T-MAXX 3.3 OWNERS MANUAL
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23
TUNING ADJUSTMENTS
SUSPENSION TUNING
Adjusting the Pivot Ball Caps
The pivot ball caps should be adjusted
so that the pivot balls operate freely in the axle
carriers with no excess play. Use the provided
four-way suspension multi-tool to tighten or
loosen the pivot ball cap.
Caster Adjustment
The T-Maxx 3.3 offers the ability to adjust the caster angle of the front
suspension. Caster adjustment may be used to influence the understeer/
oversteer handling characteristics of the T-Maxx 3.3. Increasing the caster
angle will increase the tendency of the truck to oversteer (less traction on
the rear tires, more traction on the front tires), while decreasing the caster
angle will cause the truck to have a tendency to understeer (push in the
turns). This effect becomes more pronounced at higher steering angles
and higher spring rates. Caster is adjusted by repositioning the shims on
the pivot point of the upper suspension arms.
The stock caster setting is 7-degrees with one shim at each end of the
arm. Reduce the caster angle to 4-degrees by removing the rear shim
and inserting it next to the front shim. The caster angle can be increased
to 10-degrees by removing the front shim and inserting it next to the
rear shim.
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, while
thicker oils provide more dampening. Use only
100% pure silicone shock oil to prolong seal life.
From the factory, the T-Maxx 3.3 uses 40W oil.
The ride height for the T-Maxx 3.3 can be
adjusted by adding or removing the clip-on
spring pre-load spacers. Note that changes in ride height will occur when
changes in shock angle or spring rates are made. You can compensate for
ride height changes by changing the pre-load spacers on the shocks.
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
Caster adjustment shims (1 Front, 1 Rear)
Caster adjustment shims (2 Front)
Caster adjustment shims (2 Rear)
Ve rtical
4
Ground plane
7
Ve rtical
Ground plane
Ve rtical
Ground plane
10
2.5
2
1.5
1
0.5
0
0102030406070809010
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
