Overview
The Team Associated RC8B4.1/e FT Rear Hub Tower Set in carbon fibre is a genuine Factory Team component designed specifically for the RC8B4.1 and RC8B4.1e 1/8 scale electric buggy platforms. This precision-engineered rear hub tower assembly is an essential upgrade or replacement part for serious RC enthusiasts competing at club level or preparing their RC buggy for race-day performance. Whether you are maintaining an existing RC8B4.1 platform or looking to upgrade your current setup with Factory Team components, this carbon rear hub tower set offers the durability and precision that Team Associated is renowned for across the UK RC car community.
The RC8B4.1e represents the latest evolution of the RC8B4 eBuggy, engineered by Team Associated to deliver superior handling on ungroomed outdoor tracks. The innovative RWB/FWB adjustable weight bias chassis design allows drivers to tune rear grip versus steering by running either configuration with the motor rearward for enhanced traction or shifting the centre diff and flipping the centre dogbones to run motor forward for improved steering response. The rear hub tower assembly plays a critical role in this adjustability, providing multiple geometry options through the new wide base rear hubs that come in three fixed axle heights. This FT rear hub tower set in carbon construction represents a premium upgrade path for RC8B4.1 owners seeking to optimise their chassis geometry and reduce weight whilst maintaining exceptional rigidity.
Factory Team components are engineered to the highest standards and are trusted by competitive RC drivers across the UK and internationally. This rear hub tower set is suitable as a direct spare or maintenance replacement for both race and club use, retaining the clean, professional finish consistent with Team Associated quality standards. The carbon fibre construction provides a weight-saving advantage over aluminium alternatives whilst delivering the precision fit required for consistent performance across multiple heat races and outdoor track conditions.
Key Features
- Carbon Fibre Construction — The rear hub tower is manufactured from carbon fibre rather than aluminium, delivering a lighter weight component that reduces overall vehicle mass whilst maintaining excellent structural rigidity and durability through multiple race events and training sessions.
- Factory Team (FT) Component — This is an official Factory Team upgrade component engineered specifically for the RC8B4.1 platform, ensuring perfect fitment and compatibility with the latest generation chassis geometry and suspension design.
- Multiple Geometry Options — The rear hub tower works with the wide base rear hubs that come in three fixed axle heights, allowing drivers to fine-tune suspension geometry and adjust ride height to suit different track conditions and driving preferences.
- Precision Manufacturing — Team Associated's engineering ensures that this component maintains exact tolerances required for consistent handling characteristics and allows the innovative RWB/FWB weight bias system to function at its full potential.
- Direct Replacement Component — Suitable as a spare part for maintenance or as a direct upgrade, this rear hub tower integrates seamlessly with existing RC8B4.1 and RC8B4.1e chassis without requiring modifications or additional parts.
- Race and Club Proven — Designed for competitive and recreational use at UK RC tracks and clubs, this component has been validated for durability and performance across multiple driving surfaces and conditions.
Technical Performance
The RC8B4.1e represents a significant evolution in 1/8 scale electric buggy design, with the rear hub tower assembly forming a critical part of the suspension and chassis geometry system. The new wide base rear hubs utilise 3mm carbon fibre hub towers to allow several different geometry options, enabling drivers to adjust both ride height and suspension angle to match their driving style and track conditions. The entire rear suspension architecture has been completely overhauled for the RC8B4.1e generation, featuring new 3-hole rear suspension arms with updated anti-roll bar geometry designed to maintain support during fast cornering whilst allowing softer shock and spring rates for improved traction on ungroomed outdoor tracks. The rear suspension system works in conjunction with shorter 16mm shock bodies that lower the centre of gravity compared to previous generations, a key design objective that improves stability and predictability. With the optional three fixed axle heights available on the wide base rear hubs, drivers can precisely dial in their preferred geometry to suit everything from smooth groomed circuits to rough, choppy outdoor tracks. The carbon fibre construction of this hub tower set contributes to the overall weight reduction strategy of the RC8B4.1e, helping to achieve the target of lower centre of gravity and lighter overall vehicle mass without sacrificing the structural rigidity required for competitive performance. The 1/8 scale platform utilises 92mm universal driveshafts, 44/13 bevel gears, and a 46T spur gear configured for maximum grip and smooth power delivery, and the rear hub tower assembly must provide absolute precision in its axle mounting to ensure that drivetrain geometry remains consistent across all three available axle height positions.
