Step 3 (Chassis build)

As you can imagine this part is a lot easier than the body. Nothing to worry about really, Just check all those screw sizes twice. I use a clear box with compartments in to hold all my screw bag contents etc. It is superb & helps loads. It opens up & I put my manual in the lid, Perfect!

Put down an old towel too. It keeps hold of all your bits while building.

You start by having to strip the main chassis down that's already built in the box for shipping ease. Take out the gearbox & add screw lock everywhere it says. I'm NOT using any screw lock or gearbox sealant as it's a shelf truck. It makes a mess anyway. I do however use grease where it says, But not as much.

So with the gearbox out you have to fit the rubber bushings in the cross member, To locate the gearbox studs. Fit these the way it says in the manual, The easy way. Gearbox in, More screws added to the chassis, Step 1 finished.

Step 2 is the damper stays & steering crank, Note which way the rubber bushing goes in. Also there are three different sizes spacers in this kit, Measure them to be sure you've got the right one.

Step 3 is attaching the damper stays, steering crank, rear bumper stays, etc.

Step 4 you've got to attach all the leaf spring holders. Don't tighten them too much where the spacers are.

Step 5 is the front axle build. You might have to trim some of the cast alloy parts with a file. Make sure it turns smooth when bolted together.

Step 6 is the rear axle build. Note the three spacers used here. Again check it all runs smooth.

Step 7 Attaching your leaf springs. It is hard, But try your best to tighten all nuts evenly. Keeping the axle brackets level. Note the different inner nuts on the front axle for mounting the under guard.

Step 8 fit your front axle. Along with a steering rod. Again don't tighten too much where the spacers are.

Step 9 Rear axle fitting. Don't forget the tiny spacers for the radius arms.

Step 10 & 11 My favourite.. Dampers! NOT! These are ok though. Usual Tamiya way of filling up the damper with oil. They don't work that well anyway, But try & get all the air out of the oil. Use a thin screw driver to stir it inside at the top, Pulls out the air.

Step 12 Front wheel hub attachment. Double check you use the correct hubs for the left & right sides (one way bearings in them) Fit your dampers & don't forget the washers like I did! And, The steering rod is too long. Make it 105mm not 107mm. The nice under guard goes on here too.

Step 13 Fit your rear wheel hubs, Both same. Dampers go on too.

Step 14 The gearbox. There's a rubber band that goes around the motor to stop any dirt getting in. Use tape if it's for a runner. I didn't put any oil in the gearbox as it's not going to be run. I strongly recommend you use car engine oil in your runner gearbox, And plenty of it. Makes them last ten times longer! Now the drive shafts go on & gear shift arm.

Step 15 Install the gearbox into the chassis. Don't forget the motor plate.

Step 16 The start of the mechanism/radio box. Time to fit the speed controller & resistors. Try & keep all the wires out of the way & tidy. The rubber dust protector is tricky to fit, But just slot it in & clamp it down with plastic part A4.

Step 17 Connect & test all your radio before installing. I only used three new servos in my build. No need for a receiver if it's not going to run.

Step 18 Attaching your servos to the mounts.

Step 19 Servo installation & resistor cover mounting. Note direction of decal on resistor cover. Again keep all your wires neat.

Step 20 All three servos to hook up to the servo savers etc. Steering, Speed controller & gear shift. Measurements are good for all three rods. The steering one might need to be a few millimetres longer than 210mm. The longest part of the steering rod goes into the mech box.

Step 21 Attach the receiver lid, First tucking away the receiver & battery if you have them. Can be a bit tight, But again if you keep your wires out of the way you should be ok. If your doing this for a runner truck, Wrap a balloon around both the receiver & battery. Remember to pass the antenna wire through the hole before screwing down the lid.

Step 22 Fit the Mech box into the chassis & connect the gear shift up.

Step 23 is setting up the gear change. Looks complicated in the manual, But it's soo easy. Connect everything up & turn on your radio. With trims in neutral just listen to the gearbox when you use the throttle. If it makes bad noises just pull back & adjust your trim until it goes into gear nice. Do the same with the other two gears (left & right on the throttle stick) You really do need a throttle shift gate on your transmitter for these trucks. And remember if your running a 3 speed, NEVER change gear while the motor is still spinning.

Step 24 Disconnect a motor wire to set up the speed controller travel adjustment.

Step 25 Adjust your steering.

Step 26 Fitting lower mech box cover. Remove the radius arm to fit the lid, Makes it a lot easier. Slide in as per picture.

Step 27 Attach battery deck. Be careful here, As the screws can damage the thin plastic mounts they go into.

Step 28 The bit I like, Fitting bumpers. Cut them off the trees carefully as the plastic is soo soft. Don't over tighten the screws. Just nip them up. Also there is the rear body mount to fit. Leave the screws loose for now, Then tighten them up after you fit the body.

Step 29 Wheels are always a good thing to do. These are simple, But the tyres are really hard in compound & could do with warming up first on a heater. I didn't & wish I had! Note direction & don't use glue if your not running.

Step 30 Fitting your wheels & tidying motor wires. Again be ever so careful screwing the wheels on. If your crush the plastic on the wheels it cracks & goes weak. Use three tie wraps not two. Put them where it says & another the other side of the front body mount to make it all even more tidy.

Step 31 Pop in your battery (if your going to test it) & fit your antenna tube.

Right, The next steps are the body build. It's already done! This is where it gets even more exciting! Drop your body on being careful. When pushing snap/body pins on, Face them upwards as much as possible. You know why.

All done! Now you should have a grand truck sitting in front of you to be very proud of!

Thanks for reading this article & I hope it's given you some pointers.