Originally Posted by
Redbeard
Letter to Associated:
I don’t know about others who have called Team Associated lately and who they been talking to, but after having been a loyal Team Associated vehicle owner of one sort or another over the past fifteen years I have to sayI become increasingly dissatisfied with your products, in particular the SC104x4.
I find it hard to believe that when I called today seeking warranty support for the substandard components/parts that I (and plenty of others)have had to contend with, I spoke with Chris in product support and I explained how the slipper assembly overheated, essentially melting things like the slipper pad to the spur and heating the spring to the point it became discolored and useless (despite being “locked down”). He informed me would only be replacing few specific components ( implying I should happy with that) and that the “best solution” was to purchase the ClutchBasket. Really? I have no doubt it works but should I have to be directed to a third party manufacturer to resolve an issue with your product design? You should at least be willing to replace the slipper components when it’s been clearly identified as a week point in the drivetrain. I also mentioned the “bent”front/rear A arms and I was informed that these would not be replaced under warranty because in his opinion this was caused by the vehicle sitting too long on its wheels… and they’re made “soft”on purpose to avoid breakage.
Again…really? So just like the substandard slipper design I now have to consider paying for RPM A arms (or buy AE’s) to compensate for poorly manufactured/designed AE A arms. All of this after I received the truck minus the entire shock bag and having to wait months for replacements to be sent.
I want to believe this is an isolated experience and that if management knew about this they would attempt to make it right but I’m not entirely convinced. I hope others have avoided these sort of problems and havereceived better service and support but I know this has certainly discouraged me from commenting positively about my Team Associated experience.
Asociated did indeed respond and made an effort to address the issue:
Thank you for taking the time to voice your concerns, we appreciate hearing from our customers, it helps us to better our products and support for the future.
I will start by addressing the issue with the arms bending. I agree with you, it is unfortunate that the arms bend over time like they do. My truck has done the same thing but, as Chris pointed out, you can stop a great deal of it by storing the vehicle off the tires. I have tested this myself and it does work. Now, as I said, I agree it is unfortunate that the arms do this. Because of this, I am happy to send you a new set of front and rear arms but, I must admit, this will happen again.
So much of the way a vehicle drives, handles, jumps, crashes, etc is determined by the type of plastic used. It’s a constant race to handle the needs of both strength and performance.
In regards to the slipper, what we have found is that by de-coupling the slipper we have effectively cut the slip surface on the slipper pads in half. We have tested extensively and have a solution but, it will not be available for a while. What we have been doing is providing our customers with a solution, notifying them of a wonderful product to help them get their Team Associated vehicle back up to speed. What is needed is multiple slipper pads like that of a motorcycle or dragster. The clutch basket Chris was telling you about is that solution. Yes, it would be nice to get all your aftermarket parts from the manufacturer of the brand of vehicle you drive, in fact we would prefer you by all your parts from us but, at the end of the day we want to make sure your experience with your vehicle is a good one. Sometimes that means we might have to suggest a aftermarket solution.
You are correct, others have had the issue and have contacted AE in regards to it however, you are the first to be dissatisfied with the assistance given. Which I understand, I can’t say I wouldn’t feel the same way you do if I were in your position.
What I can do is send you some front and rear arms, as mentioned above and I can also send you a couple sets of slipper pads.
I use the slipper basket Chris mentioned to you and it works fantastic. It’s very cool after market piece for the 4x4.
Please send me your sipping information and I will get the parts sent to you right away.
Once again, sorry for the trouble you have been having, I hope together we can get you back up and running.