What's in the Box
- RC8B4.1 FT Rear Hub Tower Set in carbon fibre construction
- All hardware and fasteners required for installation
What You Need to Complete
This is a spare component or upgrade part only. To use this with an RC8B4.1e buggy, you will require: the RC8B4.1e team kit or a complete RC8B4.1 platform, a 1/8 scale electric RC car motor (Team Associated recommends the Reedy Power Sonic 866 Buggy Motor), an electronic speed control such as the Reedy Power Blackbox 850R Sensored ESC, a 2 or 3-channel radio transmitter and receiver system, 1/8 scale buggy tyres and wheels, and either two 2S shorty LiPo battery packs (such as Zappers SG5 7.6V 6400mAh or Zappers DR 7.6V 6100mAh) or one 4S LiPo shorty pack (such as Zapper SG5 15.2V 6300mAh or Zapper SG4 15.2V 6100mAh). You may also benefit from additional maintenance items including silicone shock fluid, silicone diff fluid, FT hex wrenches, FT nut drivers, a shock pliers tool, thread-locking compound, a hobby knife, and a turnbuckle wrench.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is this rear hub tower set compatible with the RC8B4.1e buggy? — Yes, this Factory Team rear hub tower set is designed specifically for both the RC8B4.1 and RC8B4.1e 1/8 scale electric buggy platforms. It will work seamlessly with the wide base rear hubs and the new suspension geometry introduced in the RC8B4.1e generation.
- What is the advantage of carbon fibre hub towers over aluminium? — Carbon fibre construction provides weight savings whilst maintaining excellent structural rigidity and durability. The reduced mass contributes to the RC8B4.1e design goal of lowering the centre of gravity and improving overall chassis handling on ungroomed outdoor tracks.
- Does this component allow for geometry adjustment? — Yes. This rear hub tower works with the wide base rear hubs that are available in three fixed axle heights, allowing you to select the geometry that best suits your driving style and the specific track conditions you are racing on.
- Is this a direct replacement part? — Yes, this is a genuine Factory Team component suitable as a direct spare or maintenance replacement. It will integrate seamlessly with your existing RC8B4.1 or RC8B4.1e chassis without requiring modifications.
- What is the RC8B4.1e designed for? — The RC8B4.1e is engineered for competitive 1/8 scale electric buggy racing on ungroomed outdoor tracks. Its innovative RWB/FWB adjustable weight bias chassis allows you to tune rear grip versus steering, and it features low centre of gravity design with shorter shocks, updated suspension geometry, and wide base rear hubs to improve handling in rough conditions.
- Can I use this with the RC8B4.1 platform? — Yes, this rear hub tower set is compatible with both the RC8B4.1 and RC8B4.1e generations. Check your specific vehicle documentation or contact RC Model Shop if you are unsure about compatibility with older variants.
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 Team Associated, 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 REAR HUB TOWER SET, CARBON AS81649 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.
- Model: RC8B4.1 FT Rear Hub Tower Set
- Manufacturer: Team Associated
- Part Number: AS81649
- Material: Carbon fibre
- Vehicle Compatibility: RC8B4.1, RC8B4.1e
- Scale: 1/8
- Component Type: Rear hub tower assembly
- Construction: 3mm carbon fibre
- Purpose: Precision mounting solution at rear hub assembly with multiple geometry options
- Compatible with wide base rear hubs with three fixed axle height options
- Part of rear suspension system featuring 3-hole rear suspension arms
- Works with 16mm shorter shock bodies for lower centre of gravity
- Compatible with 92mm universal driveshafts with 17mm outdrives
- Compatible with 44/13 ring and pinion bevel gear set
- Works with 46T molded spur gear
- Designed for ungroomed outdoor track use
- Factory Team (FT) component engineered for competitive racing
- Includes all hardware and fasteners for installation
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- 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.
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