ASSOCIATED RC8B3/RC8B3.1 FT 30.5MM FOX SHOCK BODY W/KASHIMA COATING - FRONT (2) AS81164

Overview

The Associated RC8B3/RC8B3.1 FT 30.5mm Fox Shock Body with Kashima Coating is a genuine Factory Team replacement component designed for serious 1/8 scale off-road racing enthusiasts. Supplied as a pair of front shock bodies, this product represents the pinnacle of Team Associated's engineering expertise and competitive racing heritage. Whether you're running a nitro-powered RC8B3 or competing in multi-class racing events with both nitro and electric setups, these precision-engineered shock bodies deliver the performance and durability expected from Factory Team components.

This is an essential upgrade or replacement part for RC8B3 and RC8B3.1 owners who demand top-tier performance on the track. The Kashima coating finish provides enhanced durability and reduced friction, contributing to more consistent handling characteristics lap after lap. If you're serious about RC car racing in the UK and want to maintain your buggy to the highest standard, these shock bodies are a worthwhile investment that will keep your suspension performing at its best during competitive events and practice sessions alike.

The Fox brand association and Factory Team designation signal that these shock bodies have been validated through rigorous racing development and testing. They represent genuine Team Associated parts rather than generic aftermarket alternatives, ensuring compatibility and performance consistency with your RC8B3 or RC8B3.1 chassis.

Key Features

• Kashima Coating Finish — The proprietary Kashima coating provides a hard, slippery surface that reduces internal friction within the shock body, allowing for smoother piston movement and more precise damping control. This coating extends the lifespan of the shock components and maintains consistent performance even after extensive use on rough terrain.
• 30.5mm Shock Body Size — Purpose-designed for the front of the RC8B3 and RC8B3.1, these shock bodies are optimised for the specific geometry and handling characteristics of these competition buggies. The 30.5mm dimension ensures perfect fitment with the rest of your suspension system.
• Fox Branding — Fox is recognised as a premium shock manufacturer in the RC industry, and this partnership between Fox and Team Associated delivers racing-grade suspension components that have proven their worth in competitive environments.
• Factory Team Quality — These are official Factory Team components, not standard production parts. Factory Team parts undergo additional quality control and are often enhanced with competition-specific refinements that give you a genuine performance advantage.
• Pair Supply — You receive two front shock bodies, allowing for complete front suspension replacement or maintenance of both sides simultaneously, which is ideal when one shock has been damaged or worn.
• Genuine Replacement Part — Designed as a direct replacement for worn or damaged shock bodies, ensuring your RC buggy maintains its original handling characteristics and performance envelope.

Technical Performance

The Associated RC8B3 platform has earned its reputation through years of rigorous development and competition use at the highest levels of 1/8 scale off-road racing. These Fox shock bodies with Kashima coating represent the evolution of that engineering excellence. The 30.5mm front shock bodies feature the same precision engineering standards that make the RC8B3 and RC8B3.1 competitive platforms capable of winning races across the UK and internationally. The Kashima coating technology ensures that internal piston seals maintain their performance characteristics even under demanding race conditions, whilst the quality of the aluminium construction means these components will withstand the punishment of high-speed off-road running. When paired with the RC8B3's advanced suspension geometry, including pillow ball uprights, refined suspension geometry with lower hinge pin inserts for quick and easy roll centre adjustments, and optimised shock mounting positions, these shock bodies form a complete suspension system capable of outstanding handling on varied terrain. The larger diameter precision springs and optimised bladders in the full shock assembly work in concert with these bodies to provide more precise volume compensation and damping response. Whether you're running on clay, dirt, or concrete surfaces common at UK RC racing venues, these shock bodies will maintain consistent performance and help translate your driving inputs accurately into vehicle response.

What's in the Box

• 2x Front Fox Shock Bodies 30.5mm with Kashima Coating
• Associated Factory Team packaging

What You Need to Complete

These shock bodies are replacement components and require installation into an existing RC8B3 or RC8B3.1 chassis. You will need the following to install and use these parts:

• Complete RC8B3 or RC8B3.1 buggy chassis (or as replacement parts for existing setup)
• TiN coated 3.5mm shock shafts (if not already installed)
• Shock springs and shock caps
• Shock bladders and fluid
• Tools: needle nose pliers, hobby knife, and appropriate hex drivers

Compatibility

These 30.5mm front shock bodies are explicitly designed for use with the following Associated models:

• Associated RC8B3
• Associated RC8B3.1

Whilst the RC8B3 shares over 90% parts compatibility with related models and the manufacturer's parts compatibility system is extensive, always verify fitment before purchase if using with variants not listed above.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is Kashima coating and why does it matter on RC shock bodies? — Kashima coating is a proprietary hard surface treatment that reduces friction between the piston and the shock body bore. This means the damping action is more predictable and consistent, the shock pistons move more freely without binding, and overall suspension response is more linear. For competitive RC racing in the UK, this translates to more repeatable lap times and better tuning response when you make adjustment changes to your buggy's suspension setup.
• Will these shock bodies fit my RC8B3.1 as well as the original RC8B3? — Yes, the Associated RC8B3.1 shares front suspension geometry and shock mounting with the RC8B3, so these 30.5mm Fox shock bodies are fully compatible with both platforms. This is one of the key advantages of the RC8B3/RC8B3.1 design for racers competing in multi-class events.
• Are these shock bodies suitable for a beginner? — These are replacement shock bodies, not complete shocks, and are intended for owners who already have an RC8B3 or RC8B3.1 buggy. They are not a beginner-level product, as they require existing knowledge of 1/8 scale off-road buggy maintenance and suspension tuning. If you're new to RC and considering the RC8B3 platform, you would start with a complete kit and later replace components like these as they wear.
• Can I use just one shock body or do I need to buy pairs? — These are sold as a pair of front shock bodies. Ideally, you would replace both front shocks together to maintain even suspension characteristics and balanced handling. Replacing only one side could result in uneven damping and unpredictable handling.
• How often will I need to replace these shock bodies? — Shock bodies are durable components if maintained properly. Regular maintenance such as keeping them clean and protecting them from damage during crashes will extend their lifespan. In competitive racing, shock bodies typically last through an entire race season before needing replacement, though this depends on crash frequency and maintenance practices.
• Are these genuine Associated parts? — Yes, these are official Factory Team components supplied with genuine Associated part number AS81164, confirming their authenticity as original equipment from Team Associated.
• What size shock shafts work with these 30.5mm bodies? — These shock bodies are designed for use with the RC8B3's TiN coated 3.5mm diameter shock shafts, which come as part of the complete shock assembly when you're running the full RC8B3 setup.

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/RC8B3.1 FT 30.5MM FOX SHOCK BODY W/KASHIMA COATING - FRONT (2) AS81164 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.