Tamiya Grasshopper Rear Suspension and Gearbox conversion kit

thingiverse

Important Update! As of 3/31, I've moved this project to a new platform with an updated design to minimize any confusion. Please download the latest version from the link below: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:4248376 Design Update! (2020.3.15) After conducting thorough test runs, I decided to modify the center gear nut's design and switch to a new hub accordingly. Old Design : Gearbox5_nut.stl - Problem: The spline(inner gear type) design didn't print well on normal home 3D printers, resulting in a loose hub joint(9805368) that wasn't strong enough for multiple runs. New Design : Gearbox5_nut_new.stl - I changed the center nut's spline design to 'key' type, which printed better and withstood high torque runs. - A new hub joint part is required: Tamiya 53790 (used in TT01). Please update the nut only if you've already built the gearbox. Disassembling it without removing the gearbox mount and rear arms should be relatively easy. Check out my YouTube video for a step-by-step installation guide: https://youtu.be/8ZGd0Yozjg4 Final test run! https://youtu.be/q1BWPxbzri8 Beach run on a sunny day! https://youtu.be/_Ai3INqZkYw Sunday park run! https://youtu.be/FA3E59mjMgs Initial Upload (2020.2.25) This is an upgrade to my forever favorite Tamiya Grasshopper! The Grasshopper's gearbox with rigid axle makes this car unique, and everyone loves its durability, simple structure, and great performance on easy roads! This conversion kit enables users to upgrade their hopper or hornet into a VW dune buggy style 'trailing arm' based independent suspension. I tested the kit and am satisfied, except for the center gear nut(Gearbox5_nut.stl), which isn't strong enough for a lifetime warranty. If you're a serious heavy user, you'll need to upgrade to metal parts (will update when available). For others, this PLA nut may be sufficient; just reprint if it wears out. The benefits of conversion include: - Far enhanced rear grip -> better road holding in any roads - Higher performance on easy roads - Improved durability To build the kit, you'll need the following parts: * Tamiya M03/05 30mm drive shaft (9805503), OR M03 option swing shaft(54410) * Tamiya Frog/Brat's wheel axle hub(9808039), OR Frog/Brat option Universal Shaft set (53908) * 6 O-rings for axle/joint hub, OR some silicone pipe * 70mm damper/spring, I used DT03's front CVA shock set * 2 more 1150 size bearings All the hopper/hornet's internal gear parts will be reused. I'll update with further build instructions in my YouTube channel soon. If you have basic RC skills, building the kit should be relatively straightforward. Few things to be careful when building the kit: 1. Be very careful with screw holes; 3D printed parts are not as durable and accurate as commercial kits. 2. Some parts will warp during printing; set your printer well to minimize any warps. Please visit my YouTube channel for further information later. I'll upload detailed build instruction videos soon! - Test run: https://youtu.be/Z_58uAlQDb8 - Build instructions: to be updated! Please post comments in Thingiverse or YouTube for any feedback or queries! ================================================================ Please find my other Grasshopper upgrade parts also: 1) Grasshopper front suspension upgrade parts: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:3860829 2) Grasshopper rear suspension upgrade parts - MK1, hornet style upgrade: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:3815254 3) Grasshopper driver figure: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:3803664 4) Spot light: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:3840276 5) Mini action cam(SQ23) holder with driver figure for Grasshopper: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:4018398 Enjoy!