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Shock absorbers, or shocks, are the suspension components that
allow the wheels to keep as much contact as possible with the
track surface. The XRAY T has fully-independent front and rear
suspension, meaning that the suspension at each corner of the
car (front left, front right, rear left, rear right) moves and may be
adjusted independently of the others. As such, there is a shock
absorber at each corner of the car.
Damping, mounting position, spring tension, and spring preload
are all characteristics that determine how the shock performs.
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XRAY
SPRINGS
Spring tension determines how much the spring resists compression, which is commonly referred to as the “hardness” of the spring. Different spring
tensions determine how much of the car’s weight is transferred to the wheel relative to the other shocks. Spring tension also influences the speed at
which a shock rebounds after compression. Spring tension selection depends on whether the track is fast or slow, or has high or low grip.
Spring tension is determined by the characteristics of the spring itself, and NOT by the amount of preload placed on the spring by the preload collars.
Characteristics such as wire material, wire thickness, and other factors determine spring tension. Spring tension is usually rated in a “spring weight”
number that indicates how much weight (or force) is required to compress the spring by a specific amount. A spring with a higher “spring weight”
number (such as a 0lb) is considered “harder” since it will be more difficult to compress than a spring with a lower “spring weight” number (such
as a 0lb spring).
XRAY shock springs are color-coded so that all springs of a specific “spring weight” have the same external colour. Note that spring colours are NOT
standardized; an XRAY silver spring will not have the same spring tension as a silver spring from another manufacturer.
Stiffer springs
·
Makes the car more responsive.
·
Car reacts faster to steering inputs.
·
Stiff springs are suited for tight, high-traction tracks that aren’t too bumpy.
·
Usually when you stiffen all of the springs, you lose a small amount of steering, and reduce chassis roll.
Softer springs
·
Makes the car feel as if it has a little more traction in low grip conditions.
·
Better for bumpy and very large and open tracks.
·
Springs that are too soft make the car feel sluggish and slow, allowing more chassis roll.
Stiffer front
springs
·
Increases mid-corner and corner-exit understeer.
·
Increases steering under braking.
·
Increases the car’s responsiveness, but makes it more “nervous”.
Softer front
springs
·
Makes the car have more steering, especially mid-corner and at corner exit.
·
Front springs that are too soft can make the car understeer under braking.
Stiffer rear
springs
·
Makes the car have less rear traction, but more steering mid-corner and at corner exit. This is especially apparent in long,
high-speed corners.
Softer rear
springs
·
Makes the car have more rear side traction mid-corner, through bumpy sections, and while accelerating (forward traction).
SHOcK aBSORBERS
SHOCKS
EFFEcTS OF SPRING SELEcTION
SPRINGS
