Tamiya Hilux High Lift Chassis Build

[@MarkBryanRC]

Now that, Addam, is a real piece of engineering! As we'd say in the UK, it's built like the Forth Bridge!!! Great to see it come together and to hear your thoughts and very useful tips. I wouldn't have got the ancient Tamiya MFC either, looking forward to seeing this finished with your "modern" MFC fitted! Cheers! 😎👌👍

[@AddamsPlayground]

Thanks Mark, I am glad you enjoyed it. It is a beast of chassis and it may have as much hardware in it as the Froth Bridge does LOL!! I spent almost an hour just opening up hardware bags and getting them all sorted!! I like the MFC units but they are at least 3 times more expensive than they should be so this other unit is way better for the truck. Even if I wanted the MFC I would have probably got the Beier light and sound kits in it. Same price if not cheaper and the sounds can be programmed into it to get what you want. My wife picked up the paint for me yesterday while she was out so I can start working on getting everything painted and get the body assembled. It should look pretty awesome once it is all together! I will probably look at some other wheels and tires as I think these look a little too dinky on it but we will see once it is all together.

[@AdventureTimeRC]

These are beast the gear box is insane i removed mine and found a cr01 gear box i plan on putting in it at some point

[@AddamsPlayground]

I have seen one or two in the past using the small planetary gearboxes in them but I cannot remember where I saw them. The shifting is kind of a novelty and I will probably end up only running in one gear but it is still a cool feature.

[@AdventureTimeRC]

@AddamsPlayground I agree the transmission is a really cool thing I locked mine in low but was still to high geared for crawling I kept roasting motors my friend Sean st Sean's Rc Adventures put a rc4wd transmission in his works great on trails

[@reitplace4765]

loto parts for sure.. Great build addam looking good...

[@AddamsPlayground]

Oh yeah, it is like 3 kits worth of parts and hardware easily! It all went together well, I did have some choice words for the fiddly muffler hanger and the rear bumper attachment bot otherwise perfect! It should be one heck of a looker once it is all done!

[@IowaBudgetRCBashers]

One of my favorite Tamiya kits I’ll probably never have.

[@stevenwallman2346]

Ditto.

[@AddamsPlayground]

It is a cool looking truck and it was really fun to build, I do think the performance is going to be a bit lack luster but I will trade a little performance for looks in this case. You never know bud, I didn't think I would get one either.

[@333UNLUCKY]

If I win the Lotto I’ll buy you guys one each 😁

[@powersmodelgarage]

Me too

[@rcuintheshed6981]

💪yes been so keen to see this one even if you only run it in the lounge room I'd be happy just to see it drive unbelievable work can't wait to see the body and paint take care mate 👊

[@AddamsPlayground]

It will definitely get run outside but not out on the rocks! It was a really nice build and it is a heavy beast! I think it will be a good looking truck once it is all done. I may end up sticking some bead locks and some different tires on it as the stock on look a bit too dinky but I will give them a try first! Have a great rest of your week Mark!

[@JoevsRc]

Nice kit! I have the Ford high lift for 2 years, still NIB . I think it's so cool that you can shift the gears

[@AddamsPlayground]

They are great fun to build, so many parts and pieces working together! The 3 speed gear box is very simple yet very complex at the same time! It takes a little bit of end point adjustment to get them set but once it is done they work great!

[@ShenRC]

Yep bit's and parts and pieces is what it is Addam! My brother had one he put together with everything even the sound unit and it looked so nice he never really used it and it actually don't really work that great for trailing or crawling it's heavy stiff and bulky in every way so eventually he sold it. All and all it's cool though! Thanks for showing the radio grip bling too!! Have fun!

[@AddamsPlayground]

There are tons and tons of parts in there! I know I was sorting hardware for almost an hour! I was hoping it was going to go bag A, then bag B but it quickly started jumping around so I opened everything up and sorted it all! It will mainly be a display piece but will get out and drive once in a while. It should be a looker once I get done with it. I did get the grip fitting to the smaller wheel with no problems! Now I have 3 of them all with your grips on them!! I love the feel of them!!

[@ShenRC]

Cool can't wait to see it go! and cool you got the grips working , that CA glue sticks so good to them it's crazy! I put the seam on the bottom of the wheel so you don't see it or feel it because you don't grab the bottom of it.@@AddamsPlayground

[@stevenwallman2346]

Nice looking kit! I had something similar back in the mid 80s. It was called the Blazing Blazer. It came with the gearbox pre-assembled and was a really cool kit. Unfortunately it did not have a slipper clutch and whenever I hit a hard bump or had the slightest accident, it would strip the spur gear. It would make horrible noises until I replaced the gear, which I did at least three times. I finally sold it to an acquaintance (who never paid me for it, the schmuck). It wasn’t until years later that I realized that I had sold a unicorn for pennies (actually, nothing since I never got paid). I really wish now that I had held on to it. 😩

[@AddamsPlayground]

Oh no! That is terrible Steven! I don't even have words for that! That is kind of the Holy Grail truck for me and I can only imagine the sellers remorse you have, especially getting stiffed on the deal. I would find where they live and pay to have there car towed to a different state or something LOL!! I am depressed for you right now! I can only hope that karma gave him what he deserves.

[@All_RC_Fun]

Interesting build. Thanks for the thread lock tip - I wasn’t aware of that.

[@AddamsPlayground]

You would enjoy it and you would go nuts with the lights!! I knew regular thread lock was not good for plastics but this stuff is some sort of solvent based stuff and it really does a number on plastic. It does super great.on the metal to metal, sets up quick and solid!

