Traxxas 55077-1 - Manual (Page 30)

30 • JATO 3.3
BASIC TUNING ADJUSTMENTS
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 (C). 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).
Shock Oil
The 4 oil-filled composite shocks (dampers) effectively control the
suspension movement by preventing the wheels and tires from
continuing to “bounce” after rebounding from a bump. Changing the
oil in the shocks can vary the suspension damping effect. Changing the
oil to a higher viscosity oil will increase damping. Lowering the viscosity
of the oil will cause the suspension damping to be reduced. Damping
should be increased (with higher viscosity oil) if the model is bottoming
easily over jumps. Damping should be decreased (with thinner viscosity
oil) if the model is hopping over small bumps and feels unstable. The
viscosity of shock oil is affected by extremes in operating temperature;
an oil of certain viscosity will become less viscous at higher temperatures
and more viscous at lower temperatures. Operating in regions with cold
temperatures may require lower viscosity oil. From the factory, the shocks
are filled with SAE-30W silicone oil. Only use 100% silicone oil in the shock.
Replacing Shock Oil
For easier service, the shocks should be removed
from the vehicle and disassembled to change the oil.
1. Remove the lower spring retainer and shock spring.
2. Remove the upper shock cap using the shock
wrench and suspension multi-tool.
3. Empty the used shock oil from the shock body.
4. Fill the shock with new silicone shock oil up to the top of the shock body.
5. Slowly move the piston up and down (always keeping it submerged
in oil) to release the air bubbles. Let the shock sit for a few minutes to
allow any remaining air bubbles to surface.
6. Slowly thread the upper cap with the installed shock bladder onto the
shock body with the suspension multi-tool. The excess oil will bleed
out of the small hole in the shock cap.
7. Tighten the shock cap until snug. Use the included steel shock wrench
to hold on to the shock body while tightening.
ALIGNMENT SETTINGS
The alignment settings are critical for optimizing the performance of Jato.
Adjust your alignment as carefully and precisely as you possibly can.
Toe Adjustment
The wheels can be adjusted to point straight
ahead or have a toe-in or toe-out setting. To
help you remember, look down at your feet. For
toe-in, your feet point towards each other. For
toe-out, your feet point away from each other.
The toe angle of the front wheels can be
adjusted by varying the length of the toe links
that connect the steering linkage to the front
steering blocks. The front toe links are equipped
with turnbuckles. The lengths of the toe links
can be adjusted by turning them with the
included turnbuckle wrench. The toe angle of
the rear can be adjusted by changing the rear
aluminum tie bar. The factory tie bar provides
4-degrees of toe in for each rear wheel.
Toe can be changed to 3 or 5-degrees by
installing optional tie bars (sold separately).
Toe: Base Factory Settings
Front: 0-degrees
Rear: 4-degree toe-in each side
Important: The shocks are
assembled at the factory
with a center-to-center
distance (between the
rod end balls) of 87mm.
Any time the shocks are
removed and disassembled,
this distance should be
checked to ensure
proper operation of
the suspension.
B
C
A
4 1 2 3
Jato Shock Piston Sizes
1.4 1.4 1.4 1.3 1.3 1.3
1.4mm Front 1.3mm Rear
Left Hand
Threads
Right Hand
(Normal) Threads
Decrease
Length
Increase
Length
87mm