I'm not sure about the size of the HPI thrust bearing. It doesn't look very robust to me (the bearing cage looks like a stamped brass thing that wouldn't hold the bearings hardly at all). But then, it's $2.89. . .you get what you pay for.

I know that Slapmaster is selling much higher quality thrust bearings that are the right size for our cars. . .they're more money though.

As far as the CRC spacer - is there any significant difference between that one and the AE one?