[@douglasv4266]

I have the Ford F-350 high lift and It has to be one of my favourite builds ever and after adding some bigger 1.9" tires on bead lock wheels, 2 stage foams and a 1080ESC, rather than the 1060 I tried to start with I find it makes a very good trail truck to take out on walking trails. The 1080ESC was a must have as its so heavy it really needs the configurable drag break so you can set a good rate to stop it rolling away from you when you drive down steeper hills. When I first built it I thought it has going to mainly be a shelf queen, but I have found I actually run it as much as my TRX4 deluxe builder kit, now I am not saying I would use the high lift as a rock crawler. As I have rolled it more than ones as with bigger tires its more capable than I expected, but due the hard body it has quite a high centre of gravity so its quite easy to roll on a side hill.

[@AddamsPlayground]

I probably should have put the 1080 in there, I think I have one so I may swap it out. I am also thinking some bead-locks and slightly bigger tires will make it look better, the stock ones look a little puny on there! I will be fairly gentle with this one but I sure as soon as I get it out there I am going to try and drive over something! It is just what you do with a big truck! lol!!! Thanks for the tips!

[@rolandlabriejr690]

Awesome looking chassis can’t wait to see it painted

[@AddamsPlayground]

Thanks! I think it is going to look pretty awesome once it is all done. I have things masked and ready to spray and I got the paint yesterday. I hope to get some pain on it tomorrow and get it wrapped up this weekend if I can, I am eager to see it too!

[@bigyin.7710]

Hi Addam, that's a beast of a truck. I'll have to add that kit to my list. Today, 22nd, I received my Hotshot 2, black. Can't wait to build it. Take care, Paul.

[@AddamsPlayground]

It is a giant chonk of a truck! It should look pretty sweet once it is all done. Not sure if it is going to be the best performing on out there but it should look great! I am looking forward to getting the HS 2 as well! I did not pre-order it as the only place I saw it on pre-order I refuse to buy from any longer. I will get one though. Have fun with the build!!

[@RCBirds]

"I ended up, getting two of it"😂 must be a really good price. Have fun with the build. These cars are so much fun. Yupp the electronic prices're from outer space. You found a great alternative for it. The shifting gears're overated. The most tim I drive my High Lift in the second.

[@AddamsPlayground]

It was a fun and entertaining build. Everything went together well, I did have words with the muffler bracket wobbly bit and mounting the rear bumper but overall it was prefect! It should be a good looking truck once it is all done! The price on Tamiya's MFC is just silly. I am sure it costs less than $50 for them to have that made, yet they want to sell it for $280-350 which is just silly! This light and sound unit will be more than enough to add some realism to it for me. I will drive it around stock first and see how I like it but I have some ideas for improvements over stock. I am not going to do any hard core stuff with it but I would like to be able to off road it without frustrations. I don't see much shifting going on either but it is cool to have it and would probably more worth it with a slower motor to take advantage of the great ranges.

[@RCBirds]

@@AddamsPlayground I heard what you said about the mufflers. Seems that they're a little more complicated on yours than on mine. But I have to admit, that I always drive screws with 2 mm or less diameter into the plastic before assembling the parts. And.... the mufflers were one of the pros why I bought mine. I found the idea of rattling because of the vibration motor very interesting. The prices for these're really awesome. If you want the hight lifts with the bigger wheels, like the classical version, the kit costs twice the money. Not sure why.And the prices also differ extremely between the shops. Some want 600 for the Ford, som only 400. Possible depending on how long these kits stayed in the shop. Da**, now I'm thinking of buying a second one. Looking forward for your drive experiences with it.

[@Iamfixing]

The kit I always wanted as a kid growing up and never could afford

[@AddamsPlayground]

I can completely understand! I was thankful I got a decent deal on it in the auction and was able to get it. Definitely more of a big kids toy as I am not sure how well it is going to perform but it will look good doing it!

[@carloshasbun9995]

I loved my ford high lift kit when they came out back in 08-09? one of my favorite tamiya builds

[@AddamsPlayground]

They are super entailed builds and lots and lots of mechanical goodness in there. I enjoyed the build, I just know the performance of it is not going to be as good as the looks of it but I am ok with that!

[@MadBeeRC]

Beautiful kit what a lovely thing! Like you said Addam one for its wow factor in looks and realistic parts! Perfect to have a relaxing slow jog around the garden/yard with!😉I would like to see it on the track too! Again just a slow cruise! Love the red shocks in looks and design very cool! The suspension didn't look bad it has some nice movement for one of these leaf spring suspension designs! Super cool! Now comes the hard bit my friend! The bodyshell! Can't wait to see this bad boy done!

[@AddamsPlayground]

It is a looker for sure and one I am going to be fairly gentle with. I may get it around the track just for fun but it is much more of a slow going leisurely run type of truck for sure. It was a fantastic build and I enjoyed it. Those little mufflers and I had words though LOL! The suspension is stiff but not as bad as I expected it to be. It sure does look cool though! My wife picked up the paint for me yesterday while she was out so I can start working on getting everything painted and get the body assembled. overall it does not look too bad to get all that done and there are no ugly mold lines to sand out so that is nice. It should look pretty awesome once it is all together! I will probably look at some other wheels and tires as I think these look a little too dinky on it but we will see once it is all together.

[@MauzyrockRC]

Amazing! What great addition to your collection. Looking forward to seeing the body work. cheers

[@AddamsPlayground]

Thanks! It was a great build and I enjoyed it a lot. I think it will be a cool looking rig once it is all done. I am skeptical about the wheels and tires though, they look so small under it, I may be sticking some bead locks and aftermarket tires on it to make it look a bit more appropriate. I will give it a try stock first.

[@alexwenzel6932]

Very cool Addam. Can't wait to see the end result of the body ! Got to love Tamiya way of doing things 😉

[@AddamsPlayground]

I got the paint on it but I need to wet sand it and put on the clear coat. It should look pretty sweet once it is all done!

[@herbieRCpaints53]

Nice one Addam , I've had 3 ford high lift's when they 1st came out in '07 /'08 and 2 Toyota's, wish I still had them

[@AddamsPlayground]

I can see you getting these, they are a real builder kit and a half! Much like the semi trucks are. That and the bodies are great and begging for a nice paint job. I can see them being right up your alley for sure!

