22 • SLASH VXL
ADJUSTING YOUR MODEL
Once you become familiar with driving your model, you might
need to make adjustments for better driving performance
Adjusting the Toe-in
Geometry and alignment
specs play an important role
in your model’s handling.
Take the time to set them
correctly. Set the steering
trim on your transmitter
to neutral. Now, adjust your servo and tie rods so that both wheels
are pointing straight ahead and are parallel to each other (0° toe-in).
This will ensure the same amount of steering in both directions. For
increased stability, add one- to two-degrees of toe in to each front
wheel. Use the turnbuckles to adjust the alignment.
Adjusting the Camber
The camber angle of both
the front and rear wheels can
be adjusted with the camber
rods (upper turnbuckles).
Use a square or right-angle
triangle to set the camber
accurately. The stock
camber of the front wheels is
-1 degree of camber. In the
rear, the stock camber is -1.5
degrees. These adjustments
should be set with the truck
positioned at its normal ride height with a battery installed.
Fine Tuning the Shocks
The four shocks on the model greatly influence its handling.
Whenever you rebuild your shocks or make any changes to the
pistons, springs, or oil, always make changes to them in pairs (front
or rear). Piston selection depends on the range of oil viscosities
that you have available. For example, using a two-hole piston with
a lightweight oil will, at one point, give you the same damping
as a three-hole piston with heavier oil. We recommend using the
two-hole pistons with a range of oil viscosities from 10W to 50W
(available from your hobby shop). The thinner viscosity oils (30W
or less) flow more smoothly and are more consistent, while thicker
oils provide more damping. Use only 100% pure silicone shock oil
to prolong seal life. The model’s ride height
can be adjusted by adding or removing the
clip-on, spring preload spacers. Adjust the
ride height so that the suspension arms are
slightly above being parallel to the ground.
Observe how the model handles in turns.
Proper setup will add stability and help
prevent spin outs. Experiment with different
springs and shock oils to find what works
best for your current track conditions.
Shock Mounting Positions
Big bumps and rough terrain require a
softer suspension with the maximum
possible suspension travel and ride height.
Racing on a prepared track or on-road use
requires a lower ride height and firmer, more
progressive suspension settings. The more
progressive suspension settings help reduce body roll (increased roll
stiffness), dive during braking, and squat during acceleration.
Your model’s suspension can be altered to perform well in a variety
of terrain conditions. By making simple changes to the shock
positions, you can alter the handling of the vehicle.
For off-road driving:
1. Place the front shocks in the
inner hole (position 1) on the
suspension arms.
2. Place the rear shocks in position 2
on the suspension arms.
For on-road/hard-packed surface driving:
1. Place the front shocks in the
outer hole (position 2) on the
suspension arms.
2. Place the rear shocks in the
middle position (position 3)
on the suspension arms.
These settings are suggested starting
points. Experiment with the shock
positions to find the best setup for your
terrain, traction level, and driving style.
Preload
Spacer
0
°
0
°
-1.5
°
-1.5
°
-1
°
-1
°
0
°
0
°
Rear Camber
0
°
0
°
-1.5
°
-1.5
°
-1
°
-1
°
0
°
0
°
Front Camber
0
°
0
°
-1.5
°
-1.5
°
-1
°
-1
°
0
°
0
°
Toe-in
1
1
Front
Rear
2
2 3 4 5
All of the toe links are installed
on the truck so the left-hand
thread indicators point to the
same direction. This makes it
easier to remember which way
to turn the wrench to increase
or decrease toe link length
(the direction is the same at
all four corners). Note that the
groove in the hex indicates
the side of the toe link with
the left-hand threads.
