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Springs
: In general, running softer springs will produce more traction until you get so soft that the chassis rolls over to the point
where there is no suspension left and it starts to slide the tires. A softer front spring will usually produce more steering while a firmer
spring will tend to decrease steering response. Soft rear springs are better on very slick tracks but as the traction increases so must the
spring rate.
Shock mounting positions:
Leaning the shocks inward on the shock tower produces softer initial damping and is more
forgiving. Moving the shocks out on the shock tower makes the car more responsive and is
better for tight tracks where you need quicker steering reaction.
Wheelbase
: A shorter wheelbase (spacers behind
the rear hubs, photo 16), increases on-power
traction, rear weight transfer, and has more
off-power steering. The shorter wheelbase is
better on tight or slick tracks. A longer wheelbase
(spacers in front of the rear hubs, photo 17),
decreases off-power steering. The longer
wheelbase tends to be more stable and has more
on-power steering.
Differentials:
Differential Fluids are just like shock fluids in that the larger the number the thicker/heavier the
fluid.
Front
: Thinner/lighter fluid in the front differential increases off-power steering but decreases
steering and acceleration exiting the turn. You must be careful not to go too light as the
steering will become grabby and inconsistent. If you experience this go at least one step
heavier. Although lighter fluid will have a little better steering entering a corner it will have
less acceleration on exit. In general, thicker/heavier front differential fluid increases off-power
stability and increases on-power steering.
Center
: Using thinner/lighter fluid in the center differential tends to make the model easier to drive on rough and slick tracks but
allows it to unload easier under acceleration and provides less forward drive. Thicker/heavier center differential fluids offer better
acceleration, increased on-power steering and less off-power steering. In general, using thicker center differential fluid is better on
high bite and smooth oval tracks.
Rear
: Using thinner/lighter fluid in the rear differential provides more cornering traction and increases steering response in the middle
of the turn. Thicker/heavier fluids in the rear differential provide less steering in the middle of the turn but greater forward traction.
Ackerman
: This is the name given to the type of geometry needed to maintain the difference in the angles of the inside and outside
wheels necessary for each front tire to maintain the proper turning radius. Since the inside tire must run a smaller radius than the
outside tire this is critical. The Long Ackerman plate will have smoother steering and is generally more forgiving.
The Short Ackerman plate produces a quicker reaction and steering response and has more steering in the middle of the turn. The
short Ackerman plate would be better suited for tight tracks.
Bump Steer
: is the side-to-side movement of the front wheels that can be caused by the suspension moving up and down.
Down
: Running the bump steer ball in the “down” position (photo 19), will produce smoother steering in the middle of the turn.
Up
: Running the bump steer ball in the “up” position (photo 20), will increase the steering in the middle of the turn.
Short
Long
IN
OUT
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16
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