Tamiya DF03 Dark Impact Build Guide & Tips Part 2 + YEAH Racing upgrades!

[@DeliriumElectric]

Great detail, thanks! Big DF03 fan here.

[@MarkBryanRC]

Cool, thanks! Got to love a DF03!! 😎👍

[@sullybiker6520]

When I was a 12yr old building my Frog, I hated the whole gearbox assembly thing, because being a kid it's just a bunch of gears that keep trying to fall apart as you mate the gearbox case. Nowadays I quite enjoy putting them together. It's usually the most complex part of any build be it a Grasshopper or an Avante, but the satisfaction of getting that bit done, and hand-turning the assembled unit never seems to get old.

[@MarkBryanRC]

Hi! Oh yes, I remember getting annoyed at gears falling out, back in the day - got used to it now as I've build so many Tamiyas! Yes, it's a great feeling when it all goes together smoothly, I never tire of building these kits. Thanks for the message, take care, my friend! :O)

[@bigfoot8361]

wow its looking great. just learnt the hard way how not to spill all the ball diff balls, just scoop ball diff grease with tweezers and stick it in the bag.

[@MarkBryanRC]

Cheers! Good idea with the grease, you really don't want any of them rolling away! All the best, my friend! :O)

[@tiborvon]

Looking forward to seeing the end result Mark 👀👍

[@MarkBryanRC]

Thanks my buddy, Tibster! Yeah, you and me both, can't wait to get it finished and running - have a lovely weekend! 👍

[@TonysRcTechboom]

Well Mark you are aloud to get carried away bro 😁 love the Aluminium parts look Well better than the plastic 😍 thought them little ball bearings were going to go all over the place when you dropped it abit 🤭 good job you put plenty of grease in it 👍 Well its looking great bro and I can't wait to see the next one 😁 🤗 have a fantastic weekend brother 👍😎😁😍👍

[@MarkBryanRC]

Thanks my mate Tony, always a pleasure to see your comments! Ooooh the alloy bits are sweet, but a bit too heavy for my liking, we will see how it goes. Glad I didn't lose a bearing, that would be such a pain in the ass! Hoping your weekend was a great one too, my Bro! Cheers! 👍

[@TonysRcTechboom]

@@MarkBryanRC 👍🥰😎👍

[@hellion1770]

Those shock tower are absolutely gorgeous.

[@MarkBryanRC]

Got to agree with you there - the castings are such good quality, I'm really impressed with these parts - cheers! :O)

[@ShenRC]

Lovely! I used to have one of those buggies I think I show a photo of it in some video of my old rc's I had it was good fun I really liked it a lot. Mark he he you blinging this sucker out!👍

[@MarkBryanRC]

Cheers, Steve! Yeah, I think I saw this one one your channel one time! Sure is getting blinged up - plenty more bling to come, my friend! Have a great weekend, buddy! :O)

[@PeteWylieRC]

Hi again mate. I now have a beer so hoorah! Anyway another top build video my friend. The metal bits look great but I was just thinking that the lower arms don't have any bend now so all the impact of a rollover is on that plastic pivot on the gearbox. I'm sure that you won't be bashing the hell out of this anyway. It should run well and be super accurate. Great project so far which is what you need right now. So hooray for a week off work. I think that the weather is warming up from Sunday so hopefully you'll be able to get out. I'm still fiddling with my Willy. It's needs a lot of touching up! Enjoy your evening and week mate. Still haven't done anything about that video chat. Need to order a webcam as I can't seem to get the GoPro to do it. Cheers for now mate 😀🍺🍺🍺🍺

[@MarkBryanRC]

...And Hi again to you, Pete! Hooray for the beer - just gonna pour an early one as well! Great comment, I totally agree about the metal not flexing and passing stress onto other parts, I was thinking exactly that as I was fitting them. But they are too pretty to leave off! Plus, you are right again, I'll use this more for track racing than throwing off ridiculously big jumps! Jut gotta avoid crashing into trees! Yeah, the weather has been crap here, too cold to go out and play. Think next week will be much the same. Anyway, gotta finish filming this build and do the bodywork. That should keep me busy, plus the Range Rover interior to do. Haha, you made me laugh with the willy reference!!! =D Oh yeah, we should sort out that video idea - I think I can use Alf's laptop again for that. Enjoy the ales, matey! :O)

[@PreeMoo]

I wish I had the common sense to push down the spring so that the tiny 2x25mm cap screw would catch on that ridiculously sized lock nut. That was an adventure on its own. The next adventure was trying to figure out where one of those 10mm razor thin shims disappeared. Probably into the recesses of the rear gearbox. Rather than open it out to retrieve the extra one, I went out and bought replacement shims. It’s still all languishing in its box, still in parts, waiting for me to garner the courage the carry on. Thanks for the informative vid.

