i dunno. ill check later if i get a chance.

Are you guys speaking about Pillow ball cups? If so I think the platic ones would be better. My reasoning is that with metal pillow balls rotating in metal cups their is bound to be excess friction and bind. Think of a hip joint, ball and socket replacement in humans the socket is lined in " plastic".

not sure about all but i have seen some with a plastic piece on the end for that very reason.

Are the Integy' Axle carriers/ steering blocks the only choice? I heard they don't hold up very well?

I have not damaged a integy knuckle yet. I have tore up some other stuff but not an integy knuckle. There are other choices out there. I don't recommend the rpm knuckles.

Are you useing the stock servo for steering? I had the same problem untill i got a stronger servo. the traxxas servo really isn't strong enough to handle an Emaxx at full speed. may want to check into a new servo.