Team Associated RC8.2 Build – Part 8 – Shocks
Team Associated RC8.2 Build
The 1/8th scale nitro class is one of the biggest and most prestigious racing classes in our industry. Being one of the top dogs in this class, Team Associated has had quite a bit of success with their RC8 nitro buggy. Recently, the A-Team conjured up some new parts for their 1/8th scale for the Worlds and were very happy with it’s success. I will be doing an online build of this new generation buggy, the RC8.2. Enjoy.
Build Notes:
One of the most crucial tuning items on your car, they can also be the messiest to build. Have a nice, uncluttered workspace with plenty of rags for cleanup.
The front and rear shocks are different length. Separate your parts before building to make sure you don’t cross-build them.
The Build – Part 8
The Factory Team RC8.2 comes with a killer set of threaded shocks. They build easily and require very little maintenance unless, of course, you prefer to rebuild after every race day.
Team Associated RC8.2 Build Step 100
Your HH bag contains springs, oil, bladders, o-rings and shock boots. Open up and set aside
Team Associated RC8.2 Build Step 101
Your H bag contains all the rest of the shock goodies. Separate the short front shock parts with the longer rear shock parts so you don’t get them confused during the build.
Team Associated RC8.2 Build Step 102
Using the supplied shock tool, load up a pair of o-rings and spacer. Saturate this assembly with the shock oil provided.
Team Associated RC8.2 Build Step 103
Thread the small o-ring onto the bottom of the shock body. Insert this lubed assembly into the bottom of the shock body and screw on the lower shock cap. Build 4 shocks.
Team Associated RC8.2 Build Step 104
Using the other supplied shock tool, build the 4 shock shafts…washer, piston, washer, nut. The pistons are tapered so make sure they are all facing the right direction!
Team Associated RC8.2 Build Step 105
Slide the completed shock shaft assembly into the shock bodies. Feed the threaded part of the shaft carefully through the o-ring section. Don’t force as you might tear an o-ring. Pay attention that the shorter shafts go into the shorter bodies; longer shafts go into the longer bodies.
Team Associated RC8.2 Build Step 106
Install the shock boots; shorter onto the shorter shafts, longer ones on the longer shafts.
Team Associated RC8.2 Build Step 107
Feed the eyelets onto the shock shafts. Check to make sure both front shocks and both rear shocks are the same length. Adjust the eyelets until they are.
Team Associated RC8.2 Build Step 108
Fill the shocks up with oil. Push the shock shaft up and down SLOWLY to remove air bubbles that are under the piston. Let the shocks sit for a few to allow the bubbles to rise to the top. A shock building stand is most helpful at this stage. I use the Team Fast Eddy Shock Stand. I like this one mostly because I can use it for 1/10th – 1/5th scale shocks!
Team Associated RC8.2 Build Step 109
Insert the bladder into the shock cap. Make sure it is seated as far down as it will go. Be careful not to puncture it.
Team Associated RC8.2 Build Step 110
To help reduce the mess, wrap a paper towel around the shock body.
Team Associated RC8.2 Build Step 111
Screw the cap onto the shock. Any excess oil will be squeezed out through the small hole in the cap. Your paper towel should catch this and prevent it from dripping all over the place.
Team Associated RC8.2 Build Step 112
WASH YOUR HANDS WITH SOAP AND WATER! Now, feed the larger o-ring into the shock collar. If you had any oil on your fingers from the last step, it will make it 100x harder to get the o-ring into the collar. Slippery fingers are no fun here. Screw the collars onto the shocks. Go ahead and feed them all the way to the top.
Team Associated RC8.2 Build Step 113
BOOM! Shocks built.
Team Associated RC8.2 Build Step 114
Slide the springs on followed by the lower spring retainer.
Team Associated RC8.2 Build Step 115
Take your front shocks and pop the shock rod ball end into the eyelets. Insert the shock bushing into the cap. Pay attention which side you insert it into. It should go into the ‘closed’ side, not the ‘open’ side.
Team Associated RC8.2 Build Step 116
Slide the front shock into the arm and feed the shock mount pin into place.
Team Associated RC8.2 Build Step 117
Attach the top of the front shock to the tower, bushing first, and secure it with the nut. The nut should recess into the ‘open’ side of the shock.
Team Associated RC8.2 Build Step 118
Feed your 3x12mm screw into the arm as shown. This secures the shock mount pin from sliding out. Tighten it all the way down.
Team Associated RC8.2 Build Step 119
Take your rear shocks and pop the shock rod ball end into the eyelets. Insert the shock bushing into the cap. Pay attention which side you insert it into. It should go into the ‘closed’ side, not the ‘open’ side.
Team Associated RC8.2 Build Step 120
Slide the rear shock into the arm and feed the shock mount pin into place.
Team Associated RC8.2 Build Step 121
Attach the top of the rear shock to the tower, bushing first, and secure it with the nut. The nut should recess into the ‘open’ side of the shock.
Team Associated RC8.2 Build Step 122
Feed your 3x12mm screw into the arm as shown. This secures the shock mount pin from sliding out. Tighten it all the way down.
Stay tuned for Part 9 – Assembling the radio tray.
Team Associated RC8.2 Build – Part 1 – Chassis/Steering
Team Associated RC8.2 Build – Part 2 – Differentials
Team Associated RC8.2 Build – Part 3 – Front Bulkhead
Team Associated RC8.2 Build – Part 4 – Front Suspension
Team Associated RC8.2 Build – Part 5 – Rear Bulkhead
Team Associated RC8.2 Build – Part 6 – Rear Suspension
Team Associated RC8.2 Build – Part 7 – Center Differential
Team Associated RC8.2 Build – Part 8 – Shocks
Team Associated RC8.2 Build – Part 9 – Radio Tray
Team Associated RC8.2 Build – Part 10 – Linkage
Team Associated RC8.2 Build – Part 11 – Engine and Fuel Tank
Team Associated RC8.2 Build – Part 12 – Body/Wheels/Tires