[@MarkBryanRC]

Thanks Preyalin - it's great to read you again! Yeah, some of the sections of this build are a bit fiddly and take some concentration, that's for sure! I hope you build up the courage to get the kit finished, it's a great buggy, I know you will love it! All the best from Mark...

[@PreeMoo]

@@MarkBryanRC thanks for the encouragement Mark. I cracked on this morning with unpacking the box and building the front diff. Then could not find that tiny 2.5mm screw pin. Searched for almost an hour. Got cheesed off, re-packed everything away, and then discovered the missing screw pin neatly stuck in my sandal, between my toes, as I was about to storm off. I really wish I was making this up😳.

[@MarkBryanRC]

@@PreeMoo Oh man! Reading this, sorry, but it sounds quite funny! I bet you didn't find it funny though! You really couldn't make it up. But I hope you cracked on and got that screw pin in place! Better luck with the rest of the build! :O)

[@fencenaoghen3569]

Hi Mark! Once again this is a remarkable, serious and precise video. Great job Prof Mark! These Yeah Racing parts are really very beautiful. I agree with Pete on the load transfer and therefore on the future use of this buggy. I will be on vacation in a week and sincerely look forward to it. I have the forms to fill out this weekend, it's going to be another studious weekend. Fortunately I have my friends' videos to relax me a bit. Take care of yourself my brother, the beautiful days will return ...

[@MarkBryanRC]

Thanks again, my good friend, Alex! I'm going to be very gentle with this buggy at first, hoping that nothing gets broken with those rigid alloy parts - I may go back to the plastic components! I am on vacation from work this week! Yippee! Hope you get to have a good rest when your vacation comes too. I hope you get some rest this weekend after all that paperwork. Thanks for the wonderful comment, let's hope good times come again soon... Love and peace, mon ami. :)

[@sullybiker6520]

It's interesting to see drilling/finishing in a Tamiya kit, especially a popular one! And goodness me those alloy pieces are beautiful.

[@MarkBryanRC]

Thanks - yes it's strange to have to drill out parts on a Tamiya build! Oh, and those alloy components are a work of art! All the best from Mark... 👍

[@sullybiker6520]

@@MarkBryanRC I think it might be my next car. I adore my Hotshot re-re but am interested to see what a new Tamiya design can do. The tyres look almost road, are they alright for bashing?

[@MarkBryanRC]

@@sullybiker6520 It's a fine Tamiya, my friend - and yeah, those tyres don't look like off road tyres, but they work better than they look! I think you would enjoy this one! :))

[@paulgarwood192]

Ball diffs are so nice to build, well after they are done 🤣👍

[@MarkBryanRC]

Yes they are! TBH, I quite enjoy building them, it's like therapy for me!!! All the best, mate! :)

[@catcancrunch7260]

I love these nice quality build 👍

[@MarkBryanRC]

You got that right, Cat! I'm really enjoying the way this kit fits together so perfectly! Cheers! :)

[@HaydadRC]

Great continuation of this awesome build Mark! She’s going to be a serious buggy when you’re done!👍😊

[@MarkBryanRC]

Hope so, Jeremy! It really does feel like a premium kit, everything fits together so tightly and the plastics have a great feel to them. Fingers crossed! All the best to you and yours, my good friend. :)

[@zahirzavier1780]

I guess it is quite off topic but do anyone know of a good site to watch new series online?

[@kaiserbrett9266]

@Zahir Zavier flixportal =)

[@zahirzavier1780]

@Kaiser Brett Thank you, signed up and it seems like they got a lot of movies there =) I appreciate it!