[@danjaz2000]

Super nice rig. I’m sure it will float around the yard nicely and look good doing it

[@AddamsPlayground]

It should be a looker when it is all done and I look forward to seeing it rumbling around the yard. Definitely a show truck first but I will get it out there and see what it will do within reason! It was a really enjoyable build with tons of hardware and parts going together to turn it into the chonk of a chassis!! My wife picked up the paint for me yesterday while she was out so I can start working on getting everything painted and get the body assembled. It should look pretty awesome once it is all together! I will probably look at some other wheels and tires as I think these look a little too dinky on it but we will see once it is all together.

[@justindurand9110]

The Highlift kits are so cool.

[@AddamsPlayground]

They really are something different to put together! So many bits and pieces to assemble these beasts! For a builder they are wonderful!

[@justindurand9110]

@@AddamsPlayground I would definitely enjoy building it. Honestly, I like building them more than I like running them.

[@mattmclafferty6265]

Thanks. Gauranga!

[@AddamsPlayground]

Thanks for watching and I am glad you enjoyed it. It was a fun build and I look forward to seeing it all complete!

[@chef11chef11]

My dream kit as a kid. Looks great.

[@outbackrcaustralia4895]

How's things Addam!?. That's a really interesting kit!, we have a grand hauler and both gasped when you said it's heavier😳that must be such a quality kit and an alloy bull bar too!. The sound kit should be great going by the other products of theirs you've shown👌. Thanks for sharing your interesting kit and build mate, we're really looking forward to seeing more of it. We hope you're having a fantastic week Addam🙋‍♀️😁🦘🇦🇺

[@AddamsPlayground]

I am doing well and I hope you guys are too. It is a heavy weight for sure. It is a little bit heavier than the Grand Hauler and a noticeable amount heavier than the globe liner! They assemble somewhat the same and it should be fairly bulletproof even though I ma going to baby it! I just got the paint for it yesterday and will start working on that next. It should be a real looker once it is all done! Take care guys and have a wonderful rest of your week as well!

[@yodadarksideGreenHawksRC]

Hey Addam..... What a beast!! That chassis is a remarkable piece of engineering, and was great seeing how it all went together, cheers for sharing mate. Looked like a real fun build, and I bet the same applies to the body work to. Some superb detail on that, if it were mine I would probably be afraid to drive it! 😂 👍 👍 👍

[@AddamsPlayground]

It was a really fun build and it is cool to see it all working and know all the mechanical workings going on inside of it. The body has not been too bad, I am trying to take my time with it and not rush it so I don' t have to do it twice! LOL! It should look pretty slick once it is all done. I will drive it but with respect for its size, weight and over all rigidity so no rock crawling and jumping!! LOL!

[@yodadarksideGreenHawksRC]

@@AddamsPlayground Definitely one to take your time and enjoy the ride mate.... both in the construction, and the driving! Will look awesome on the shelf afterwards to mate. 😊 👍 👍 👍

[@RR-ho5ek]

These kits are a journey, you may say now, that you want to keep it stock, but you will get addicted, and there is so much room for improvement. I have the tundra version, and I have taken it from mild to wild, and learned, and spent a lot along the way. 4 link, custom built chassis, custom built single speed low center of gravity gearbox, custom lights, 2.2 beadlock tires with wideners, custom 4 wheel steering, hand made swaybars, you name it, I have been down that road. One thing of note, is that without locked diffs, you will be surprised how easily the truck gets stuck, on anything less than a flat surface, there just isn't enough articulation. Also you did not mention that the optional Tamiya electronics have a vibration unit, to simulate engine vibration. Maybe that's part of the steep price. Have fun, these trucks will hold your attention indefinitely.

[@AddamsPlayground]

LOL, thanks for the warning. Thankfully I don't usually get to far down the upgrade highway on projects. I am pretty sure I will end up at least locking the rear diff as the little bench testing I did I can see what you are saying on how easy it is to unload one or both axles and then it is stuck spinning its wheels. I am planning on having a backup set of wheels and tires one hand as I feel the stock ones are a bit too tiny for the truck. I will give it a go stock and then see what needs to happen. I know GT Power makes a semi truck sound and light unit with the rumble motor included for way less than Tamiya's is. They have always been over priced with their electronics for some reason.

[@westernsharpie]

Nice clean job! Such a cool truck. This was the first real rc/kit i ever wanted. Went with the Mountain Rider instead. Yes once you build one of these Tamiya 3 speeds, you graduate and get your Rc builders degree lol. They're not the easiest. I agree the cool factor on these are up there with the best of them. Such an iconic truck.

[@AddamsPlayground]

Thanks! It is a really neat kit and a ton of fun to build. Well except for the little wobbly spring for the exhaust, that fought with me for some reason LOL!! I enjoy building the more complex ones from time to time and this one really scratches that itch for sure! I love the 3 speed gearbox, I always enjoy the more mechanical bits and it is fun to see it all operate with all that stuff sliding around and doing its thing. The paint is looking good and it is almost done so assembly and decals are up next.

[@rc-dom-uk]

beautiful kit . looks very complex . look forward to seeing it running 👍

[@AddamsPlayground]

Thanks Dom and yes, complex may be an understatement!!! LOL! There is a whole lot going on with this chassis but it all goes together just like any other Tamiya kit does! I think it is going to be a sweet looking truck once it is all said and done! My only worry is the kind of small wheels and tires, those might be getting replaced but I will have to see it all together to know for sure.

[@NANNIRC]

Wow Addam did U win a lottery? What a great box (and model too) Hilux is one of my favorite pickup since I sow the first one in the '80 in S. Francisco (In Italy it wasn't imported and the only one I sow was here in Milan buyt years later). Have fun as I have some times with my old one as you see in my videos. Ciao!!

