Thursday , 21 November 2024

Tamiya CC-02 Trail Truck Build – Part 4 – Front Axle | CompetitionX

Tamiya CC-02 Trail Truck Build – Part 4 – Front Axle | CompetitionX

Unlike the original CC-01, the Tamiya CC-02 now comes with a solid front axle that can be built with either an open or locked differential. This can be changed to alter the way the truck steers and climbs.

Build Notes:
As mentioned above, you can build the diffs either open or locked. Parts to build it either way are included in the kit.

There are some small 3mm nuts that need to be installed INTO the axle housing before you assemble it. Don’t forget these.

Step 1:
Tamiya CC-02 Trail Truck Build – Part 4 – Front Axle | CompetitionX
Before we begin, I want to point out the parts included to build an open diff. Unfortunately, this is not a sealed differential – any fluids will seep out almost immediately.
Step 2:
Tamiya CC-02 Trail Truck Build – Part 4 – Front Axle | CompetitionX
Here are the parts to build a locking differential – also included with the kit. I’ll be using these to build my CC-02.
Step 3:
Tamiya CC-02 Trail Truck Build – Part 4 – Front Axle | CompetitionX
Set the 9mm washer into the diff housings followed by the large bevel gear. Now set the plastic diff lockers into place so the teeth of the bevel gears mate with the lockers.

Set the star shaft into place and mate the two diff halves together, securing with the 2x8mm screws (blue threadlocker is suggested here).

Step 4:
Tamiya CC-02 Trail Truck Build – Part 4 – Front Axle | CompetitionX
Assemble a pair of front axles; e-clips on the shafts followed by a pair of bearings.
Step 5:
Tamiya CC-02 Trail Truck Build – Part 4 – Front Axle | CompetitionX
Assemble an output shaft; e-clip on the shaft, small bevel gear in place and two bearings.
Step 6:
Tamiya CC-02 Trail Truck Build – Part 4 – Front Axle | CompetitionX
The top and bottom axle housings are different. Note the orientation.
Step 7:
Tamiya CC-02 Trail Truck Build – Part 4 – Front Axle | CompetitionX
Slide the axles into the differential, then set that assembly into the bottom axle housing. You will need to slide the bearings on the axles to seat them in the bearing buckets in the axle housing.
Step 8:
Tamiya CC-02 Trail Truck Build – Part 4 – Front Axle | CompetitionX
Set the output shaft assembly into place. Apply a liberal amount of grease and rotate to fully coat the gears.
Step 9:
Tamiya CC-02 Trail Truck Build – Part 4 – Front Axle | CompetitionX
Set a 3mm nut into the pocket on the axle housing. You’ll need to insert one on both ends.
Step 10:
Tamiya CC-02 Trail Truck Build – Part 4 – Front Axle | CompetitionX
Mate the two axle housing halves together and secure with the seven screws. Note the size difference (both length and width) on all the screws.
Step 11:
Tamiya CC-02 Trail Truck Build – Part 4 – Front Axle | CompetitionX
Attach the upper link mounts to the top of the completed axle assembly. Note that they are directional and labeled with an A and B.

You can also install the lower, 5mm shock ball connectors to the axle.

Step 12:
Tamiya CC-02 Trail Truck Build – Part 4 – Front Axle | CompetitionX
Flip the axle over and attach the lower link mounts. These are also directional and labeled with a C and D.
Step 13:
Tamiya CC-02 Trail Truck Build – Part 4 – Front Axle | CompetitionX
Build a steering drag link. Note that only one side receives a plastic ball.
Step 14:
Tamiya CC-02 Trail Truck Build – Part 4 – Front Axle | CompetitionX
Press a large bearing into the steering arm, making sure it is fully seated. Slide the wheel axle into the bearing.
Step 15:
Tamiya CC-02 Trail Truck Build – Part 4 – Front Axle | CompetitionX
Slide the steering arm assembly into place, making sure to key the wheel axle to the dog bone. Secure with the two large step screws.

Note the orientation of the steering arm; the arm itself should be towards the front of the axle (away from the output shaft).

Step 16:
Tamiya CC-02 Trail Truck Build – Part 4 – Front Axle | CompetitionX
Feed the 3x27mm screw through the steering drag link, the tall spacer and into the inner hole on the steering arm. Do not overtighten.
Step 17:
Tamiya CC-02 Trail Truck Build – Part 4 – Front Axle | CompetitionX
Attach the plastic steering link to the outer hole on both the left and right steering arms.
Step 18:
Tamiya CC-02 Trail Truck Build – Part 4 – Front Axle | CompetitionX
Build a pair of short upper links…
Step 19:
Tamiya CC-02 Trail Truck Build – Part 4 – Front Axle | CompetitionX
…and attach to the top of the axle housing.
Step 20:
Tamiya CC-02 Trail Truck Build – Part 4 – Front Axle | CompetitionX
Build a pair of short lower links…
Step 21:
Tamiya CC-02 Trail Truck Build – Part 4 – Front Axle | CompetitionX
…and attach to the bottom of the axle housing. Note the orientation of the links.
Step 22:
Tamiya CC-02 Trail Truck Build – Part 4 – Front Axle | CompetitionX
The last step is to install the male-side driveshaft to the axle.

Nice job on the front diff. Hopefully you didn’t have to pull it apart to re-install those 3mm nuts! 🙂

Alrighty – on to the rear diff!

Use the links below to follow each step.
Tamiya CC-02 Trail Truck Build – Opening Page
Tamiya CC-02 Trail Truck Build – Part 1 – Transmission
Tamiya CC-02 Trail Truck Build – Part 2 – Chassis
Tamiya CC-02 Trail Truck Build – Part 3 – Driveshafts
Tamiya CC-02 Trail Truck Build – Part 4 – Front Axle
Tamiya CC-02 Trail Truck Build – Part 5 – Rear Axle
Tamiya CC-02 Trail Truck Build – Part 6 – Shocks
Tamiya CC-02 Trail Truck Build – Part 7 – Electronics
Tamiya CC-02 Trail Truck Build – Part 8 – Final Steps

About Tony Phalen

Tony Phalen - As an avid RC enthusiast, Tony has been building, bashing and racing RC Cars for over 30 years. He has participated in every kind of surface racing events - 1/18 scale trucks, 1/10 scale TC, Rock Racers, Rally - if it had wheels, he's raced it! He's also worked on both sides of the industry fence; collaborating with many major manufacturers (as well as being a sponsored driver) to working for a high-profile industry magazine. During this time he has learned many tricks, tips and techniques and is sharing that knowledge on CompetitionX - the most informative RC website on the internet!

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