My TR-SC10E Project - Part 8 - Front Ball Cups

The TR-SC10E is an awesome 4wd short course truck right out of the box but it does have a few areas that could stand some minor improvement.  One of those areas is the front steering link ball cups.  In a crash, it's possible for the ball cup to pop off of the ball.  This isn't a big deal as it can simply be popped back on again but, this has the potential to end a race.

Until today, I've simply been replacing the ball cups with new ones (part number E-65) whenever I had a ball cup pop off.  These are super cheap but I've been searching for a better / aftermarket alternative.

By complete fluke, it turns out that the TR-MT10E monster truck's captured ball cups and studs also fit the TR-SC10E.  I beat the tar out of my MT10E and have never had a ball cup pop off so this may be the solution I've been searching for - Woo Hoo!!! 

​Here's the parts needed for the swap:

• 510156 TR-MT10E Pivot Ball Screws
• 111007F 3mm Hex Nuts
• 510144 TR-MT10E Ball Cups

Here's the stock TR-SC10E ball and ball cup:

Stock TR-SC10E Ball Cup and Stud

And below is the TR-MT10E captured ball cup installed: 

TR-MT10E Captured Ball Cup and Stud Installed

It looks like I'll only be able to use these captured ball cups on the outside end of the steering links.  The clearance between the inner ball cup and the gear box housing is very tight and I don't think these slightly larger MT10E ball cups will fit on the inner part without some clearance issues.  When I have more time, I may give them a try but some dremel work may be required for the inner links to fit.  I'll keep you posted on that...

Hopefully this will solve the problem of ball cups popping off once and for all.

By the way, if you found this helpful, please do me a HUGE favor and support me by purchasing your TR-SC10E parts and hop-ups from me and also by using my Amazon links if you make any purchases at Amazon (they'll pay me a small commission)

Part 1 - New Body
Part 2 - ESC Mount
Part 3 - Front Bumper
Part 4 - Wheel Nuts
Part 5 - Aluminum Rear Hubs and Aluminum Steering Knuckles
​Part 6 - Rear End Upgrades
Part 7 - Front End Upgrades

'till next time

Rob