[@AddamsPlayground]

LOL! No lottery winnings, I just lucky in the auction about a year or so ago and was able to pick this up for decent price. I have wanted to build it since but it kept getting pushed back when other things arrived as I knew it was going to take some time to get it all built! It is a really enjoyable build and tons of hardware and parts to get it all assembled which is great! I just got the paint and will be working on the body next! It should look pretty neat once it is all done for sure! Take care Nanni!

[@NANNIRC]

nice purchase!@@AddamsPlayground

[@JF-RC]

Hey Addam, what a great build, oh man, I wish I could have one, you know me….love the building experience. 😂😊😂😊 great choice of light and sound control. It sounds like the diff’s being able to lock, is very similar to the CR-01 axles, there is a threaded pin to lock and unlock 😊😊simple but effective. The chassis looks awesome 😊😊looking forward to seeing the completed truck. best wishes to you and the family. 😊😊

[@AddamsPlayground]

Thanks John! Yes, you would greatly enjoy this a lot. There is so much to put together, it is like putting 3 kits worth of stuff together for just one! I think the diff lock is the same and it seems to be a quick and easy thing to do so I will see how it goes unlocked and then lock them as needed later. I think it is going to be a sweet looking truck once it is all said and done, I just got to get to painting!! Take care my friend!

[@Paul__FC]

Those kits are next level. I haven't even attempted one.

[@AddamsPlayground]

They are involved build but go together just like any other, just enough hardware and parts for like 3 kits! LOL! I am looking forward to seeing it all done, it should be looker for sure!

[@wadeskelton7585]

So freakin cool brother I’ve yet to see one of these in real life - reminds me of my old jeep yj 😄 can’t wait to see this guy outside running around 👍

[@AddamsPlayground]

It is a massive chonk of an RC!! Smaller than a Clod Buster but heavier than one!! LOL! I think it will be a great looking one rumbling around outside, I just have to treat it like the show truck it is and not the rock crawler I want it to be LOL!

[@jemshobbies]

thanks for the info, now i found a light and sound kit for my semi that isn't ridiculous cost

[@AddamsPlayground]

They have another one available that has the semi truck sounds and rumble motor in it. I have not used it but I did see them listed

[@michaeldorich4485]

Great building tips.

[@AddamsPlayground]

Thanks Michael, I am glad you enjoyed it!

[@roloreoandy9867]

The best Tamiya kit I ever built. Wanted one since it was released and got it last year. Thanks for another great video Addam!

[@AddamsPlayground]

It is one heck a piece of machinery! So much hardware and so many parts go into it! I had stuff spread out all over when getting it built! I think this is going to make the Globe Liner build seem easy! LOL! It was a nice on to build and I do look forward to seeing it all done. I just got the paints yesterday so I need to get to work on that! Thanks as always for watching and I am glad you enjoyed it!

[@andersona9]

Great vid Addam! This was one of my favorite builds. I remember getting the Ford High Lift when it first came out and being amazed at how heavy the box was and the amount of parts! I eventually got the Toyota Hilux High Lift a few years later. The Hilux body is one of my favorite bodies to paint and assemble! It is very rewarding seeing the final product! My only gripe with the Toyota Hilux High Lift is the stance. The tires seem to be too small for the height at which it stands. Once you get yours all finished, let me know if you feel the same way! Thanks again for the great vid Addam!! 😀

[@AddamsPlayground]

They are really great kits to build and it does weigh a ton! I was surprised it actually out weighs the grand hauler by a little bit. It is noticeably heavier than the globe liner! I love the look of the Hilux but you are right, the wheels and tires look a puny under it. I have ordered a set of bead locks and tires for it. I will give it a go stock but I am thinking I am going to end up sticking the others on it and probably going with a slower motor but I will have to drive it first to seem how fast it really is. I only plan on tootling around the yard with it.

[@RCprincess24]

Looks like a really fun build! Can't wait to see the finished product!

[@AddamsPlayground]

It was a lot of fun building, lots of parts and hardware but it all went together well. I did have words with the silly mufflers and the rear bumper but that was the only real fiddly bit! It should be a looker once I all done with it!!

[@markconnor269]

Wow that looks amazing great job Addam 👌

[@AddamsPlayground]

Thank Mark, it is a really great bit of kit! It was a really enjoyable build with tons of hardware and parts going together to turn it into the chonk of a chassis!! My wife picked up the paint for me yesterday while she was out so I can start working on getting everything painted and get the body assembled. It should look pretty awesome once it is all together! I will probably look at some other wheels and tires as I think these look a little too dinky on it but we will see once it is all together.

[@BargainBashersRc]

Great build Addam, I’ve been looking forward to watching this one

[@AddamsPlayground]

It is a really cool chassis to build, lots.and lots of parts and hardware in it!! It has been a long time coming but I am very glad I cracked it open and got to building! It should be a pretty slick looking truck once it is all done. I hope to get some paint on it tomorrow and I'm going to try and get it wrapped up this weekend! Fingers crossed

[@ericchristopher9037]

Fantastic truck Addam, looking forward to the paint job! 🤓🇦🇺

[@AddamsPlayground]

Thanks! It was a fun build so far and I think it will look pretty sweet once it is all done!

[@333UNLUCKY]

Excellent work,love this truck

[@AddamsPlayground]

Thanks! It was a fun and entertaining build. Everything went together well, I did have words with the muffler bracket wobbly bit and mounting the rear bumper but overall it was prefect! It should be a good looking truck once it is all done!

[@PeteWylieRC]

Hey that looks like a really serious kit. The original 80's Hilux kit was the one I lusted after the most back in the day. Great job on the build and also your presentation of the trials and tribulations of this one. I look forward to seeing this completed. Best wishes mate 😁👍👍

[@AddamsPlayground]

Thanks Pete! It should be a really sweet looking truck once it is all done. I love the body of this one the most. I do think the tires and wheels are going to look a bit dinky under it though so those may be getting replaced but I will give it a go on the stock ones first! Overall it went together very well, that whole rear bumper and muffler woobblies did get a few choice words though!! Take care Pete and have a great rest of your week!

