I just use the Tamiya Assemble Universals #53597. Never had an issue with them. It makes me wonder whether something else is contributing to you repeatedly breaking driveshafts?

I only use the Tamiya universals too. Not one issue.

I went to the 3Racing universals and liked those much better than the Tamiya units. 2 reasons------cost, which is $14 compared to $28 and smoothness of operation. This is a recent change, but so far, there have been no problems.

I had to change cause the R1 units were no longer available and the good Tamiya ones, the one piece universals were discontinued. While the #53597 is a good choice, there are better ones.

I think, Jim aka Monkeyracing, turned me on to the 3 Racing ones

Probably. Of my 4 sets, I'm only positive one is Tamiya. I can't tell which are which anymore.

I got the 3 new Tamiya Rover bodies cut and washed. Going to paint the grills, arches, and turn signal today. Will do the white roofs probably tomorrow.

I use the Tamiya universals and for a while I ran them with the Tamiya 54410 Light Weight Alloy Swing Shafts but my advice would be to steer clear of them, they twist and bend very easily, I've since reverted to the original universal swing shaft.

Thanks for the response. My Dad and I have both been using YR universals, but are not at all impressed.

We will give the 3 racing shafts a go.

Ryan

Each time I paint these Rover bodies it reminds me how much I appreciate factory finished paint jobs. It's a lot of work to paint the grill and arches, then roof then rest of the body...then decals. x3

Wish someone would just sell factory finished bodies, or sell bodies that they painted that matches the box.

I've been running w/ these for the past 2yrs w/ no issue.

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Factory paint jobs! -half the fun is painting your own body! (but I guess if I had my own RC track like you then I'd not want to spend any time doing anything but driving too)!!!

On first inspection, you won't be impressed with these either. They are on the heavy side and look it. However, on further inspection, I was really impressed with how smooth they felt. On the track, the car looked better and seemed to be smoother.

It's been awhile so don't remember exactly, but I think these were a skosh longer, so had to do a bit of fiddling with the spacer in the outdrive. I will admit to being a bit anal about these spacers cause they can alter suspension movement and performance.

Now waiting for a warm weekend to be sprayed.

Tamiya has done a few, they just add a hefty premium for it. I'm watching how your rover bodies go, I've got 2 Monte Carlos that I need to spray, I just haven't found the time yet and haven't decided if painting the arches will be worth it or not.

I like to put some personal touch to my bodies

That is very cool, I'm a sucker for the Gulf livery.

Those MonteCarlo bodies are cool. I have one too. I like that they have actual chrome bumpers on them. I rarely crash my car in my basement track, so I just run the nice bodies.

Yes, I've seen the factory finish sell on ebay for like $100. But if you think about it, the time it takes to paint these things + decals, etc... I'd pay the $100.

I've done with and without black fender arches in the past. I prefer the black arches and the white roof. Just makes the more authentic looking. Rover Mini's are cool.