NDZ,
Although I understand that Irrgang Racing Services (IRS) makes the rear axle for the CRC Gen-X10, I have switched my CRC supplied axle out for an actual IRS unit. And have had no trouble since. Only comes in silver when I ordered the axle assembly from IRS. That was probably 6 months ago with no reoccurances after switching.
I love the Slapmaster Tools Thrust Bearing Kits for pan cars; but, the first production one I received for my Gen-X 10 from SMT wasn't machined quite right. Brian at Slapmaster figured out my issue and corrected that for me pronto. If you have any issues with the one you have, contact Brian for the #120 Thrust Bearing Kit.
I am also a big fan of "John's thread". One of my favs on RCTech.net.
Hopefully, we will have a lot to talk about after seeing the new ROAR announcement about going to single cell for pan cars.
Bill