For this build I will be using a full ball bearing set and replacing all of the standard electronics with a Max10 brushless motor and ESC combo. I will be using a 2s 4000mah Lipo battery and an upgraded steering servo.
- Prepare all part trees neatly - ensure to cut off any small leftover tree section on each part when twisting them off (a small craft blade works very well). Also charge your battery for a later step.
- Put all screws into small bowls/plates/sections on your tool box, and separate into different sizes to make every step of the build easier.
- Assemble prop-shaft with spur gear and pinion gear for differential using the Tamiya supplied grease wherever there is a moving part (to lessen friction). You will notice throughout the build that I have used the optional Carson ball bearings in place of the standard plastic bearings.
- Diff assembly - Use the grease to lubricate all of the internal gears as well as the outer gear to ensure smooth running in the drivetrain. You can follow the steps as they are in the manual, but I just assembled both the front and the rear together.
- When placing the differentials in their places on the chassis make sure they go on the correct side (one on the opposite side to the other - otherwise the back wheels will turn in the opposite direction to the front!). Be sure to apply plenty of grease to moving parts.
- Motor positioning and mounting - the stock kit comes with a 22t pinion and a 70t spur gear. Each hole on the mount will have a number next to it - you simply put the motor bolts through the hole that matches the number of teeth on your pinion.
- Lower/upper arms for front and rear - these parts should all be greased on the end where they make contact with the arm holder due to friction. The front/rear skid plate and bumper holders will lock them firmly into position when fitted - the shock towers will do the same job for the upper arms. They should lift and drop again freely without needing to be pushed.
- Drive shafts and hubs - this will nearly complete the drivetrain of the car. This step is tricky as you have to fit the driveshafts and cups in position while holding the hub in its place to bolt it all together. Remember to thoroughly grease the cups and bearings for freedom of movement.
At this point the main drivetrain of the car is complete and should move freely.
- Shock Absorbers - The standard TT-02 shocks do not have oil in them and rely purely on the spring so are fairly basic and won’t provide great handling (I will be upgrading them soon). They are however very easy to assemble. Two screws attach them to each corner of the chassis.
Cat is now getting bored, but it is nearly finished…
- Steering assembly - After assembling the steering rods together, be sure to use some more grease on any moving parts for nice smooth steering. At this point you will need to assemble your electrics (receiver, battery, motor, ESC and transmitter. This is because you need to centre your servo before fitting the servo horn. Position the steering to centre and get a good idea of where the horn needs to be before fitting to the centred servo (power still on). Once you have screwed the servo horn in place you can turn the ESC off and disconnect your battery.
- You can now fit your servo using the mounts provided and attach the end of the horn to the steering arm/link to complete your steering setup. Most 2.4ghz transmitters have steering trim which will allow you to make small adjustments if your steering sits off centre when you power the car up for use.
- Fitting electronics - Now is the part where you must decide how to arrange your wiring. It is one of the most tricky parts for me as I cannot stand messy wires!
- Fitting wheels and body shell preparation - I have taken off the wheels for this step as I will need to set the end points and calibrate my brushless ESC. Upon completion of this step you have pretty much completed the car and the only remaining job is to glue the tyres to the wheels and re-fit them.
- Body shell preparation - COMING SOON!!!
- All that is left to do once you have finished your body shell is to enjoy your R/C car!!
