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The new X8 platform from AR by Ansmann Racing targets on the ever growing market of 1/8 scale off-road buggies. The X8 is available as nitro and electric variant with the X8e electric buggy being build in the latest instalment of our Build Blog.

The AR X8e comes as kit including crystal clear Polycarbonate shell, white wing and white rims but without electronics and tyres leaving these to pick by the owner.

Building starts with the steering assembly. The Ackermann plate that connects the two ballraced steering bellcranks features three different holes (such as the bellcranks) to alter the steering geometry. The so called "Ackermann" setting has influence on the the steering angle of the inner and outer wheel altering the overall steering characteristics.

This is a general tip for all ball cups on the X8e: Take a body shell reamer and widen the holes for the turnbuckles a bit (!) to make building them easier.

The buggy features a nicely made T6-6061 aluminium chassis plate with hard anodising to make it more robust against scratches and the rigours of off-road racing.

Here you can see the steering assembly and the adjustable servo saver.

The upper steering plate made from plastic with a metal insert. Make sure you insert it the right way as otherwise you cannot attach the front chassis brace.

The upper steering plate in place including chassis brace and body mount.

A finished differential in the background with the parts laid out in the foreground. The spider gear differentials come with 5000CST oil front and 2000CST oil for the rear differential. The lightweight outdrives lower the weight of the diffs while the sturdy spiral cut crown gears make for an efficient and tough drivetrain.

The rear diff filled with 2000CST oil. Only fill the differential so the oil level is just above the inner cross pins.

The pinion gear inserted in the gearbox with the front centre driveshaft. The shafts come pre-build.

When attaching the driveshaft make sure to counter the pinion gear and also to slide the diveshaft coupler on the whole way to avoid axial play of the pinion gear shaft!

The front gearbox with installed anti-roll bar.

The front uprights with CVD-style driveshafts and 17mm wheel hexes. The cross pin of the driveshaft is retained by the large inner bearing doing away with the need to secure it via a grub screw.

Here you can see the cross pin (the small silver thingy in the middle of the picture) secured by the inner wheel bearing.

The steering C-hubs attach to the front wishbone using screws and bushings to reduce wear and also make the whole assembly less prone for excessive play.

The suspension holder are supplied as plastic part for the FR (front-rear) and anodised aluminum part for the FF (front-front) holder.

The front shock tower is machined from 5mm T6 aluminium and hardanodised such as the chassis and the aluminium suspension holders.

Only four more screws and the frontend finds its home on the chassis.

Don't forget to put some suitable grease on the gears before attaching the frontend to the chassis. We used a small amount of Hudy Graphite Grease which is specially formulated for the use on gears.

Voilà! The front of the AR X8e is completed. Minus the shocks of course.

Another pic of the completed front of the X8e. You can see the black plastic chassis brace that allows for more torsional flex of the chassis and therefore more grip compared to an item made from aluminium.