Gen8.

[Oh How Original]

So I am wanting to do a portal Unimog this year as my main build.
Been scrolling the classifieds for so long trying to find some take offs, and I stumble upon the Redcat Gen8 builders kit for only $169.99.
Seems like a hell of a good place to start a Unimog build, but my question is, is it?
Does it have any major weakpoints?
How are the portals holding up for you guys?
Is their a good reason for it being seemingly very cheap in comparison to others?
I know it's a long shot that it's as solid as TRX4/Capra axles, but figured it was worth asking anyway

[ferp420]

my redcat is holding up way better than my rtr axial rigs ever hoped for the pack kit shouldent have vary many issues but the steering knuckles were the tie rods attatch are week and the origi al portal gears had a issue that seems to be fixed now if not there vary cheap and easy to replace there are a few companys making upgrades for it and the axles were just redesigned to be stronger so most of the issues this rig had were fixed at the factory

the trx4 axles have gear issues too but there aftermarket suport is way better and you can buy parts just about anywere

i dont know anything about the capra but the front shafts look like a way better design than ether the trx4 and the gen8 but the gears still look small so i dont have alot of hope there

[Jim85IROC]

I don't hammer my Gen8 (but I do run it on 3S), and so far the only thing I've broken on it is a rock slider. I've got the updated portal housings & portal axles sitting here unopened because I still haven't broken the original, non-updated stuff. I wouldn't hesitate to use it as a starting point in a build where portals are desired.

[Wisceaux]

Originally Posted by Jim85IROC

I don't hammer my Gen8 (but I do run it on 3S), and so far the only thing I've broken on it is a rock slider. I've got the updated portal housings & portal axles sitting here unopened because I still haven't broken the original, non-updated stuff. I wouldn't hesitate to use it as a starting point in a build where portals are desired.

When you say updated do you mean the aluminum ones, or did they make changes at some point during production? If so do you have more information? I’m looking at getting the RTR and am curious if it’s better now than a year ago. A lot of the negativity around quality seems to be from early in production, around release.

[Oh How Original]

Sorry yes just to clarify, the updated parts, do they now come in newer kits or is it pot luck what you get?
My brother in law is actually looking at the RTR version, so I am curious to know what the updated parts comes on, or if they are only available to purchase.

[Bob_in az]

The updated housings are plastic & more substantial than the originals. They're a great, inexpensive upgrade. They come standard on the Axe & from what I understand, will be standard on all new production gen8's & PACKs. The existing stock of gen8's & PACKs have the original housings. However, I wouldn't let that stop me from purchasing one. Myself & many others never had a problem with the standard ones. The updated housing kit is only $17.99, so it's a very affordable upgrade. https://dealer.redcatracing.com/RER11939

[Wisceaux]

Originally Posted by Bob_in az

The updated housings are plastic & more substantial than the originals. They're a great, inexpensive upgrade. They come standard on the Axe & from what I understand, will be standard on all new production gen8's & PACKs. The existing stock of gen8's & PACKs have the original housings. However, I wouldn't let that stop me from purchasing one. Myself & many others never had a problem with the standard ones. The updated housing kit is only $17.99, so it's a very affordable upgrade. https://dealer.redcatracing.com/RER11939

Thanks for the info! Any way to know which housing an RTR has got? Or to know if it’s old stock or new?

[Bob_in az]

Originally Posted by Wisceaux

Thanks for the info! Any way to know which housing an RTR has got? Or to know if it’s old stock or new?

If it has double-shear shock mounts on the axle, it's the updated version

Sent from my SM-G975U using Tapatalk

[Fierce RC Pete]

I been beating on my Gen8 RTR on 2S lipo nothing broke yet. And its cold so plastic would be more brittle. I love it.