Elevating The Tamiya Dynahead 6×6

Paul Onorato December 31, 2025 Stories

The engineering behind the Tamiya Dynahead 6×6

The Tamiya Dynahead 6×6 isn’t just another off-roader; it’s a masterclass in specialized RC engineering. Its striking polycarbonate shell—penned by renowned designer Takayuki Yamazaki—draws inspiration from the massive cabover trucks seen in European truck trial competitions. With its boxy silhouette and signature rear-hinged door motifs, the Dynahead looks every bit the rugged adventurer it was built to be.

The one-piece polycarbonate trial truck-inspired body is quite unique and will be a stand out among other off-road vehicles.

All the markings you see in this pic are included with the kit on a large detail sticker sheet.

Underneath that wild body sits the G6-01TR chassis, a six-wheel-drive platform engineered to conquer environments that would stop a standard 4×4 in its tracks. The standout feature is the integration of reduction gears (portal axles) at every wheel. This setup creates a massive 37.35:1 gear ratio, trading top-end speed for the raw, unstoppable torque needed to maintain traction on loose surfaces. Combined with its elongated wheelbase, this truck can confidently scale inclines as steep as 40 degrees.

6-wheel independent double wishbone suspension uses friction dampers while the gearboxes are integrated into the monocoque chassis.

All 6 wheels are fitted with hub reduction units, which slow down drive shaft output for greater torque and immense traction.

The backbone of the Dynahead is a slim, rigid monocoque frame that houses a fully sealed gear-driven drivetrain. By placing the motor just behind the front wheels, Tamiya has optimized the weight distribution for forward bite. Inside the sealed gearbox, three separate differentials—tunable with the included diff putty—ensure power is distributed effectively across all six wheels.
The truck rolls on high-grip 110mm V-pattern block tires mounted to sleek black 5-spoke wheels, supported by independent double-wishbone suspension. For those looking for maximum maneuverability, the chassis is even designed to support 4-wheel steering (4WS) with a few simple suspension tweaks and a compatible radio system, allowing the rear wheels to help pivot the truck through tight technical sections.

Elevating The Tamiya Dynahead 6x6 — Diff putty is included in the kit and can be used inside of the gear differentials if you want to gain even more traction for this big 6-wheeler.

Tamiya Dynahead 6×6 Specs

Item #58660
Chassis designation: G6-01TR
Scale: 1/18
Construction type: Build-up kit
Length: 16.85 in. (428mm)
Width: 10.08in. (256mm)
Height: 8.74 in. (222mm)
Wheelbase: 6.81 in. (173mm)
Chassis: ABS plastic monocoque
Drivetrain: 6WD, gear driven sealed gearbox
Differential: Front, center and rear gear diffs
Bearings: Ball bearings along w/ metal and plastic bushings
Suspension: 6-wheel fully independent double wishbone
Shocks: Friction type
Motor: 540-brushed type
Speed control: Not included
Body: Clear polycarbonate
Wheels: Black 5-spoke plastic wheels
Tires: Rubber V-pattern block treaded tires

Required to complete

2-channel radio system
Steering servo
Speed Control
Battery pack
Battery charger
Polycarbonate Paint

The Dynahead Upgrade Path: 8 Recommended Tamiya Hop-Ups

Below, we’ve curated eight Tamiya Hop-Up Option parts that offer significant improvements to the Dynahead’s off-road stability, drivetrain efficiency and long-term durability.

1. Rubber-Sealed Ball Bearing Sets

In a drivetrain as complex as the one used in the G6-01TR chassis, reducing friction is paramount. Replacing the stock plastic and metal bushings with high-quality rubber-sealed bearings is the most effective way to improve drivetrain efficiency. Not only do they allow the motor to spin more freely—extending run times and reducing heat—but the rubber seals provide a vital barrier against the dust and fine grit encountered on the trail.

Because the Dynahead utilizes portal gears at all six corners, the bearing count is significantly higher than a standard chassis. To fully outfit the drivetrain, you will need the following sizes:

630 Sealed Ball Bearing (3x6x2.5mm) — #42370 (24 bearings required)
850 Sealed Ball Bearing (5x8x2.5mm) — #42368 (4 bearings required)
950 Sealed Ball Bearing (5x9x3mm) — #42380 (18 bearings required)
1150 Sealed Ball Bearing (5x11x4mm) — #53008 (30 bearings required)

2. G6-01 Clear Gray D Chassis Parts — #54807

If you are committing to the bearing upgrade, it is highly recommended to install the Clear Gray D Chassis Parts at the same time. Since the G6-01TR chassis must be fully disassembled to replace the bushings, swapping to these transparent components is a seamless addition.

