Tundra - What do I "need"?

[Nobbi1977]

Ok so my Tundra is sat in customs in Coventry. I could not resist the Banzai deal so even if I get hit with charges it is still coming out "cheap"

I want a runner but I only want to build it once. I know some replace 99% of these for scale and performance but my plan is just the essentials.

Bearings are a given and I am currently looking at the GPM bits that replace plastic on the build.

What else do I need for a solid build to get around known faults?

A build thread will follow but not for a while, I need time to collect parts before I build

[Backlash]

I have an F350 (I'm guessing they are the same chassis as the Tundra) that I built to crawl with, rather than high speed running..

Minimum Requirements.... If you want to change gears, you will need a minimum of a 3 channel radio.. I used my Spektrum DX3R and set it up to "toggle" between 1st and 2nd gear only.. I would also recommend getting a 10Kg+ High Torque servo for steering..

I personally found 4 "flaws" in the kit..

1. Was the kit steering setup... There were way too many linkages for my liking, so fitted a High torque servo, and I relocated the servo up the front like in the 1/14 Tamiya trucks, and ran a single link direct to the steering knuckle..

2. The kit motor was swapped out for a 35 Turn for more torque and less speed..

3. The kit tyres are useless, so I fitted a spare set of Proline Flatirons left over from my Honcho..

4. The stock battery location is great for the COG, but useless for clearance.. So I swapped over to a lighter LiPo battery, and mounted it between the chassis rails at the rear of the truck (under the bed)..

I built mine with the softest spring setting, and with both diffs locked.. I also removed (sanded/filed) the "flange" off the covers for the differential pumpkins so they had a tighter fit, and no excess overhang..

[Nitomor]

I've been close to buying one of these for a while,

Junfac 4 link and Gmade G-Air tyres is the first thing I would have done. Solves 1, 3 and 4 above I think. Someone else might be able to correct me? Looks the nuts like that too, I think the proportions look all wrong on the stock kit.

[backtomyroots]

Make sure the radio has a "3" position switch or get the Futaba 4YWD (2.4 ghz) built specifically for these trucks.

Bearings, of course.

Other radios with a 3 position switch include the Spektrum DX4S, or the new version of the 4YWD is the Futaba T4GRS (digital adjustments), on my list to purchase myself. (Avoid the Tactic TTX300).

Any 1.9 tire from RC4WD that's a bit taller, the stock one look ridiculous. I run RC4WD Tomahawk tires and on my F350 I have the Dirt Grabbers.

For a servo, there are many choices for steering, the Futaba S3005 is a good start but others can recommend higher torque ones. Just a standard one is good for shifting. Traxxas has a waterproof servo as does Hitec ( Hitec requires a servo horn not included in kit, has a different spline).

Stick some LEDS in there too. Kits available online from Hobby King, 3Racing, Axial, Tamiya.

Lots of esc choices but as long as it is lipo compatible you are set, The Traxxas XL-5 (in my Tundra) is a solid waterproof performer. Hobby Wing, Axial and HPI I think are solid choices as well.

Here's my ride, I took out the stock battery tray and made a new battery tray from plastic (or you can use styrene). I mounted it under the rear bed between the chassis rails.

Battery mount mod:

Finished: