Lego Technic 1980

Several new elements were introduced in 1980. Most important was the shock absorber and crown gear differential, the first of the specialized auto elements.

8860 Auto Chassis:
The second of the major Auto Chassis and the last of the first generation sets, using a high percentage of regular Lego bricks but also utilizing the new shock absorbers and differential gear, the model featured rack and pinion front wheel steering. A three speed manual transmission, rear wheel independent suspension and a 4-cylinder boxer engine. Probably the last of the first generation models, the 8860 still relied heavily on standard bricks and beams, it even used Homemaker faucets as part of the manifold.

8888 Idea Book: However limited the early selection of specialized elements and however much reliance there was on standard Lego elements, quite complex models were possible. Nowhere was this more evident than the models and ideas presented in the original Idea book, which, even 20+ years later, are quite impressive. In many ways this may be the most inventive of all the Idea Books. Among many other things, the book included instructions for a steam shovel, mechanical dogs, a crane 'programmed' with gear racks and a writing machine resembling a 4-lead EKG.

In 1980 only two new models were released, but most of the original sets from previous years were still available.

The new auto chassis replaced the old, and improved upon it in almost every way with an impressive list of old features (reciprocating engine, gearbox, rack and pinion steering, adjustable seats) as well as new features (a working differential, rear independent suspension, and reclining seats).  This set showcased everything Technic could do, but still was constructed with a large number of traditional bricks and plates.  The auto engines set was released only in the USA, and featured 4 technically accurate engine models with full instructions.  Both sets could be motorized using the 4.5V motor available separately.

Some very important new parts were introduced this year including the differential, the 14 tooth bevel gear, and the shock absorber.

Parts
Differential Gear
A specialized differential gear was introduced.  The ring gear, which has 28 teeth, can act as either a spur gear or a crown gear due to the tooth profile (like the crown gear).  This part is made to be used in conjunction with 3 of the new 14 tooth bevel gears.  One bevel gear goes on each side attached to an axle, and a third acts as a planet gear and rides on a pin in the cage.  The assembly acts like a real differential in every way: wheels can turn at different speeds or together, wheels turn opposite directions if the ring gear is fixed, and one wheel drives at double speed if the other is held.

The new 14 tooth bevel gears were the first gears LEGO^® made which were purpose-designed to work on perpendicular axes.  The gear is only 1/2 stud thick and the teeth do not have any back iron (webbing between the teeth), so it is a bit weak, but future iterations would correct this.

Shock Absorber
The shock absorber was an important step.  Finally, models could have real suspension.  This part was eventually used for other purposes, including holding mechanisms over center.

The shock absorber consists of a telescoping mechanism inset with a helical compression spring.  The spring is quite stiff compared with the weight of parts it typically supports.  The shock bottoms before the spring reaches solid height.

Pulley
The new pulley is smaller than the previous, and has a nice round groove for driving belts or rubber bands.  It is also only 1/2 stud thick, so it fits in smaller spaces.

Plate
The new 3x2 plate with a centered hole on one end can be used to support axles or pins, and is a way to align studded construction with Technic beam holes, which are located halfway between the studs.