[@kaiserbrett9266]

@Zahir Zavier You are welcome :)

[@RCVHX22]

Keep up the good work Mark seems really good thank you for sharing it with us 👊😉👍

[@MarkBryanRC]

No problem, Xavier! Thanks for the great comment, your support is very welcome my friend! 👍

[@madsrcbuggy]

It looks really nice with all that aluminium, looking forward to seeing the next one!

[@MarkBryanRC]

Thanks, Mads! Oh yes, plenty more alloy parts to come! It's coming together very nicely, looking forward to getting it finished and running! Also looking forward to a new video from you, soon I hope! :)

[@fonswalma3574]

Again great to see wath you al doing, go on mate👍👍

[@MarkBryanRC]

Thanks again, my mate! Have a lovely weekend, Fons! 👍

[@neill5881]

Coming along very nicely Mark, its a great build. I've managed to source a rear yeah racing shock tower (in blue) but still on the hunt for a front one, (if you come across one)

[@MarkBryanRC]

Cool, thanks very much, Neil! Those shock towers are gorgeous, if I find a front one I will certainly let you know. Have a great weekend! :O)

[@neill5881]

Hi Mark, A good hopup is the Tbone racing bumpers which are now available on their website. I've just got them and they are great

[@UncleBobsRC]

Good Stuff Mark, i enjoy watching your videos, Keep up the good work.

[@MarkBryanRC]

Thanks a ton, Bob! I'll keep trying my best - hope all is good with you and your family in NY, buddy! 👍

[@rdelectric7506]

Very Nice detail tamiya dark impect DF-03 Video I LIKE..🤩

[@MarkBryanRC]

Thanks a lot!

[@NordicRC]

Good job, Mark. Especially filming and talking while building the ball diff. Not sure I could do that. You’re a pro 🙂 Wow. Wing mounts and a-arms in metal too. You’re going all bling bling. Nice. Looks great. I actually took off the front yeah racing tower again, as it was too bulky, visual wise, for my taste. But my parts are blue, so maybe your front tower will be better. Anyways, great job, my mate. ... Hmmm ... do you know the reason and difference between ball diff grease and the standard Tamiya silicone grease?

[@MarkBryanRC]

Many thanks, Mikael. Well, working and talking at the same time is what I do all day - but thanks for the kind words! Yeah, lots of alloy bling and plenty more to come - but I think it is all a bit too heavy, I may (like you) revert to the plastic parts, but we will see how it runs first. Ahh, the diff grease - yeah, it's a lot thinner than most grease - and less slippery - the balls need to get some grip on the diff plates to create drive - it only needs to lubricate the plastic diff housing that they spin in. It's all very technical! All the best my good mate! :)

[@leehurst6922]

The alloy parts look great mark, however only problem is, in a collision, where the plastic wishbone would.have some give in it, the alloy ones transfer all the shock into the gearbox casing

[@MarkBryanRC]

Hi Lee - totally agree with you, my friend! I was thinking exactly the same as I was fitting them. I think I will run it for a while and compare it to my friend's stock DF03. I may even revert to the standard parts. Thanks for the interesting comment, Lee. :)

[@leehurst6922]

@@MarkBryanRC no worries mark. It's a shame they don't do aftermarket alloy gearbox cases

[@thecontractor365]

Wow Mark, what a complicated buggy this is with so many small components required to build those diffs. I didn't fully appreciate how high end this buggy actually was. With this being the case I'm amazed you had to drill your own hole early on in the video. Considering how many screw holes Tamiya cut out in the rest of the chassis, it seems weird that they would leave one out. Yeah, a complex build all right - more complex than a Sand Scorcher although those SRB's are over 40 year old. What were those spongy diff things - small white components dropped down a hole, can't remember the name you gave them, but I think they were soft. What are they for and are they consumables ? Very informative video, and a very interesting build thus far. Have a great weekend pal... 🙂👍🏻.

