MIP Super Ball Diff for Tamiya Blackfoot and Monster Beetle

Here it is!  The MIP Super Ball Diff (#16210) for the Tamiya Blackfoot (58633) and Monster Beetle (58618).  Here are the pictures of the final product as I received it yesterday.

48 tooth diff gear

Two kinds of grease: clear silicone and MIP

I have not built one of these diffs to try yet, mostly because I do not have a Blackfoot or Monster Beetle to put it in.  My plan is to use them in the Frog and Subaru Brat by switching the internal gears to Blackfoot ones and using the Frog universal joints as I mentioned in the compatibility section of a previous post.

Since the overall design is based on MIP's tried and true ball diff layout used in their other products, the strength and durability of these diffs is not in question.  Over on TamiyaClub, initial testing results from one member indicate that it is indeed tough and has none of the problems found in the stock gear diff (clicking, grinding) even from a backward rolling start at full throttle.  With the MIP ball diff there is no longer a need to have bracing on the outside of the gearbox side plates or a bolt going through the gearbox to try to stop the plates from bending outward under high acceleration.

These diffs are available now by going to this link: http://www.miponline.com/store/miptamiyainfo.html
MSRP is US $60+ shipping.  Not exactly cheap (it's made in the USA), but certainly less than a vintage Thorp diff from eBay.

Note: I am not affiliated with MIP in any way.  I'm just happy that they made this product.

Update: MIP Ball Diff for Tamiya ORV Chassis Pre-Order Campaign is a Success!

According to the latest email newsletter from MIP, the Tamiya ORV chassis ball differential pre-order campaign has met the minimum quantity needed for production to start! 

Congratulations to all that pre-ordered to make this happen!

Production of the differentials will begin almost immediately according to Alberto (Pintopower on Tamiyclub) who contacted MIP directly and received a reply that manufacturing will start on Dec 2, 2016 at 8am.  The first shipments of the new diffs are expected some time in January, 2017.

If you are reading this post before Dec 5, 2016, there is still time to pre-order now and save 10% off the $60 retail price.  See details below.

While nothing specific has been said about retail production for these diffs, I think it is reasonable to assume that MIP will manufacturer a certain quantity of units that will reach the normal retail and distributor outlets and see how they sell.  

If you missed out on the pre-order campaign and want to purchase one of these differentials, keep an eye out for them at your MIP dealer starting in early 2017.  Also, be sure to ask for them so your dealer knows there is a demand. Part #16210 MIP Super Ball Diff.

When I first saw the MIP newsletter email, my eyes immediately focused on the chart showing only 82.4% sold with 4 days left before the end of the campaign (Dec 5, 2016).  Some quick math told me that there were still 44 units left to reach the minimum pre-order quantity of 250.  I was disappointed.  There was no way 44 units would be sold in 4 days.

But, a sharp-eyed reader on TamiyaClub (thanks, Dangerseeker!) noticed that there was this sentence hiding in the text above the chart: "MIP goal has been reached, so production has now started."   I totally overlooked that sentence, and so did others.

So, while the goal was to have 250 units pre-ordered, the actual minimum "go" quantity must have been 200 (just guessing here).  (250 x 82.4% = 206)

Here is the email:

WEB ONLY
NEW DISCOUNTED PRE-PURCHASE CAMPAIGN

#16210 MIP Super Ball Diff,

(click image to purchase)

 

MIP is honored to offer the Tamiya Vintage Community our

MIP Super Ball Diff for the Tamiya Blackfoot, Monster Beetle,
Subaru Brat, Lancia Rally  and Frog series of cars. 

MIP goal has been reached, so production has now started .
Buy now thru 12/5/16 and save $6

This is your last week to save 10% off the MIP Super Diff 

Only 5 more days to SAVE 10% off
of MIP Super Ball Diff
Ends Monday 12/5/16 at midnight 

Blackfoot
Monster Beetle
Brat 
 Frog 
(re-release kits)
MSRP: $60.00

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LAST WEEK TO SAVE 10%

(NO FREE SHIPPING THIS WEEK)

WITH CODE - "late10" FROM 11/29/16 TO 12/5/16

   

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(click image to purchase)

Disclaimer:  I am not affiliated with MIP or Tamiya or TamiyaUSA in any way.  All logos are copyrighted and/or trademarked by their respective owners.