TA-02 based

[NZBrat]

Hi all. Newbie here.
Just wanting to know if there's anyone out there that has tried to use a Tamiya TA-02 as a budget crawler. I just swapped a TT-01 for a TA-02, and have seen pics of a Subaru Brat bodied TA-02 on the net. So that did it for me, a true 4WD Brat.
If anyone out there can give me some advice that would be great.

Cheers'
Del

[teebeehex]

G'day Bro! :welcomeani:

The TA02 chassis is certainly a fun chassis, probably more suited to a rally chassis than a crawler. Still, with the right wheels n tyres, a high torque motor and low gearing, it can make a pretty nice independent suspension crawler.

... and you can't beat that Brat body for charm! :D

[Wyoming]

be sure to lock the diffs, I replaced the rear ball diff with a gear diff from one of the buggy based ta-01/2 cars which was easier to lock using one of the spider gears stuck between the other two

[Moondoggie]

If you don't want to find a replacement for the ball diff you can replace the balls with rubber pegs effectively making a slipper clutch.

These might work for that:

http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXJK92&P=M

If you were to go that path make sure the ball diff is cleaned of any grease.

[Blazerbogger]

Put the front diff in the rear and lock it, then either tighten the ball diff and stick it in the front gearbox, or buy $10 in parts and install a second bevel gear diff in the front. I think all you need is a new gear set and some bevel gears if you don't have extras already.

[SMOKE-DOG]

Keep in mind, the TA02 chassis wheelbase is slightly longer than the Brat body. You will either have to modify the chassis or body wheelbase. Speaking of 4WD Brats:

http://www.tamiyacrawlers.com/forum/showthread.php?t=138

[teebeehex]

LOLz, Smoke-Dog. No harm in self promotion :D

actually, if you build the TA02 with TA01 arms (ala racing F150 kit# 58161), you have the correct wheelbase right there. :cool:

[keno4864]

actually, if you build the TA02 with TA01 arms (ala racing F150 kit# 58161), you have the correct wheelbase right there. :cool:

I also used a TA02 chassis under my Tamiya Pajero when the rear diff assembly
and housing gave up. I just bought a Tamiya Ford F150 kit and flip the rear arms
to shortened the wheel base. Re-positioned the body post and the Tamiya
Pajero body fits perfectly. :)
http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i99/keno4864/Picture_1186-1.jpg
Upgrading to a TA02 chassis increases the speed and stability of the pajero
despite having a shorter wheelbase and higher body compared to the F150.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hH_dS6n_5OY
The suspension, gear and motor can be change to turn this kit into a crawler. :)

[Arcocustom]

I also used a TA02 chassis under my Tamiya Pajero when the rear diff assembly
and housing gave up. I just bought a Tamiya Ford F150 kit and flip the rear arms
to shortened the wheel base. Re-positioned the body post and the Tamiya
Pajero body fits perfectly. :)
http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i99/keno4864/Picture_1186-1.jpg
Upgrading to a TA02 chassis increases the speed and stability of the pajero
despite having a shorter wheelbase and higher body compared to the F150.
The suspension, gear and motor can be change to turn this kit into a crawler. :)

Nicely done. That truck scoots. Jumps good too! Great mods and great video! Traction rolled a few times but otherwise was very stable.:rockon:

[Moondoggie]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hH_dS6n_5OY

Sweet vid! :rockon:

[IceChilly]

I loved the video! Looks like all sorts of fun!!!

[NZBrat]

Thanks to you all. Got the TA02 sitting off the ground now, didn't have any wheels, tires, or shocks when I first got it 4 days ago. Wheels & tires from local Trading site, shocks (friction) from a TT01. They'll do for now until I find out what a decent set for my "Baby Brat" will be.

http://i331.photobucket.com/albums/l448/AE85_Del/Stage1.jpg
http://i331.photobucket.com/albums/l448/AE85_Del/Stage2.jpg

Stages 1 & 2 for one of 3 Brat based projects

[NZBrat]

Pics of the 4WD "Baby Brat" so far. Now off the ground with wheels, tires, and shocks. Shocks are just friction ones off my other TT01, (which I swapped for the TA01) they'll do until I find out what the best shocks are. Wheels/Tires, local trading site.
http://i331.photobucket.com/albums/l448/AE85_Del/Stage1.jpg
http://i331.photobucket.com/albums/l448/AE85_Del/Stage2.jpg

Cheers'
Del

[NZBrat]

Brat Polycarb body arrives either Thursday (I hope then, `cause HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME) or Friday. Either day is good. Birthday pressie to myself. Now the question. "What colour to paint it? Something to go with the rims. Was thinking Metallic Blue, or normal Red, maybe Gun Metal Grey. What to do ??????????????????????????????

[spencertrax]

My TA02 based trail truck is one of my favorites, with a 55t in it it works pretty good. Best of luck with your project.

[NZBrat]

Cheers spence. 55 turn, awesome. Gotta find a decent motor for mine

[Hondabiker]

I have built an independant crawler based on a manta ray chassis Try link http://www.tamiyaclub.com/showroom_m...70238&sid=4190.

Articulation and clearance are OK but the biggest problem I have found is that the rear end squats when climbing (near vertically) head-on. I have recently added an anti-squat device to the rear end (no pictures yet) which allows full left-right articulation but limits the travel (to the point where both rear arms are level) when both sides are compressed. This has improved things big time.