[@MarkBryanRC]

Cheers, mate! Yeah, this really is a premium kit, and it all fits together so tightly, definitely a step-up from the entry level TT02 type kits. Lots of metal as standard, too. Those holes that need drilling are the same on the FF03 and the XV01 - strange! Those white things are diff sponges. You need them on the ball diffs to stop the dogbones smashing into the cap screw and nylock nut that holds the diff together through the centre. I think an "O" ring that is used on other kits would just get chewed up! They don't seem to wear out too fast. Thanks for another great comment, wishing you a lovely weekend too, my friend! :)

[@thecontractor365]

@@MarkBryanRC Cheers Mark. Diff sponges - we learn something new every day. Thanks man...👍🏻👍🏻.

[@Flahh_h08]

cool vid mark

[@MarkBryanRC]

Many thanks, Aflah! Cheers! :)

[@mad-beerc3818]

Just picked up a used one of these and can't wait to pull it apart and rebuild it and give it a run! So this video could be handy!😉 The Dark impack looks a nice buggy...but have heard a few bad comments about the rear ball diff? True who knows? But will not be going brushless or any serious power so should be ok. Great vid again 👍👍👍

[@MarkBryanRC]

Hope you enjoy it, mate! I'm loving the build so far - good idea to strip it down and check everything. Yeah, I heard the same about the rear diff, let's hope ours are OK! Same here, only a Torque Tuned for starters, hoping the handling will be fun enough without having to go power crazy! All the best and take it easy! :)

[@mad-beerc3818]

@@MarkBryanRC yeah will do mate, that's the fun bit on buying used cars pulling it all apart to investigate!😄Hopefully she will be all good and l can build her back up and go for a spin asap and most likely go sport tuned or like you said torque tuned to start with and see how she goes! Be interesting to see how those ball diffs behave? Keep up the good work cheers James.

[@MarkBryanRC]

@@mad-beerc3818 Cheers, James - please do let me know how you get on with yours! :)

[@mad-beerc3818]

@@MarkBryanRC yeah will do😉👍

[@paulbowman9217]

Hi Mark, I do love this car, i brought and built one myself in May last year as a lockdown present to myself. I have added a few hop ups, slipper clutch was my first one and then I started looking for them silver alloy parts. So far I only managed to find the front shock tower, front knuckles and rear hub and they came from RC Mart. I would still like to get the front C hubs, all lower arms and the rear shock tower and keep checking online for them, but no joy so far, are you able to share where you managed to source your ones from please

[@MarkBryanRC]

Hi Paul - yes it really is a great buggy. I was really lucky to have these alloy parts donated to the channel by one of my European friends. I have no idea where he got them from, but I know he had them for a long time in his spares box. If I hear of any going for sale, I'll let you know! Good luck with the parts hunt! :)

[@CarminesRCTipsandTricks]

Mukka, I'm really LIKING this Buggy!!! 👍👍💯 It will be interesting to see how it performs - CERTAINLY better than a TT-02B. How much better it gets on is the question. Liking the Yeah Racing Alumininium bits! But then, I've always liked Yeah Racing components. And the thick lower Wishbones are going to add a nice amount of low placed weight, for good Handling! I'd say the only thing I don't like, is the required use of all Ball Diffs. Since the advent of Sealed Gear Diffs, I'm sold on the maintenance free reliability. And I'm not going to imply that you got the idea from me - it wasn't even my original idea - but going to Hex Screws, IMO, is a brilliant upgrade!! Glad to see you doing that. Especially if you have to take it apart. I've been slowly replacing the JIS Screws with Hex, as they've been slowly arriving from CHINA. The ONLY place I can find self tapping M3 8, 10, 12 and 15mm Hex Screws..... M3 Machine Screws are widely available here though. 😊 The JIS Screws have nearly ALL rounded off when removing from the harder Plastics!! 😠 Also, good to see longer Videos from you! I doubt anyone minds, as you make them interesting and informative. You kinda MISSED a couple of steps at the end, with the Front Diff fitted with extras, as well as the Propshaft. 😲 Can't fault you though, builds can get exciting!! Cheers 🍻 my good Friend and I hope you're doing well and please stay SAFE! 😷 Vaccinations are FINALLY on the way!!! 😁😁✌ My Cousin, a Doctor, recommends the Johnson & Johnson Vaccine above others. Take good care my Friend! 👊 Carmine ✈🚂🚙

[@MarkBryanRC]

