler. Whether you're a weekend basher exploring local terrain or a dedicated crawler enthusiast tackling challenging obstacles, this aluminium centre distribution housing provides the structural integrity and weight distribution benefits that separate good setups from great ones. The shift from standard plastic to precision-engineered aluminium construction makes a tangible difference in how your RC car handles impacts, maintains alignment, and performs over extended sessions on rocky, uneven ground.
Rock crawling demands precision engineering and component reliability that can withstand repeated impacts, extreme articulation, and demanding terrain. The FTX Hi-Rock is already renowned as a capable ready to run RC crawler, but upgrading key chassis components like the centre distribution housing takes your machine to the next level. This aluminium housing upgrade is part of FTX's comprehensive hop-up range, allowing UK RC enthusiasts and collectors to progressively enhance their vehicles with proven, quality components. If you're searching for RC car upgrades UK or looking to improve your 1/10 scale crawler's performance, this is exactly the kind of targeted improvement that makes a measurable difference in real-world conditions.
RC Model Shop stocks this component as part of our extensive FTX spare parts and tune-up options catalogue. We understand that rock crawling enthusiasts need access to quality components that genuinely improve their machines, not just cosmetic additions. This centre distribution housing sits at the heart of your crawler's chassis, making it one of the most important areas to upgrade for improved durability and performance.
Key Features
- Precision Aluminium Construction — This component is manufactured from high-quality aluminium rather than plastic, providing superior rigidity and strength that resists flexing and deformation during intense rock crawling sessions. Aluminium's excellent strength-to-weight ratio means you gain durability without adding significant bulk to your setup.
- Centre Chassis Distribution — As the central distribution point for chassis geometry and weight distribution, this housing plays a critical role in maintaining consistent articulation and handling characteristics across varied terrain. Upgrading this component ensures your crawler maintains optimal geometry even after absorbing hundreds of impacts.
- Direct FTX Outback Hi-Rock Compatibility — Engineered specifically for the FTX5587 FTX Outback Hi-Rock 4x4 RTR, this component guarantees perfect fitment without modification or compromise. You can install it with complete confidence that it will integrate seamlessly with your existing crawler.
- Professional-Grade Durability — The move to aluminium construction dramatically improves the component's lifespan compared to plastic alternatives, meaning fewer repairs and replacements during your crawling season. This represents better value for money over the lifetime of your RC machine.
- Essential Upgrade for Serious Crawlers — This is not a decorative modification but a functional upgrade that enhances chassis performance, weight distribution, and impact resistance. Experienced RC enthusiasts prioritise this type of upgrade because it delivers real, measurable improvements.
- Part of Comprehensive Hop-Up System — FTX offers an extensive range of aluminium upgrades for the Hi-Rock, allowing you to progressively enhance your crawler's chassis, transmission, and motor protection with components that work together as a cohesive system.
Technical Performance
The FTX Outback Hi-Rock Aluminium Centre Distribution Housing represents the engineering philosophy behind FTX's approach to rock crawling equipment. Aluminium's superior modulus of elasticity compared to engineering plastics means this component resists the flexing and micro-movements that accumulate damage in plastic housings. During intense rock crawling, where articulation demands are extreme and impacts are frequent, this rigidity translates directly into more predictable handling and better weight distribution across the chassis. The centre distribution housing is positioned at the critical junction point of your crawler's geometry, making it responsible for maintaining alignment, tracking, and suspension geometry integrity. By upgrading this component to aluminium, you're investing in the structural foundation that enables your suspension system, steering geometry, and differential systems to function optimally. The component weighs more than a plastic equivalent but remains light enough to avoid negatively impacting your crawler's overall weight distribution. This is the kind of targeted upgrade that experienced rock crawling competitors and dedicated UK RC enthusiasts prioritise because the benefits are measurable in improved handling, reduced maintenance needs, and extended component lifespan. When combined with other FTX Hi-Rock aluminium hop-ups such as the transmission housing (FTX9297), axle housing (FTX9216-1), and gear/motor cover (FTX9298), this component becomes part of a comprehensive chassis upgrade system that fundamentally improves your crawler's durability and performance.