[@kashmurray1199]

I had the Ford High Lift. I injoyed the build. The only thing I didn't like where the tires. To small. I put some Wild Willy wheels and tires on it. That was fun. Hope you play around with the wheels and tires.

[@AddamsPlayground]

I am sure I will, the kit tires do seem excessively small on it. I have a few different things i can try out on and see what looks the best. I will run it stock first and then go from there. I am not a huge fan of the wheels on it either, too fake looking. Some metal bead-lock wheels will probably be a better look!

[@jeremymiller2340]

What a beautiful build- great job brother!

[@AddamsPlayground]

Thank you! It was a really enjoyable build with tons of hardware and parts going together to turn it into the chonk of a chassis!! My wife picked up the paint for me yesterday while she was out so I can start working on getting everything painted and get the body assembled. It should look pretty awesome once it is all together! I will probably look at some other wheels and tires as I think these look a little too dinky on it but we will see once it is all together.

[@WoodsUnknown]

That's a gorgeous rig Addam, putting it together would not be for me though. Those Christmas tree cut outs look like something from the 70's and 80's. I've been spoiled with traxxas builds. Thanks for the video.

[@AddamsPlayground]

There is a lot of building in this one for sure! It is my happy time to be sitting there putting stuff together so I was in heaven with all of it. There was a ton of it too, I barely had room to work!! LOL! It all goes together very well and after the transmission assembly it all comes together faster than I expected it to. All in all it was a wonderful time and it is a beast of chassis! It weighs a ton!! I just got the paints yesterday so i will be getting that started, I am looking forward to seeing it all built. I may swap out the wheels and tires, they seem a dinky for this big of a truck but I will have to get the body done to see.

[@HaydadRC]

Nice build Addam, the chassis looks real nice! Too complicated for this guy but I enjoyed watching! That light kit looks like it could be a tough task as well!😬 Looking forward to seeing the finished product!👍😊

[@AddamsPlayground]

Thanks Jeremy! It is an involved build but you could do it no problem, it is just like build 2 or 3 kits all at the same time! There are just a lot of parts and hardware to dig through but pre-sorting all that hardware did help a lot. I did get the light kit in and it should look pretty cool once it is all done! My wife picked up the paint for me yesterday while she was out so I can start working on getting everything painted and get the body assembled. It should look pretty awesome once it is all together! I will probably look at some other wheels and tires as I think these look a little too dinky on it but we will see once it is all together.

[@BlackSeaRC]

I have an original Tamiya Tundra High Lift and also a HG-P417 which is the clone of the Hilux. You can certainly appreciate the engineering that went into them just from the weight alone. However, in many ways they share some downsides with the MFC itself, namely they are very expensive and haven't changed much in decades. I would love it if Tamiya would do an update on these High Lift models to address some of the design flaws.

[@AddamsPlayground]

Very true, they are not modern by any means! It would be cool for them to design a metal framed crawler that is a bit more capable than clockwork engineered. I think they are most tradition and design over function many times, it both works for them and hold them back at the same time. It was still a great build and I enjoy all of its complexities! I just knew going into it performance is an after thought with them!

[@BlackSeaRC]

@@AddamsPlayground I appreciate the heritage aspects and the link back to the legendary first Toyota Hilux. I am also willing to sacrifice some performance just to get a scale realistic hard body. But at the same time, it would be nice to get some new axles with better ground clearance and improved suspension. Glad you got a decent servo for the steering. Mine is a little weak and that means the truck wanders around a bit when the tyres hit a rock (especially if set up for 4WS).

[@RDsRCReviews]

This one looks freaking sweet. Looking forward to the body work!

[@AddamsPlayground]

Thanks Ryan, it is heavy beats of a chassis! My wife picked up the paint for me yesterday while she was out so I can start working on getting everything painted and get the body assembled. It should look pretty awesome once it is all together! I will probably look at some other wheels and tires as I think these look a little too dinky on it but we will see once it is all together.

[@SuppleBun]

now that is one impressive kit!!

[@AddamsPlayground]

It really is, so much hardware and parts go into making it all into the chonk of a chassis it is!

[@highrollerdecorators8059]

wasnt just me who thought the exhuast tips where a nightmare haha looking awesome broski 😊

[@AddamsPlayground]

That webble wobble spring was annoying and bothersome!!! I got it in but it was fight LOL! I did find the little metal tips finally, they were slid onto another one of the metal rods in there and blended in so well if one had not fallen off I would have neve found them!! I think it is going to be a great looking truck when it is all done!

[@carloshasbun9995]

it still sports the first version of the novak goat brushless system!

[@AddamsPlayground]

Novak had some really awesome stuff back in the day! I had a few of their ESCs and they all worked wonderfully, until I ignored the limits of a few of them and the smoke came out of them! LOL! That was all my fault though.

[@poorboysrc]

What an awesome chassis, and what a fantastic video. These Hi-Lift trucks are so cool, and that three-speed transmission is quite the challenge to build. I think I had mine apart 2-3x before I got it right, lol! Great video, as always Addam. Enjoy the rest of the build!

[@AddamsPlayground]

Thanks Fil! It was a fun one to build but it is like building three kits all at one time with so many parts and so much hardware! Those hardware bags seemed never ending! LOL! Knock on wood but both the Grand Hauler trans and this one both went together just fine the first time. It can get tricky with them flipping the view of the shafts around on the pages though! I think it is going to be a pretty slick looking truck once it is all done up! Take care Fil!

[@paulherrick4594]

Nice build on that Rc

[@AddamsPlayground]

Thanks! It was a fun and involved one to get together. They go together just as well as any of the other Tamiya kits, just a lot more of it!

