When you connect the chassis halves with the upper deck, you also install the stabilizer bars. These bars connect both F/R cantilevers to each other so they move in unison (like a sway bar).
Next we install the bearings on the axle shafts, these are held into place with E-Clips.
Tamiya ships the CR01 Landcruiser kit with a tube of Ceramic Grease to keep the differentials and gearbox properly lubricated. Below is a diff half with a shim installed and lubricated.
Next we install the large bevel gear into diff housing.
Then we install the smaller bevel gears on the star shaft, then the other large bevel gear, and finally the other case half.
Both diffs are now assembled.
Next we install the bevel gear shaft into the axle housing.
Shown here you can see the bevel gear shaft is held in with an E-Clip.
Now we take the axle shafts and install them into the diff (They have splined ends which turn the gears inside). You can see how the whole assembly rides on ball bearings.
One of the really cool features of the CR01 is the ability to lock the differential with a simple screw pin. What’s even cooler is that this screw is accessible from outside the gearbox (See 2nd pic below). This hole is plugged with a larger grub screw so no dirt gets inside the axle.
Awesome build, so detailed I could follow it instead of the instructions!;) I love these trucks and can’t wait to see how it turns out.
Truck looks amazing!