What's in the Box
- 1x FTX Outback Hi-Rock Aluminium Centre Distribution Housing
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is the FTX9296 centre distribution housing compatible with my FTX Outback Hi-Rock? — Yes, this component is specifically engineered for the FTX5587 FTX Outback Hi-Rock 4x4 RTR 1/10 Trail Rock Crawler. It provides direct, hassle-free installation without any modification required to your existing chassis.
- Why should I upgrade from plastic to aluminium for the centre distribution housing? — Aluminium provides substantially greater rigidity, impact resistance, and durability compared to plastic. During rock crawling, this translates into better weight distribution, improved handling consistency, reduced flexing during extreme articulation, and significantly longer component lifespan. The investment pays dividends through reduced maintenance and fewer replacements needed throughout your crawling season.
- Will upgrading to this aluminium housing noticeably improve my crawler's performance? — Yes, because the centre distribution housing is positioned at the critical junction of your crawler's chassis geometry, upgrading it to aluminium provides measurable improvements in handling predictability, weight distribution, and suspension geometry maintenance. You'll notice better tracking, more consistent performance across varied terrain, and improved durability. This is exactly the type of upgrade that UK RC crawling enthusiasts prioritise for genuine performance gains.
- Can I install this myself, or do I need professional help? — The installation process depends on your experience level and mechanical skills. We recommend consulting the official FTX documentation or installation guides to understand the specific installation procedure for your model. If you're experienced with RC mechanical work, installation should be straightforward; if you're new to RC modifications, you may wish to seek assistance from an experienced RC mechanic.
- What other aluminium upgrades are available for the FTX Hi-Rock? — FTX offers a comprehensive range of aluminium hop-ups for the Hi-Rock, including the transmission housing (FTX9297), axle housing (FTX9216-1), gear/motor cover (FTX9298), bumper mounts (FTX9293), and footplate inserts (FTX9272). These components work together to create a fully upgraded chassis system with dramatically improved durability and performance.
- Is this suitable for beginners, or is it only for advanced RC enthusiasts? — While this is a performance upgrade rather than a beginner-friendly component, any RC enthusiast who wants to enhance their FTX Hi-Rock's durability and handling is welcome to upgrade to this component. Beginners should ensure they understand the installation requirements before purchase, but the component itself is straightforward to install once you're familiar with your crawler's basic assembly.
- Will upgrading this single component make a big difference? — Upgrading a single component provides noticeable improvements, particularly in chassis rigidity and weight distribution. However, the most dramatic improvements come when you combine this centre distribution housing with other FTX aluminium upgrades as a comprehensive system. Consider it as part of a progressive upgrade strategy rather than a standalone modification.
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 OUTBACK HI-ROCK ALUMINIUM CENTRE DISTRIBUTION HOUSING FTX9296 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: FTX
- Model Number: FTX9296
- Product Name: Outback Hi-Rock Aluminium Centre Distribution Housing
- Compatible Vehicle: FTX5587 FTX Outback Hi-Rock 4x4 RTR 1/10 Trail Rock Crawler
- Component Type: Chassis Centre Distribution Housing
- Material: Aluminium
- Category: Tune-Up / Hop-Up Option
- EAN: 5056135727638
- Construction: Precision-engineered aluminium for superior rigidity and impact resistance
- Application: Rock crawling, trail RC driving, obstacle navigation
- Installation: Direct fitment to FTX Outback Hi-Rock 4x4 RTR
- Quantity Included: 1
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.
- Most of our products include delivery in the price. If your order is under £90, a small delivery fee will apply but do not worry this will always be clearly shown at checkout before you complete your purchase.
- Depending on what you choose at checkout, your order will usually be delivered either the next working day or within 2 working days. For next day delivery please place your order before 2:00pm. Orders are dispatched Monday to Friday only. Some items may take a little longer and if that is the case we will always show the expected delivery time on the product page.
- If your order includes items with different dispatch times we will normally wait and send everything together once all items are in stock. If one of the items is going to take a while we will give you the choice either wait for everything to arrive or let us send the available items now and deliver the rest later. It is up to you.
- We use trusted delivery partners to make sure your order gets to you safely and on time. We use DPD for next working day deliveries and Royal Mail for the 2 day option.
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- If a product is marked as "Dispatched within 3 working days" delivery usually takes around 3 to 5 working days from when your order is placed.
- 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.