Beyond just the “cool factor,” these parts serve a mechanical purpose by putting the Dynahead’s ingenious all-gear drivetrain on full display. It transforms the chassis into a rolling showcase, allowing the complex inner workings of the 6×6 system to be appreciated even when the body is off.

3. Tamiya Lightly-Tuned Motor (28T) — #53983

While the stock motor gets the job done, the Tamiya Lightly-Tuned 28T motor is a significant upgrade for a technical crawler like the Dynahead. This motor is designed to provide a perfect balance of increased torque and manageable speed, which is essential when navigating tricky terrain with a 6-wheel drive system.

By opting for a 28-turn setup, you gain better low-end throttle response—perfect for crawling over obstacles where finesse is more important than flat-out power. It’s an efficient, reliable choice that enhances the Dynahead’s trial-truck DNA without overstressing the gear train.

4. Aluminum Motor Guard — #54817

Whether you are sticking with the stock silver can or have dropped in the Lightly-Tuned Motor, the Aluminum Motor Guard is a vital addition. In a 6×6 trial truck designed to conquer uneven terrain, the motor can often be exposed to impacts from rocks and debris.

This hop-up provides a rugged physical shield for the motor can, but its benefits aren’t just defensive. The aluminum construction also acts as a heat sink, drawing warmth away from the motor to help maintain peak efficiency during long, slow-speed crawling sessions. It’s a practical upgrade that offers peace of mind and improved thermal management in one package.

5. GF-01 Aluminum Servo Lowering Guard — #54644

Precision steering is critical when you’re navigating a six-wheeled beast through tight gaps. The Aluminum Servo Lowering Guard serves a dual purpose: it drops the mounting position of the servo to optimize the steering geometry and provides a rigid, protective shield against ground strikes.

By lowering the servo, you achieve a more linear steering feel and reduce unwanted “bump steer” as the front suspension cycles. This added precision, combined with the extra durability of a metal guard, ensures that your steering commands remain crisp and consistent even when the front wheels are under heavy load. Installation is straightforward and can be done without major surgery to the chassis, making it a high-reward upgrade that doesn’t require hours on the workbench.

6. GF-01 Aluminum Steering Arm — #54588

The stock plastic steering arm can often flex under the strain of turning those six high-traction tires, especially when the front end is wedged into a tight technical line. Replacing it with the GF-01 Aluminum Steering Arm eliminates that unwanted “mushy” feel.

This precision-machined part provides a much more rigid connection between your servo and the front wheels. The result is a significant increase in steering accuracy and a more direct response to your inputs. For a truck as long as the Dynahead, every bit of steering authority helps in keeping your lines tight and your maneuvers predictable.

7. GF-01 Aluminum Oil Dampers — #54670

To truly transform the Dynahead’s trail manners, the stock friction dampers need to go. Since this is a six-wheeled independent suspension platform and this hop-up comes as a four-shock set, you will need to pick up two packs to fully outfit the truck. This also leaves you with two handy spares for your parts bin.

Unlike the stock friction shocks—which essentially rely on a plastic rod rubbing against a tube—these aluminum oil-filled units use internal pistons and silicone oil to control compression and rebound. This eliminates the “pogo-stick” effect, ensuring the tires stay glued to the terrain for maximum traction rather than bouncing over obstacles.

Assembly and Install: While these require more effort than the stock units, the assembly process is highly rewarding. You’ll build them from the ground up, filling them with oil and bleeding out air bubbles for smooth, consistent travel. Once assembled, they bolt directly into the factory mounting points. The threaded aluminum bodies are a massive bonus, allowing you to fine-tune the ride height and spring tension at each wheel with a simple twist of the collar—perfect for balancing the weight of that long 6×6 chassis.

8. Aluminum Front Skid Guard — #54796

As a trial truck, the Dynahead is often asked to climb over sharp ledges and rocky outcrops. The Aluminum Front Skid Guard is designed to take the brunt of those initial impacts. It replaces the stock plastic bumper area with a durable, low-friction aluminum plate that allows the truck to “slide” up and over obstacles rather than getting hung up on the front chassis edge.

Beyond the obvious durability boost, the polished finish adds a professional, rugged look to the front end. It’s a simple bolt-on upgrade that reinforces the strongest part of the truck, ensuring that your Dynahead can handle aggressive climbs without damaging the main chassis assembly.

For more information about Tamiya products, visit: TAMIYA