pylamy 0 Posted February 2, 2009 Hi, I'm almost done restoring a Dirt Thrasher, but I'm planning on hopping up the gear diffs with ball diffs. I've noticed that the FF02 gear diff can be replaced either by a manta ray ball diff or a TA03 one. Does this mean that a TA03 ball diff will fit a manta ray gearbox ? Is the metal one-piece thrust bearing of the TA03's instead of the silly plastic one of the manta ray's a real plus ? Thanks, Pierre-Yves Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
adam1973 1 Posted February 2, 2009 Don't know, I've always wondered what the differences are as well. I believe that the TA03 ball dif is cheaper than the Manta Ray one as well. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
B.M.T. 127 Posted February 2, 2009 Don't know, I've always wondered what the differences are as well. I believe that the TA03 ball dif is cheaper than the Manta Ray one as well. In practicality, the 03 diff can replace the Mantaray, but not the other way around. The Manta diff has a wider gear, so probably won't fit in the 03. However, the 03 diff will work in everything the Manta diff will. The 03 also has a superior thrust bearing. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pylamy 0 Posted February 2, 2009 In practicality, the 03 diff can replace the Mantaray, but not the other way around. The Manta diff has a wider gear, so probably won't fit in the 03. However, the 03 diff will work in everything the Manta diff will. The 03 also has a superior thrust bearing. Good news. I also believe that the TA03 thrust bearing looks way sturdier than the manta ray's. Plus these super small balls are a pain in the neck to assemble . Tx Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
terry.sc 16 Posted February 2, 2009 For the differences just check any TA02 and TA03 manual. The Manta Ray diff is heavier, virtually non adjustable and relies on shims to get it to drive. The TA03 diff is lighter, easier to adjust, smoother and the amount of slip can be adjusted. I'm sure you can work out which one is best. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pylamy 0 Posted February 5, 2009 For the differences just check any TA02 and TA03 manual.The Manta Ray diff is heavier, virtually non adjustable and relies on shims to get it to drive. The TA03 diff is lighter, easier to adjust, smoother and the amount of slip can be adjusted. I'm sure you can work out which one is best. Anyone ever tried the 3racing ta03 aluminium ball diff which is cheaper than the tamiya one ? I managed to find a good deal from a hong kong ebay store. Tamiya original ball diff 3Racing ball diff for M03 ****, euro is so strong for the moment. It's definitely worth buying in or $ for us... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
B.M.T. 127 Posted February 5, 2009 The 3Racing diff... I have one on my shelf, that I have not installed. Because they are built like a "normal" ball diff, with the through bolt passing through the joint cups, they can not be installed in the normal manner, they have to be installed in one piece, as pictured. You have to drill or ream the "flanges" that stop the diff support bearings from floating out of the gearbox out to 10mm, to allow the outdrives to pass through. This only leaves a tiny ring, .5mm thick stopping the bearing (and the diff) shooting out of the side of the gearbox!. This could happen with a side impact that pops the top link, and forced the drive shaft into and against the diff. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pylamy 0 Posted February 5, 2009 The 3Racing diff... I have one on my shelf, that I have not installed. Because they are built like a "normal" ball diff, with the through bolt passing through the joint cups, they can not be installed in the normal manner, they have to be installed in one piece, as pictured. You have to drill or ream the "flanges" that stop the diff support bearings from floating out of the gearbox out to 10mm, to allow the outdrives to pass through. This only leaves a tiny ring, .5mm thick stopping the bearing (and the diff) shooting out of the side of the gearbox!. This could happen with a side impact that pops the top link, and forced the drive shaft into and against the diff. Oh I see. There's no way of disassembling the 3Racing diff so that the outdrives can be placed afterwards ? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
B.M.T. 127 Posted February 6, 2009 No, there is no what to keep it together while it's being installed. And you still have to open up the holes in the gearbox, because there is no gap for the flange between the bearing and the outdrive. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pylamy 0 Posted February 6, 2009 Then why the heck are 3racing making such useless hop-ups? It doesn't even fit an M03 chassis although it's specifically intended for it... I think I'll go for a couple of tamiya's TA03 then. Thanks a lot for avoiding me wasting 40 bucks ! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