[@simonbodill]

It’s a cool truck might have to get one I think

[@AddamsPlayground]

It is a very interesting and fun build, lots and lots of things to assemble so it is definitely a builders kit for sure. I am not sure how the performance side of it is going to be. It may end up be a lot of show and very little go but we will see soo I hope. I got some painting done but there is a good bit more to go before it is wrapped up.

[@simonbodill]

@@AddamsPlayground but then a lot of the Tamiya kits are like that with a few upgrades it might make a great hill climber 😊👍🏼

[@n22pdf]

Wow this looks brill Addam nice kit dude 😊 look forward to seeing this built up over the few vids going to look awesome running.. Pete

[@AddamsPlayground]

Thanks Pete! It is a ton of parts and pieces that go into it but it is a fun build. I just got the paint for it so I am hoping to get the painting knocked out and get the body all assembled very soon. It should look pretty cool as it looks good with just the plain white shell sitting on it! Take care.

[@theoagrc]

Addam that is amazing pal!! I love it and cannot wait to see this rambling about dude. What a fascinating build it must have been pal.

[@AddamsPlayground]

Thanks Craig, it is a great kit and ton and tons of stuff to assemble! It is one you can stay busy with for quite some time. It goes together just like any other Tamiya though. It should be a real looker once it is all finished, I just got the paint so I will be doing that all next. It should look pretty slick out running around and running over small things!

[@EMPTYPOCKETSRC]

Looks good! Love auction finds.

[@AddamsPlayground]

Man, there was so much cool stuff in that auction but I just did not have the luck and funds at the time to get but so much. There was may more interest than I expected in it being a local auction but I did walk away with this and the runner RC10 so I was happy! So far it has been a great build and so many parts!! LOL! I think this is going to make the globe liner seem easy! But there is a dump truck needing to get built before that happens! LOL!

[@Fortes_RC_Adv]

Great video of a beautiful Tamiya RC💪😉✅️

[@AddamsPlayground]

Thank you! It was a really fun build an it should be a good looking thing once it is all together!

[@BangForYourBuckRc]

Yowza! That’s a lot of model Addam! I’ve got to give you mad props at getting this much done in the amount of time you got it done in! This would of taken me a month!😂 It’s quite an impressive kit though. Heavier than the grand hauler? Damn… Outstanding j on b on this so far Addam!🤗🍻

[@AddamsPlayground]

Thanks Robby, it goes together rather well and the transmission is the only kind of slow portion of the build. The rest of it goes together fairly quickly. There is a ton of hardware and making sure you have the right screw or bolt takes as much time as the assembly in some steps LOL!! It is a heavy chunk of truck, according to the info on Tamiyabase it outweighs the Globe liner by a fair amount and it is actually heavier than the Grand Hauler too! It was a fun one to get built up and I just got the paint so I will be working on getting that part knocked out next. It should look really good once it is all wrapped up!! Take care my friend!

[@Pezzapoo]

I love the look of it and the funky mufflers lol, shame about the suspension and steering radius but hey ho. should look cool either way mate

[@AddamsPlayground]

It should be pretty sweet once it is all done. The wobbly mufflers I was not expecting and were fiddly to get together but should add to it (I hope!). I did find the tips I the hardware after the video, the slid onto another metal post and fit so perfectly I could not tell they were on there! I don't think it is going to be the best performing truck I have by far but it should look pretty sweet. I have gotten some bigger wheels and tires for it as the stock ones I think are going to look too dinky under it but we will see how it goes. Take care Pez!

[@aviano72]

Very nice presentation of this build I always thought on the pictures of this that the tires are so small. Would it look better with some bigger wheels ?

[@AddamsPlayground]

Thanks, glad you enjoyed it. I agree they look like the tires and wheels are a bit too dinky for it. I have some bead locks and tries coming in for it to see if they will fill in the gap it has. I have to be mindful of the bits it may rub one so I have to stick 4.19ish height tires. I will give it try stock first but I am pretty sure the bigger ones will end up looking better.

[@powersmodelgarage]

Thats looks like a fun build. I am interested to see how the GT Power electronics work for you. I've seen them and have been curious about them.

[@AddamsPlayground]

It was a cool build, lots and lots of stuff to assemble! I like the GT Power unit but it has a few quirks, I will go over them in the video. I think it will look cool and the sounds should go well with it!

[@RC4X4]

Looks good. These trucks are very time consuming. I made my own light kit using a Tamiya kit and other leds. Also, the only thing I hate is how noisy the gear mesh is. Wish it was quieter. I added bigger tires and aluminum wheels. Looks way better. Just need to paint it now.

[@AddamsPlayground]

There is a lot that goes into them for sure! It is a bit on the noisy side but I guess anything with more than a dozen gears in the trans is going to be kind of noisy! LOL! I may end up putting a second light controller in it as there is more lights on the truck than I have with this kit. I am going to need bigger receiver though, I only have a 3 channel in it currently. I did pick up a set of bead-locks and some bigger tires for it as the stock ones do look a bit dinky under it. I will give it a shot stock but I am pretty sure the bigger ones are going to go on it!

[@RC4X4]

Sounds good. I use a spektrum 5 channel receiver, Tamiya esc with the stock motor. They are fast. I used Tamiya LEDs on all the grille, side and tail lights and used lights from from one of thos blue box light kits on ebay. Plugged them all in there and use a switch to turn them on and off if need be. I use a 6 cell 1800mah nimh stick pack to power it. I use the Treal multispoke wheels since they are weighted and RC4WD tires of your choice. The noise all comes from the spur and pinon gear. Put alittle grease on it.@@AddamsPlayground

[@AddamsPlayground]

@@RC4X4 I think I am going to have to break down and get a bigger receiver for it! I did get some aluminum bead locks and some super swamper tires for it. I remember all the show trucks back in the day either had swampers or boggers on them!

