How To: Build and Shim an Upgraded RC18T Drivetrain

• July 2017: Apologies to PROJECT RC Readers! Firstly I would like to thank all the sponsors, subscribers and readers of my blog for your support. I would like to apologise for the recent image outage in my articles. The image hosting site I have been using, ‘Photobucket’ has recently decided that they will no longer host images to websites, blogs, etc unless you pay a ridiculous fee of $500 – This is particularly infuriating since there was no notice given. Since Photobucket has resorted to extortion for their users I will no longer use their services forever. This means that I will have to move all my article images to another platform and embed new coding for all those images which is a real PITA and a lot of work. Anyway I am in the process of doing that so I kindly ask readers to understand the situation and be patient. PROJECT RC article images will soon be operational again.

This ‘How To’ article will describe the particular steps and components I use to build and shim an upgraded RC18T drivetrain using aftermarket and stock components. This drivetrain comprises of upgraded titanium ball differentials, a stock aluminium driveshaft, aftermarket ceramic bearings and stainless steel shims. This article will focus on the installation of the various sub assemblies and the shimming required to create a smooth running and efficient drivetrain.

How To: Build a Modified RC18T Steering Assembly

• July 24 2017 – Image Update: Thank you all the sponsors, subscribers and readers of my blog for your support and patience during the recent missing image debacle caused by Photobucket. I would like to apologise for any inconvenience caused. This article now has all images restored.

This ‘How To’ article will describe the particular steps and components I use to build a modified aluminium steering assembly for the Team Associated RC18T using aftermarket and stock components. Through trial and error I have sourced and tested the best performing components from various manufacturers to build this modified steering assembly which resolves the steering issues associated with the stock standard RC18T steering.

How To: Build an Upgraded RC18T Ball Differential

• July 23 2017 – Image Update: Thank you all the sponsors, subscribers and readers of my blog for your support and patience during the recent missing image debacle caused by Photobucket. I would like to apologise for any inconvenience caused. This article now has all images restored. 

This ‘How To’ article will describe the particular steps and components I use to build an upgraded ball differential for the Team Associated RC18T using aftermarket and stock components. Over the years of owning the RC18T I have built several different combinations of this ball differential with varying results. This particular combination is the best assembly I have built to date in terms of reliability, durability and performance.

Product Review: RC18T Differential & Transmission Components

• July 2017: Apologies to PROJECT RC Readers! Firstly I would like to thank all the sponsors, subscribers and readers of my blog for your support. I would like to apologise for the recent image outage in my articles. The image hosting site I have been using, ‘Photobucket’ has recently decided that they will no longer host images to websites, blogs, etc unless you pay a ridiculous fee of $500 – This is particularly infuriating since there was no notice given. Since Photobucket has resorted to extortion for their users I will no longer use their services forever. This means that I will have to move all my article images to another platform and embed new coding for all those images which is a real PITA and a lot of work. Anyway I am in the process of doing that so I kindly ask readers to understand the situation and please be patient. PROJECT RC article images will soon be operational again.

This review will discuss some of the various aftermarket and factory differential and transmission components available for the Team Associated RC18T, RC18MT, and RC18B. This article coincides with the current build article;

Custom Build: RC18T Modified Custom Build – March 2015

Component Fabrication: Aluminium Chassis Brace for LiPo Batteries

This custom made Aluminium chassis brace for LiPo batteries is designed for the Team Associated RC18T and is designed to fit on a stock plastic chassis with some modification. This components function is to allow the use of wider LiPo batteries whilst adding strength to the left chassis edge. The process of construction can be applied to other projects requiring a similar component.

Component Fabrication: Perspex Spur and Pinion Gear Covers

This custom made Perspex spur and pinion gear cover is designed for the Team Associated RC18T and is intended to shield and protect the spur and pinion gears from loose debris, sand and rocks which can cause gear mesh problems and damaged gears. The process of construction can be applied to other projects requiring a similar component.

Component Fabrication: Aluminium front chassis brace & skidplate

This custom made Aluminium front chassis brace & skidplate is designed for the Team Associated RC18T and is intended to strengthen and protect the front hinge pin mounts and the front gearbox bulkhead. The process of construction can be applied to other projects requiring a similar component. 

Component Fabrication: Mesh motor guard and aluminium skidplate

This custom made mesh guard is designed for the Team Associated RC18T and is intended for the open recess where the motor sits. The process of construction can be applied to other projects requiring a similar component. I have tried various lexan guard mods but found that they were not to my liking for reasons of aesthetics and or function. This mesh guard shields the motor from rocks and allows airflow around the motor and allows for greater heat dissipation.

Custom Build: RC18T Modified Custom Build – March 2015

• July 2017: Apologies to PROJECT RC Readers! Firstly I would like to thank all the sponsors, subscribers and readers of my blog for your support. I would like to apologise for the recent image outage in my articles. The image hosting site I have been using, ‘Photobucket’ has recently decided that they will no longer host images to websites, blogs, etc unless you pay a ridiculous fee of $500 – This is particularly infuriating since there was no notice given. Since Photobucket has resorted to extortion for their users I will no longer use their services forever. This means that I will have to move all my article images to another platform and embed new coding for all those images which is a real PITA and a lot of work. Anyway I am in the process of doing that so I kindly ask readers to understand the situation and please be patient. PROJECT RC article images will soon be operational again.

CURRENT PROJECT: Team Associated RC18T Modified Custom Build – March 2015

I have had a Team Associated RC18T since they first came out back in 2004 -2005 and absolutely love it. These battery powered models are 1/18 scale. Stock standard models come with simple brushed motors and offer relatively average performance however when upgraded and modified with various brushless systems available in the market these cars can reach well over 80km/h. Their simplicity in installed components and chassis design make it a very durable RC truck. They are relatively simple to build and maintain and are a refreshing change when compared to working on 1/10 or 1/8 scale RC models.