If you’ve spent time in the RC hobby, you already know the Tamiya TT-01 is one of the most popular entry-level touring car chassis out there. It’s cheap, durable, and easy to work on—not to mention there are tons of upgrade parts for it. But what if you want to turn your TT-01 into something a little different… like a truck?
The short answer: Yes, you can run a TT-01 as a truck, but there are a few things to think about before diving in.
1. Ground Clearance Is Your Biggest Challenge
The TT-01 is low to the ground because it’s designed for on-road driving. If you want a truck look or want to run it on rougher surfaces, you’ll need:
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Longer shocks or shock extenders
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Taller tires
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Possibly a small lift kit or custom spacers
These mods give you the height you need but can slightly change the handling.
2. Bigger Tires Add Stress
Truck-sized tires look cool, but they’re heavier and put more strain on:
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The motor
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Pinion and spur gears
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The drivetrain
If you upgrade to bigger tires, it’s smart to:
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Gear down a bit
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Use a stronger motor
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Keep an eye on motor temps
3. Body Mounting Needs Some Creativity
Putting a truck body on a TT-01 usually means adjusting (or replacing) body posts. Most people use:
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Longer posts
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Aftermarket adjustable posts
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Or custom-cut pieces
It’s not hard, but it’s not a direct bolt-on either.
4. Handling Will Change
A TT-01 with truck wheels and a high body won’t corner like it used to. Expect:
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More body roll
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Slightly slower acceleration
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A higher center of gravity
If you plan to bash and play around, this isn’t a problem. But if you race, it might not be ideal.
5. It’s a Fun Project
At the end of the day, the TT-01 is one of the best platforms for experimenting. It’s cheap, simple, and forgiving. If your goal is just to have fun, build something unique, or try a scale-style street truck, then modifying a TT-01 is absolutely worth it.