RE: What problems can I expect with aluminum upgrade parts?
I would advise against sinking so much money into any rc, but in particular a redcat or similar bargain priced RC
save your dollars and upgrade to a more durable truck, really for the amount of money you're planning to spend
you could buy
B4 team kit
rustler or stampede
e-firestorm
many tamiya kits
spending all that money on a redcat is like having a honda civic and dropping 4 grand on wheels for it