3Racing Sakura D4 RWD: Specs, Build and Setup Guide
The 3Racing Sakura D4 RWD is a budget 1/10 rear-wheel-drive drift chassis kit and the predecessor of the Sakura D5. It has a 363 mm length, 255 mm wheelbase, 180/178 mm front/rear track, a weight of about 735 g, a full FRP chassis, a 2.06:1 internal gear ratio, adjustable Y-shaped front upper arms, 10° front caster and a battery that can sit at the front, middle or rear. It was a popular entry into RWD drifting and remains common on the used market.
By Kyle HilsonUpdated: October 20263 min read
Specifications
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Length | 363 mm |
| Wheelbase | 255 mm |
| Track F/R | 180 / 178 mm |
| Weight | about 735 g |
| Chassis | FRP |
| Internal ratio | 2.06:1 |
| Front caster | 10° |
From 3Racing and dealer listings.
Building tips
- Follow the manual; check every ball link moves freely.
- Build shocks carefully, equal length, no air.
- Use threadlock on metal screws into metal.
- Mount the gyro flat, away from the motor.
- Try different battery positions to tune weight balance.
Electronics you’ll need
- Sensored brushless motor and ESC.
- Fast steering servo.
- Steering gyro.
- 2.4 GHz radio with a gyro gain channel.
- Shorty LiPo, drift tyres, wheels and a body.
D4 vs D5
The D5 brought updated geometry, more steering angle options and, in MR versions, a midship motor layout for better balance. The D4 is simpler and cheaper, especially used, and still drifts well once set up. If buying new, the D5 is usually the better choice; if a cheap used D4 is available, it’s a good way to start. The D5 is covered in 3Racing Sakura D5.
Setup basics
Start with medium gyro gain, soft springs and a level ride height. Use the battery position to change weight transfer: rearward adds traction, forward sharpens turn-in. Tyre compound matched to your surface makes the biggest difference. More general advice is in best RC drift cars.
Upgrades
Aluminium knuckles, a high-angle steering kit, better shocks and a carbon chassis plate are common upgrades. Make changes one at a time and test each.
Buying used
Check for a cracked FRP chassis, bent hinge pins, worn gears and play in the steering. Ask which electronics are included; a gyro and good servo add a lot of value.
Learning to drift with the D4
Start on a smooth, clean surface with hard drift tyres. Practise circles around a single marker, holding a steady drift with throttle while the gyro handles counter-steer. Then move to figure eights to learn transitions. If the car spins, reduce throttle and check gyro gain; if it straightens too easily, add a little throttle or angle. Short, focused sessions build control faster than long random driving. Drift tracks and clubs are the best places to learn from others and try different layouts.
Bodies
The D4 accepts many 1/10 drift bodies sized for its wheelbase. Lightweight polycarbonate bodies keep weight transfer quick; detailed hard bodies look great but change handling.
Gyro setup
Mount the gyro on a flat area with foam tape, check that it counter-steers in the correct direction when you rotate the car by hand, and put gain on a transmitter knob. Start around the middle and adjust: too much gain causes wobbling on straights, too little lets the rear swing out too far.
Save your good settings so you can return to them after experiments.
FAQ
Is the Sakura D4 RWD good for beginners?
Yes, it’s an affordable first RWD drift chassis.
What’s the wheelbase?
255 mm.
Do I need a gyro?
Yes, for RWD drifting.
D4 or D5?
D5 for new purchases; D4 if you find a cheap used one.
More on this topic: the complete RC Cars guide covers the basics behind this article.
About 20 years in RC. Mostly boats in the NAVIGA Mini Eco Expert class, with many self-made parts; also a King Motor Baja 5B, a home-built electric plane, home-built nitro planes he has flown, and an RC helicopter. More about SwellRC