Hiya mate - glad you like it, and there is a lot to like! I know how good these things handle, looking forward to running my own creation though! Not sure if the wishbones are too heavy, may reduce suspension movement with the extra inertia! We will see... As for the diffs, the jury is out, we will see how they cope, a good ball diff is a great performer. I've had good results in the past. The hex machine screws I got seem to be OK into plastic, no issues so far on other kits, mate. Oh - don't worry about the missed steps, they will be at the start of Part 3!!! I left them out as it was an extra 10 minutes! Hope you get the jabs soon, take care too, my American cousin! :O)

[@CarminesRCTipsandTricks]

I would not say that all Ball Diffs are bad... I just now prefer the maintenance free aspect of Sealed Gear Diffs! 😊 If I had no choice in an otherwise great Car, I'd be fine with Ball Diffs... The only thing I see with the chunkier Aluminium Wishbones, is maybe the need for heavier Shock Oil to better control them. That weight down low is going to be an improvement!! And Hex Screws.... Well, I've been sold for at least 25 years! The problem I've always had with JIS Screws - was REMOVING them! 😠 Especially the flat countersunk variety! As far as a fastener, they work... Thankfully, the Shots will be free!! Unless the new Liberal Regime changes that! (But I won't go THERE!) I hope NHS will be covering your cost as well. Be strong my English Brother! This too shall pass - just not soon enough!!

[@MarkBryanRC]

@@CarminesRCTipsandTricks Oh yes, maintenance free is always a good thing! As for the shock oil, #1000 comes with the kit, so I'll try that first. Fingers crossed! And yeah, NHS is paying for the jabs - hope mine comes soon as I'm still at risk working in a school. All the best, me Mukka! :)

[@CarminesRCTipsandTricks]

@@MarkBryanRC #1000 will be plenty firm enough! She will definitely run like the premium Buggy she is!!! 😁 GAWD I hope you can get the poke soon.

[@MarkBryanRC]

@@CarminesRCTipsandTricks Cheers, Bro! :)

[@catcancrunch7260]

Hi Mark, is it possible to use Acoms techniplus with tamiya esc ? As twice I’ve had problems with involuntary throttle command and can’t trust taking my new racing fighter out 🙀thanks Cat 🐱

[@MarkBryanRC]

Hiya, Cat! Yes, absolutely - I still run many of my Tamiyas with the vintage Acoms radios - I can report that they run perfectly with the Tamiya ESC's. Cheers! :)

[@3TRCGarage]

Hi Mark! I like the build so far. The Yeah Racing parts look stunning. The diffs are complicated but came together well. I don’t think this vid was too long, probably just right for someone who is following along trying to build one of these. It looks like it will run well with the other buggies in your RC garage. Will you be using a lipo batteries and the new pistol grip style transmitter? Take care Bro :)

[@MarkBryanRC]

Hi Paul, how ya doing? Thanks for the great comment. Yeah, the yeah racing parts are great quality. A bit too heavy for my liking, though! Glad you thought the length was OK, I always worry when they go over 20 minutes - most people only watch for 20 seconds here on YT! I've got a LiPo compatible ESC to put in this one - not sure about the radio yet! All the best, my good brother! :)

[@dynamicrcworld748]

wow lovely upgrade review!! i like and +sudb!!

[@MarkBryanRC]

Thank you so much 👍

[@dynamicrcworld748]

@@MarkBryanRC look forward next video! have a good one and I'm rooting for you.

[@MarkBryanRC]

@@dynamicrcworld748 Cheers! :)

[@markscotchford4159]

I know the Dark Impact is supposed to be a higher class and you have quite a few hop-ups for it but I'll be interested to see how you think it compares with the Neo Scorcher in all areas.

[@MarkBryanRC]

Agreed, Mark! It's going to be a lot of fun finding out, I might just do a video comparing the two buggies on the track. Cheers! :O)

[@Del350K4]

Is there no limit to the number of different ways it´s possible to design a differential?

[@MarkBryanRC]

Hiya, Del! Oh yes, there is certainly more than one way to skin a cat! I hope these hold up OK, as I've heard a few horror stories about them! Have a lovely weekend, mate! :)

[@Del350K4]

@@MarkBryanRC And you, Mark.