[@edwardthomson8569]

This is on my dream kit list!! I will have one of the High Lift kits one day… I will!! Anyway, have you seen the AmPro Engineering mods for the high lift? There’s a few different bits and bobs that look pretty cool. Also Carson (Tamiya Germany) do an 8 tooth pinion if you’re concerned about the gearing being too high. Keep up the great work as always dude!! I’m looking forward to seeing this crawl around the track and scale the jumps at slow speed 😊

[@AddamsPlayground]

It is a super cool kit and a great one to build and there is a lot of neat mechanics going on in there! I have not seen Alberto's videos on this one but I will have to check them out! He always does great things! If anything I can always stick a slower motor in there and gear down if needed. I will see how it goes stock first but I am sure it will be too fast. I am also concerned the tires and wheels may be a little too dinky and may end up putting on some different ones but again, I'll give the stock ones a shot first! I hope to start to paint it tomorrow after work!

[@lo2713]

Im loving that 👌 i nearly got one last year. But i needed to get racers 😁 nice to see it and look forward to seeing a full running video, i may have to put this on my xmas list for santa 😁

[@AddamsPlayground]

Yeah, this one is far from a racer!!! It should be a really great looking thing once all doe but performance it is not know for! It is a fantastic build, very similar to the semi trucks so you would enjoy the build of it! I think it is going to be easier than the semi trucks to paint though so it does have an advantage over them!

[@lo2713]

@@AddamsPlayground haha, they need to do a pre painted body for me 😂 the one thing i hate lol

[@AddamsPlayground]

@@lo2713 I am beginning to dislike it more and more. The charm of seeing it go from plain to painted has worn off and it is just a chore to do it right now!

[@lo2713]

@@AddamsPlayground i just cant paint 😂

[@lonewolffgrey8983]

dude!!! sweet...

[@AddamsPlayground]

Thanks! It was a really enjoyable build with tons of hardware and parts going together to turn it into the chonk of a chassis!! My wife picked up the paint for me yesterday while she was out so I can start working on getting everything painted and get the body assembled. It should look pretty awesome once it is all together! I will probably look at some other wheels and tires as I think these look a little too dinky on it but we will see once it is all together.

[@islandrc-duke1972]

col kit and great build

[@AddamsPlayground]

Thank you sir! It was a wonderful one to put together. Tons of bits and pieces so I was in heaven with it!

[@dannyseville2543]

Im looking for the next kit after the bt01 (which i will hopefully get in the next week) and considered one of these. If prefer the ford f350 but the chassis are the same anyway. Is it worth the money and would you say it needs the lights (that aftermarket setup you got) to really make it stand out?

[@AddamsPlayground]

If you enjoy building then you will love it. It is much more of builders kit than a performance truck. I am sure it is fairly capable but it is not one to take out on the rocks and run or bomb around in the yard at top speed but more if a tootle it around and appreciate the real scale looks of it and all the mechanics of it. If that type of stuff is enjoyable for you then it is definitely worth it. They are not cheap kits but there is 4 normal kits worth of hardware and at least two kits worth of parts in there so it is somewhat justified. I would say a light kit for it is needed. The sound kit part is neat but certainly not required, it does add to it but the lights are kind of a must have since it is so scale looking,

[@dannyseville2543]

@AddamsPlayground I think you have just convinced me then haha. On the scale, how big is it next to something like tt02 with an average shell? If its still 1/10 on what is a beast of a truck, I imagine it's pretty big?

[@AddamsPlayground]

@@dannyseville2543 It may be an inch or so longer and about as wide. It is twice as tall though! Once the body is on it it gets a lot bulkier looking. With the body off it is kind of slim looking. Here are the dimensions I got off of TamiyaBase for it Overall length:508 mm Overall width:216 mm Overall height:270 mm Wheelbase:285 mm Weight:3.10 kg (Without RC/battery)

[@OGRadGrow]

Very Nice 👍🏾💯

[@AddamsPlayground]

Thanks! It should be a pretty sweet looking truck once it is all done! Got some of the paint on today!

[@jamespeek3061]

Man great video. You hit on so many great points that i needed to see. I'm sure you've said it along the way. What was the red diff grease you used? Thanks again sir, can't wait to see the body video. It's going to be epic!

[@AddamsPlayground]

Thanks! It should be a pretty sweet looking truck once it is all done. The grease I used in the diffs is some from Traxxas, it is their high performance grease #TRA5041. It is a good bit stickier than the normal kit grease. In a normal buggy or truck it is able to really tighten up the diffs. In this big honking beast it helped but they still spin rather freely. Mor than likely I will end up locking at least the rear diff with the pin but I will give it a try like it is first.

[@sonicplayroompiano4302]

Sick kit man. This was my first kit back into rc as an adult 2 years ago. I now also have the hot shot 2 blockhead and turbo scorpion and I love them but the hilux is my pride and joy and was the most rewarding build. Also the most difficult and lengthy. Can you get a more 80s looking 4x4 than this! It's just gorgeous. And that surf board 🔥 Can't wait to see your final build mate. What's the name of the alternative light kit you're using? Does it also include the vibration? This causes the truck to shake a little during engine start up and when idling. Cool idea for added realism imo.

[@AddamsPlayground]

They are terrific kits to build, lots and lot of mechanics going on in there and tons of stuff to assemble! It should be a looker once it is all done and out driving around! I agree, a lifted show Toyota truck screams the late 80s and 90s for sure! The alternative light kit is from G.T. Power, it is the G.T. POWER BLUETOOTH CAR SOUNDS & LIGHT SYSTEM FOR 1/10 RC CAR kit. This one does not have the rumble unit on it but they do sell one. You can find them mostly on eBay and some other online retailers. I like the rumble on the semi truck but often turn it off just to keep it from shaking the truck apart!

