Build tips and mods for your Tamiya Grasshopper

[TokyoProf]

Here are great tips I have learned along the way to get the most out of your stock grasshopper!

1. Ball bearings.
2. Secure the battery cover with a plastic servo saver horn. (Simple way to prevent your battery from flying out)
3. Use very fine grit sandpaper, steel wool, etc. to polish the metal pogo stick suspension parts front and rear. A dremel or drill could be easier. (This will remove binding in your suspension—a common problem in a new build. Or, they will bind with accumulated dirt and dust and mud).
4. Consider a softer front spring option. I got mine at a hardware store for some different application, the progressive spring action was a nice bonus. You can cut a ring or two off of the front springs for a less elegant solution. (It handles more predictably, with a more forgiving bounce)
5. Insert a small bit of Tamiya Anti-wear thick grease in the following areas for limited slip differential action. Just stick to the metal parts or gear cavities I have shown to avoid any of the thick grease getting on the large drive gears. You are probably better not adding any grease on the gears themselves if you go this route, for gaining a limited slip differential effect. (All this helps to reduce the ease in which one wheel spins like crazy when you are stuck. It gives you a little more traction). Greasing other places are fine in general.

Bonus:
6. Super glue the servo saver. One you master basic steering, you will appreciate the responsiveness that comes from supergluing or using a zip tie on the servo saver. If you are a bad driver glue it later lol.
7. LOCK the differential. I always prefer the driving performance of a LOCKED diff. More traction, more control, more sliding, and more fun. I agree with AMPRO that the grasshopper and hornet are so light that having a working differential is not necessary for turning effectively. Beach, grass, and pavement locked is always my preference. It doesn’t make sense now, but try it yourself...you might be a believer. Light rc cars and basic suspension designs are favorable to locking the diff IMO.
8. Never felt like I needed oil-filled shocks with the original design. It is probably better to go with softer tires (say from Kyosho, or the softer and larger hornet tires) which can better absorb some of the bumps.