Gary,

I checked the diff balls in the TC3 manual, and the differential
balls are a direct replacement (3/32" = 2.4mm) for the T-Spec.

The thrust balls are a little bigger. The T-Spec is 1.5mm = 1/16",
where the TC3 is 5/64" = 2.0mm. I don't know that that's exactly
a problem, and I think that may be why ours frag so badly - it's
like little point contacts, vs. the Associated with larger balls.

I also checked the PRO4 diff. It looks pretty much like the Assocaited,
with the larger thrust balls. Its clamp bolt is smaller than the T-Spec,
so the thrust washer has a smaller ID, so we couldn't use it with our
diff screw. I also think we'd have trouble fitting the larger diff balls inside
our outdrives without using the smaller diameter clamp bolt.

I'd be willing to bet that this is where most of the trouble with the T-Spec
diff is coming from. Those tiny thrust balls are just too small and the
washers too weak to withstand a serious cranking on the clamp bolt.
The force may be the same, but with those small balls, the pressure is
enormous.

I'm definitely going to try to get a TC3 or PRO4 diff now. Looking at
the Associated pictures, they are almost identical in design, now it's
just a question if the whole diff assembly (with the stock ring-gear)
will just drop into a T-Spec. If so, that'll be the ticket. Hopefully I
can get one this weekend. I'll let you know how it goes.

Mike