Overview
The TEAM ASSOCIATED RC8B4.1/e Rear Shock Tower 36.5 in aluminium is a genuine OEM spare part designed specifically for the rear suspension of the RC8B4.1 and RC8B4.1e buggy platforms. This is an essential component for any serious RC buggy racer or enthusiast in the UK who demands reliability and authentic Team Associated quality. Whether you are maintaining a competition machine, rebuilding after a crash, or simply replacing worn hardware, this rear shock tower ensures your RC car UK setup performs as the manufacturer intended.
As part of Team Associated's comprehensive spare parts catalogue, this aluminium rear shock tower is engineered to exacting standards and fits seamlessly into the RC8B4.1-series platform. The 36.5mm designation indicates compatibility with the specific rear shock geometry of these elite-level buggies. For those investing in a ready-to-run RC buggy or upgrading an existing machine, having genuine Factory Team components on hand is a mark of serious commitment to performance and durability.
RC enthusiasts and competitors alike appreciate the importance of using authentic manufacturer parts. This shock tower is not an upgrade or aftermarket modification—it is the genuine article, manufactured by Team Associated to the exact specifications required for your RC8B4.1 or RC8B4.1e. Whether you are a weekend basher enjoying fun with friends or a competitor preparing for racing events, maintaining your buggy with genuine spares ensures consistent handling, reliability, and the best possible RC experience.
Key Features
- Genuine Team Associated OEM Part — This is an authentic manufacturer component, part number AS81634, ensuring that you receive exactly the right part for your RC8B4.1-series buggy with no compatibility questions or concerns.
- Aluminium Construction — The rear shock tower is manufactured from aluminium, providing a proven balance of lightweight strength and durability that RC buggy racers have trusted for years.
- 36.5mm Shock Mounting Specification — The 36.5mm designation confirms this tower is specifically engineered for the rear shocks fitted to the RC8B4.1 and RC8B4.1e, ensuring perfect fit and optimal suspension geometry.
- Rear Position Component — Designed exclusively for rear-axle installation, this shock tower plays a critical role in controlling suspension travel, maintaining ride height, and delivering consistent handling characteristics during cornering and acceleration.
- Direct Replacement Capability — This part functions as a straightforward swap for worn, damaged, or bent hardware, allowing you to restore your RC buggy to factory specification without requiring any modifications or additional components.
- Compatible with RC8B4.1 and RC8B4.1e — The shock tower works with both the nitro RC8B4.1 and the electric RC8B4.1e variants, making it an essential spare for owners of either platform.
Technical Performance
The rear shock tower is a precision-engineered suspension component that plays a vital role in the overall performance characteristics of your RC8B4.1-series buggy. Manufactured from aluminium, this component combines lightweight properties with excellent rigidity and impact resistance. The 36.5mm specification reflects the exact mounting geometry required by the rear shock assembly of the RC8B4.1 platform. In terms of build quality, Team Associated components are recognised throughout the RC community as setting the standard for durability and precision engineering. The shock tower maintains the intended suspension layout and geometry, which is critical for achieving the handling balance that makes the RC8B4.1 one of the most competitive RC buggies available. When a shock tower becomes damaged or bent through impact, it can significantly alter suspension geometry, leading to unpredictable handling, uneven tyre wear, and compromised performance. By using this genuine replacement, you ensure that your rear suspension operates exactly as Team Associated engineered it, maintaining optimal ride height, shock travel, and anti-roll characteristics. Whether you race competitively or enjoy recreational bashing, having a genuine spare shock tower on hand is a smart investment in reliability and consistent performance.
What's in the Box
- TEAM ASSOCIATED RC8B4.1/e Rear Shock Tower 36.5, Aluminium (AS81634)
Frequently Asked Questions
- Will this rear shock tower fit my RC8B4.1 buggy? — Yes, this is a genuine Team Associated OEM part specifically designed for the RC8B4.1 and RC8B4.1e buggies. The 36.5mm designation confirms compatibility with the rear shock mounting points on these platforms. Simply verify that your buggy is an RC8B4.1 or RC8B4.1e model before ordering.
- What is the difference between the aluminium shock tower and the carbon fibre options? — Team Associated offers both aluminium and carbon fibre shock tower options for the RC8B4.1. The aluminium version (AS81634) is the standard kit component and provides excellent strength and durability. Carbon fibre towers (such as the Factory Team #81635 Rear Shock Tower) are a lightweight upgrade option designed to lower the centre of gravity and reduce overall weight, though they are not included with standard kits. The aluminium version represents the reliable, proven choice used in the original RC8B4.1 kit.
- When should I replace my shock tower? — A shock tower may require replacement if it becomes bent, cracked, or damaged from impacts during crashes or aggressive driving. Bent shock towers can alter suspension geometry and negatively affect handling. If you notice uneven tyre wear, unstable cornering, or inconsistent suspension behaviour, inspect the shock tower for damage. It is also wise to carry spare shock towers if you race competitively or frequently bash your RC buggy in demanding conditions.
- Is this a difficult part to install? — The shock tower is a straightforward replacement component. If you are familiar with basic RC buggy maintenance and have already removed the old tower, installation is simply a matter of unbolting the old part and bolting the new one into place using the same mounting screws and standoffs. If you are new to RC car UK maintenance, your local RC retailer may offer installation assistance.
- What shock standoffs work with this tower? — The standard Team Associated shock standoffs (#81591 in 14mm and 17mm sizes) are compatible with the kit aluminium shock tower. If you upgrade to carbon fibre shock towers in the future, you would need the shorter custom standoffs (#81657 in 12.5mm and 16mm), but these are not required for the standard aluminium tower.
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 REAR SHOCK TOWER 36.5, ALUM. AS81634 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
- Part Number: AS81634
- Barcode: 784695816343
- Product Type: Rear Shock Tower
- Material: Aluminium
- Shock Size Designation: 36.5mm
- Compatibility: RC8B4.1, RC8B4.1e
- Position: Rear
- Construction: CNC machined
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.
- As soon as your order is on its way we will send you a tracking number by email. If you provide your mobile number at checkout we will also send delivery updates straight to your phone so you can keep an eye on progress.
- 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.
