Micro Trucks
Associated RC-18t Drivetrain Modifications
By Greg Smith
Feb 22, 2006

Associated RC-18t Drivetrain Modifications

As I mentioned in a previous article, I am working on modifications to my previously stock Associated RC-18t radio control micro stadium truck. The first steps I took to get better reliability and performance were 5/16" compression fittings from the local Ace hardware store to shore up the weak link in the outdrive cup. I noticed only small flaring of the cup before I made the mod but it was obvious that repeated use would stress this area to the failure point.

5/16-inch compression fittings for the RC-18t

That it where the fitting goes!

Installation of the compression fittings to the RC-18t drive train was really easy. I just disassembled the suspension to gain access, roughed up the outside of the out drive cup with a bit of sandpaper, used a small dab of the flexible black CA glue I had lying around and slid the brass comp-ression fitting on. Simple!

Compression fitting installed

While I had the truck apart I added the Associated Factory Team aluminum dog bones. It may be hard to see in the photo but the stock plastic dog bones were showing quite a bit of wear and were no longer smooth.

Stock rc-18t dogbone wear

The finished mods look good and work even better. I have been using this set-up for about a month so far, so good.

The finished drive line modifications on the rc-18t

Associated makes a great stock micro 1/18th scale rc truck. With a few mods it can be even more reliable and performk better!

Next comes the steering issue!

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