FF-02
The FF-02 front-wheel-drive chassis is an evolution of the M-03 chassis, with which it shares 90% of its components; only the suspension and the spacer to extend the wheelbase are different. The remaining 10% is shared with the TL-01 chassis. The FF-02 chassis was released in 1998 and is the third front-wheel-drive chassis produced by Tamiya. The acronym FF stands for “Front drive Front motor”; the following models belong to this family:
Peugeot 306 Maxi WRC, model number 58224, released in 1998 and available on the market until 2008
Alfa Romeo 156 Racing, model number 58245, released in 1999 and available on the market until 2003
Toyota Celica, model number 58248, released in 1999 and available on the market until 2005
The FF-02 chassis was developed in parallel with the M-03 and TL-01 chassis, with which it shares several components. The main shared part among the three chassis is Part B, code number 50736: front and rear hubs with uprights and the servo arm for steering. In this section, the parts shown in bold in the image below on the left are used only in the TL-01 chassis and are not used in the FF-02 and M-03 chassis.
The engineering of the FF-02 chassis is the same as that of the M-03 chassis, which adopts the basic concepts of the TL-01; therefore, the chassis consists of two half-shells. The front and rear half-chassis (Part A code 50792) of the FF-02 family is the same as that of the M-03 family. The shock towers are an integral part of these half-shells, which is a flaw of the M-03 and TL-01 families because if the shock mount breaks, the chassis must be almost completely disassembled. Fiber plates from third-party suppliers are available on the market to reinforce the shock mount and reduce breakage. However, this solution does not solve the problem.
The lower suspension arms of the front and rear of the FF-02 family are the same as those of the TL-01 family. Part C, code 50737. Each model is equipped with two 50737 sets. This set also includes the front and rear bumpers. This explains why the track width of the FF-02 family is 20 mm wider than that of the M-03 family.
Only two new sections were developed specifically for the FF-02 chassis: the central spacer and the rear body mounts. The difference in wheelbase between the M-03 and FF-02 chassis is achieved by inserting a different spacer in the central part of the chassis, parts D3 and D4 highlighted in red in the image on the left. The M-03 has a wheelbase of 210 mm, the M-03M has a wheelbase of 225 mm, the M-03L has a wheelbase of 239 mm and the FF-02 has a wheelbase of 257 mm. The track width of the M-03 chassis is 138 mm, while the track width of the FF-02 chassis is 157 mm.
At the rear, two mounts D2 and D1 were built to secure the body, highlighted in red in the image on the right. These four pieces are included in Part D, identified by code 50799.
This model can still accommodate the classic mechanical speed control with its resistor. Although the manual refers only to the electronic control, the chassis is designed to support the mechanical system. This setup must be installed at the rear of the chassis and alters the weight distribution, thereby affecting the handling of the chassis compared to using an electronic speed controller.
53115 – two shafts with universal joint. Shared part with the TA-02 and TL-01 chassis.
53218 – pair of reinforced joints for the drive shafts on the differential side (on the left in the images below)
53267 – TA-03 ball differential set. Tamiya has never released a ball differential specifically designed for the FF-02 chassis. The TA-03 ball differential is adjustable and lighter; this results in smoother transmission depending on motor power and less rotating mass. Differential tuning is complex and the balls require very frequent maintenance. The stock gear differential is chosen for reliability and ease of use, while the ball differential is preferred for performance (center in the images below). The 53070 ball differential set for the Manta Ray can also be used.
53295 – foam insert for FF-02 chassis (on the right in the images below)
53301 – four plus four stainless steel pins for the lower suspension arms
53303 – four adjustable upper suspension arms (on the left in the images below)
53308 – two aluminum towers for installing the steering servo (in the center in the images below)
53324 – front and rear stabilizer bars for TL-01 and FF-02 (on the right in the images below)
53344 – heat sink for electric motor with two screws for installation. Shared part with the M-03 chassis (on the left in the images below)
53345 – reinforced rear hub for FF-02. Shared part with the TL-01 and M-03 chassis (in the center in the images below)
53346 – quick-release battery holder for FF-02. Shared part with the TL-01 and M-03 chassis (on the right in the images below)
53348 – complete ball bearing set for FF-02. Shared part with the M-03 chassis
53379 – lightweight balls for the differential (part number 53267)
53390 – hollow carbon gear shaft M-03, guide for building carbon parts. Shared part with the M-04 chassis (on the left in the images below)
53439 – anti-wear grease
53443 – three types of silicone shock oil: #200, #300, #400 (in the center in the images below)
53444 – three types of silicone shock oil: #500, #600, #700 (on the right in the images below)
53508 – lubricant oil for metal bearings
53509 – HFC 0.6 aluminum pinion (20T)
53523 – two aluminum front steering uprights for FF-02. Shared part with the M-03 and M-04 chassis (on the left in the images below)
53527 – two titanium turnbuckles 3×32 mm (in the center in the images below)
53571 – four low-friction lightweight alloy dampers, TRF series; gold-colored damper body (on the right in the images below)
54277 – reinforced gear set (black color, standard gears are white)