[@sparetimerc]

Hey Addam, the chassis is looking good. There's a lot that goes into this build, compared to the Grand Hauler. Which one has the most difficult transmission build? Take care and best wishes to you and the family

[@AddamsPlayground]

Thanks Al! It is a fun and challenging build, lot and lots of parts and hardware. It goes together just like any other kit though. The transmissions are extremely similar if not identical. It has been a while since I built the GH but it was pretty much the same thing. Overall the chassis builds are similar but I think the High-Lift has a bit more going on and more pieces to it. The body on the grand hauler I think is more work than the Hilux is going to be. So far it seems pretty straight forward. Speaking of bodies, I did get a bunch more done on yours and just a few small things left to address and I will be done with it. I will explain later the delays! It looks good though.

[@oldscoolcooldiecast1879]

I’m in Virginia to. Do you ever take on work And are you close to Roanoke. New sub. Great content

[@AddamsPlayground]

Well thank for subscribing and welcome to the adventures! I am closer to the Fredericksburg area so Roanoke is a hike! I don't normally take on additional projects but feel free to email me and I can see what you are looking for. I can't put the plain email in a comment or the YT robots will block t he comment so you will have to remove the extra bits from it. It is addamsplayground at gmail dot com. I am glad you are enjoying the channel.

[@josesantiago6100]

How can I get one of those light kits like the nfc type of kits

[@AddamsPlayground]

You can find them on eBay mostly, I have seen them elsewhere but it is easiest to find them on eBay usually. Search for "GT POWER MOBILE APP Bluetooth Version RC Car Sounds/ Lights System 1/10 1/8 Car" and it should pull up several listings for them!

[@martinhsrc6699]

I agree trucks are too fast, I put an 80 turn in mine

[@AddamsPlayground]

I am thinking I may be doing the same with mine after the first run of it. I just want really slow, slow and just faster than slow out of it! Right now it seems like it is kind of slow, too fast and way too fast out of the box! LOL!

[@jeremysuydam3859]

What light kit is that?

[@AddamsPlayground]

It is the GT Power Bluetooth Version RC Car Sounds/ Lights System. You can find them for sale at various places, eBay is probably your best bet but I have seen them listed at various online retailers.

[@kanenstuff]

A classic car its a pitty you never got them in America to start with we were lucky in Australia we always got JDM cars.

[@AddamsPlayground]

Yes, the Hilux is much better than any of the smaller truck we have ever gotten here! I know there are tough as nails and keep going forever!

[@kanenstuff]

@AddamsPlayground a great 4x4 just like the Nissan Patrol there very different from the US ones which are sweet. There in a different category but stand the tuff hot and harsh Australian climate and terrain.

[@rcicons4915]

Came out great. You will like the gt power setup. I have a few setup in my crawlers. They work very well for the price point.

[@AddamsPlayground]

Thanks Keith! It was a great build! I did get the light kit setup and I like it but I had to ditch the turn signals from it. Those got on my nerves right away! I have never been a fan of turn signals on trucks and these were too much! LOL! Everything else is cool though and anything is better than the MFC for this one. Way too much money for those things!

[@nomusicrc]

What is a MFC

[@AddamsPlayground]

The MFC (or MFU) is the Mutli-Function Control unit Tamiya sell for these High-Lift trucks. It is very similar to the one they make for the semi truck. It is an esc, light and sound control unit that is all in one. They have a few more features like the rumble motor included with it but they cost anywhere from $280-350 so it is very over priced. for $120-150 you can get a HW1080 ESC, an upgraded motor and a light and sound controller and do everything the MFC can do, some even have the rumble motors.

[@nomusicrc]

@@AddamsPlayground WOW ok

[@bradkalman2353]

Got ball bearings for it?

[@AddamsPlayground]

Yes, full ball bearing throughout. 30ish bearings I think, it was a lot!

[@bradkalman2353]

@@AddamsPlayground even in the gearbox?

[@AddamsPlayground]

@@bradkalman2353 All but the ones on the slider, those have to get glued in and the instructions tell you not to replace them with bearings. So those couple are still the brass bushings. Everything else has been replaced with bearings.

[@gigglehurtz3167]

oof, lucky guy you.

[@AddamsPlayground]

Yeah, I was lucky to have been able to snag this one for a decent price. It is a great build and should be a good looking truck once it is all done! I am not sure how well it is actually going to perform but I hope to find out soon.

[@gigglehurtz3167]

@@AddamsPlayground yah awesome kit, just a bit too pricey to me though.

[@AddamsPlayground]

@@gigglehurtz3167 I doubt I would have one if it were not for getting at auction. I didn't get it for a steal but a decent price which made it easier to swallow. Still is a pricey kit, you are 100% right about it.

[@gigglehurtz3167]

@@AddamsPlayground you know, its funny this made me go hit ebay to look around and i stumbled across a kit that looks about 90% identical to this some knock off "Toyato" heh, but it was 200 bucks i said heck yes. Of course i would prefer the tamiya kit but this thing probably cost you close to 1000 didn it?

[@AddamsPlayground]

@@gigglehurtz3167 I have been tempted to buy on those kits before. I think they are a pretty good knock off of these. There are quite a few videos of them on YT, they seem legit. I am pretty sure I only paid about $350 for this at the auction. I got a decent deal on it so I am very happy. I seriously doubt I would have one if I had not gotten the deal on it. I would probably have done exactly what you did!!

[@rcinhand9671]

For the price they're asking, the MF in MFC doesn't stand for Multi Function.. just saying.

[@AddamsPlayground]

Exactly! It is a cool thing to add but it is 3x more expensive as it ever should be. For as little as it offers there is no point in it, the G.T. Power kit should be more than enough for me, I just need a few lights and the sounds are a bonus!

[@nomusicrc]

Last

[@AddamsPlayground]

Thanks for checking it out an checking in!

[@alans4281]

I can’t say anything positive about this truck so I can’t say anything.

[@AddamsPlayground]

Fair enough! I appreciate you tuning in and checking it out at least! I know it is not going to be a performer at all. Much more of a showy truck than anything.