Tamiya Grasshopper II

[Dangeruss]

For 1988 Tamiya redesigned its Grasshopper, arguably the most popular 1/10 2wd electric off-road buggy ever produced, to create the Grasshopper II. Although the chassis of the 'Hopper II could be mistaken as unchanged from the original Grasshopper, nearly every component was revamped to create a buggy that was slightly wider, shorter in wheelbase, and maintained better ground clearance than its predecessor. The improvements started with a new deeply molded ABS plastic tub featuring integrated shock towers that held larger diameter damperless sliding pillar coilovers at all four corners. Updated long front swingarms were joined by the familiar z-bend tie rods, ballcups, and direct mount servo saver steering system placed ahead of the cars electronics which sat similarly to before down the center of the tub above the bottom loaded longitudinally mounted battery. The rigid rear axle attached to the chassis with Hornet style pivoting rear mounts that allowed the suspension to articulate throughout its travel. A newly molded housing with bolt on shock mounts encased the pinion, spur, and bevel gear differential while metal axles used wider adapters to connect the driveline to Pin Spike Off-Roader rear tires, with Ribbed Off-Roader fronts added as well, all wrapped around larger diameter single piece white plastic spoke wheels from the Striker buggy. A sleek new molded plastic body finished gave the buggy a modern touch. A large front bumper, mechanical speed controller, Mabuchi RS380SE motor, and Big Daddy Evans driver figure completed the unassembled kit, which would be followed a year later by the Grasshopper II Super G: