Tamiya Tundra Highlift Project


main The High Lift series of ultra-realistic solid axle truck kits was first released in September of 2006 and the 58372 Ford F-350 was the first version.  The 58397 Toyota Hilux would follow in 2007 and the 58415 Toyota Tundra in 2008 along with a range of pre-painted versions of each.  All the base versions have been available continuously since.  This is a 4WD solid axle chassis with steel ladder frame construction and leaf springs.  It features a 3-speed transmission which is highly based on the version from the 1/14 scale tractor truck series.  Each of the truck versions has different wheels and slight variations in the frame for mounting positions.  The detailed hard shell body includes light buckets, a roll cage, and an optional roof rack for snowboards.  The body does not need to be removed for battery access.  Instead, the bed can be tilted back to access battery tray which sits sideways under the chassis rails.  The kit includes "friction dampers" rather than oil filled shocks.  They are less effective but look good and are perfectly adequate for this kind of speed.  The kit also has a four wheel steering option, but to me this makes no sense on a scale truck so I didn't use it.

This was designed to be able to use the MFC-02 Multi-Function Control Unit which adds many lights, a vibration motor, and V-8 (or V-6) engine sounds.  Naturally I chose to incorporate this option. Since I already own the F-350 High Lift with the MFC, I decided to configure this truck to use the V-6 sound (even though the badging on the side of the truck says V-8).  I don't plan to get the Hilux since it uses the same body as the Bruiser which I already have.

The primary selling point of this truck is the appearance.  With a silver can motor it is not very fast even with the 3-speed transmission.  With open differentials it is not that great off road, although the diffs can be locked manually by inserting a set screw.  The leaf springs don't offer much articulation, and the ground clearance is terrible with the transfer case hanging way down below the rails.  So why bother?  Well, it looks great.  With the MFC added, it also sounds great.  You have headlights, fog lights, roof lights, turn signals, reverse lights, a horn, and engine sounds.

I wasn't crazy about the rather plain appearance of the model if done as per box art.  I like the champagne gold color, but it was just lacking something.  The kit comes with a set of flame decals, but they really only work with a dark color.  I decided to order one of the 3 sets of add-on sticker sets Tamiya released at this time.  I think the "tribal" stickers look pretty good, although certainly they are a bit much and probably not for everyone.  I also painted the differential covers and beadlock rings in metallic red and installed the optional rooftop lights.

Update:  This model was destroyed in the 2022 fire.  It has not been replaced.
frame
Page 1: Construction		 mfc
Page 2: Installing the MFC
 chassis
Page 3: Final Photos

Description
 Manufacturer
 Model #
Toyota Tundra 1/10 Scale Radio Control
4x4 Pick-up Truck Kit (Highlift) 		Tamiya
 58415
Mabuchi RS-540SH-6527
27T 540 Brushed Motor		Tamiya
53689
16 Tooth 0.8 Mod Brass Pinion
 Tamiya
 3505026
MFC-02 Multi-Function
Control Unit
Tamiya
53957
4-Channel 2.4 GHz DSMR Receiver
Spektrum
SR415
Standard High Torque
Metal Gear Steering Servo
Futaba
S3305
Standard Ball Bearing Shift Servo
Futaba
S3004
RC Marking Sticker
 Tamiya53840
RC Aux Lamp x2
 Tamiya
 7175120
TS-75 Champagne Gold Paint
 Tamiya
 85075
TS-29 Semi Gloss Black Paint
Tamiya
85029
TS-13 Clear Paint
 Tamiya
 85013
Rubber Sealed Ball Bearing Kit
 Fast Eddy
 TFE889

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©2019 Eric Albrecht