T-MAXX 3.3 OWNER’S MANUAL • 23
TUNING ADJUSTMENTS
SUSPENSION TUNING
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.
Upper shock mounting position (A) should generally be used with lower
shock mounting positions 1 and 2. Upper shock mounting position (B)
should be generally be used with lower shock mounting positions 3 and 4.
The innermost upper shock mounting position (0) can be used for tuning
with the inner pair of lower shock mounting positions on the arm (1,2).
It is not compatible with lower shock mounting positions 3 and 4. Other
combinations may be used to achieve individualized suspension settings.
Upper Shock Mounting Positions
The upper shock mounting positions will have suspension effects
opposite from the lower shock mounting positions.
Spring rate
(at the wheel), increases as the upper shock mounting
position is moved from position (A) to position (B).
Ride height
is not affected by changes in the upper shock mounting
position.
Use the chart below to see the effect of the various shock mounting
positions. The horizontal length of the lines indicates the amount of
suspension travel. The angle or slope of the lines indicates the spring
rate (at the wheel
).
Lower Shock Mounting Positions
In the out-of-the-box configuration, the shocks are installed in position
(A) on the shock tower and position (2) on the lower suspension arm.
This setting allows for firm suspension and low ride height, increasing
the spring force (at the wheel). This setting improves high-speed
cornering on smoother terrain by lowering the center of gravity. Body
roll, brake dive, and squat are also reduced.
The inner pair of holes on the lower suspension arm should
be used to increase the ride height of the T-Maxx 3.3. The more vertical
position of the shocks will allow for lower shock progression and the
soft, plush feel that’s characteristic of a Traxxas Maxx Truck.
Spring rate
(at the wheel) increases as the lower shock mounting
position is moved from position (1) to position (4). This is equivalent to
using stiffer springs. Use higher spring rate settings for flatter terrain
with smaller and fewer bumps, and lower spring rate settings for
bigger bumps.
Ride height
decreases as the lower shock mounting position is moved
from position (1) to position (4). Each pair of lower shock mounting
holes (1,2 and 3,4) has equal ride height. Use lower ride height for high-
speed cornering and flat terrain, and when racing on relatively smooth
tracks. Increase the ride height for rougher terrain and tracks.
Fine Tuning the Shocks
The eight shocks (oil dampers) on your T-Maxx 3.3
have tremendous influence on its handling. Whenever
you rebuild your shocks, or make any changes to the
pistons, springs or oil, always do it carefully and in
sets (front or rear). Piston head selection depends on
the range of oil viscosities that you have available. For
example, using a two-hole piston with lightweight oil
will give you the same damping as a three-hole piston
with heavier oil.
We recommend using two-hole pistons with a range
of oil viscosities from 30W to 50W (available from your
hobby shop). The thinner viscosity oils (30W or less)
flow with less resistance and provide less damping,
2.5
2
1.5
1
0.5
0
0
10
20
30
40
60
70
80
90
100
50
Wheel Force (lb)
Wheel Travel (mm)
Wheel Force vs. Wheel Travel
Lower Mount 1, Upper Mount 0
Lower Mount 2, Upper Mount 0
Lower Mount 1, Upper Mount A
Lower Mount 2, Upper Mount A
Lower Mount 3, Upper Mount A
Lower Mount 4, Upper Mount A
Lower Mount 1, Upper Mount B
Lower Mount 2, Upper Mount B
Lower Mount 3, Upper Mount B
Lower Mount 4, Upper Mount B
Less Firm
More Firm
Lower Mount 4
Lower Mount 3
Lower Mount 2
Lower Mount 1
For easier access to the rear-most shock mounting screw, remove
the one end of the rear turnbuckle. In the front, remove the
suspension pin from the lower front suspension arm to gain easier
access to the lower shock mounting screws.
