The D8T is my first truggy. I've beat on it and the only thing i've broken is a front caster block. The front center driveshaft developed some play so I replaced it with the Mugen and havn't looked back since.
Had a CVD come apart last weekend so I pulled it apart and heat shrinked all the CVD's and now I don't have to worry so much about set screws holding it all together.
The radio tray is a little tight to get the wires routed but is still very servicable.
D8T is easy to work on and clean.
I really don't think any hop ups are must have's for this truggy, but other parts for tuning purposes will be needed just like any other kit.