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BASIC TUNING ADJUSTMENTS
Jato is set-up from the factory to provide good baseline performance
in a variety of different conditions. Jato features many tuning
options to take full advantage of it's performance potential and
allow customization for specific conditions. Jato tuning and setup is
separated into two sections, Basic and Advanced. Jato makes it easy
to perform typical, everyday setup and track tuning adjustments.
Adjustment procedures for alignment, spring rate, damping, steering,
and ride height are covered in the basic tuning section. Adjustments
for the gear ratio, 2-speed shift point, slipper clutch, and brake are also
covered. In most cases, the basic information is all that is needed to
tune Jato to perform well on a variety of surfaces. Jato was engineered
to provide sophisticated additional tuning options beyond the
basics that allow expert users to extract the maximum performance
from the truck. The advanced tuning section (beginning on page
36) covers topics such as roll center adjustment, caster and anti-
squat adjustment, bump steer tuning, differential setup, and weight
bias tuning. Make sure you fully understand the basic adjustments
before experimenting with the advanced adjustments. Improper
combinations of adjustments can adversely affect the performance of
the truck, resulting in poor handling. If you don't know why you are
changing an adjustment then you should leave it at its factory setting.
SUSPENSION TUNING
Springs
The front and rear springs
on Jato have different
spring rates. The rear
springs are about 25%
stiffer than the front
springs. The spring's pre-
load can be adjusted by
turning the spring pre-load
adjuster. Adjusting the
pre-load changes the ride
height. Adjust the pre-
load so the suspension
compresses about 40% of
its full suspension travel
(see illustration).
Use stiffer springs to reduce bottoming out the chassis, reduce body
lean, control brake dive, and provide a firmer, more responsive feel.
If Jato is lightened significantly for racing applications, softer springs
may be necessary to prevent the suspension from becoming too firm.
Heavier configurations may require stiffer springs. When changing
springs on Jato it should not be necessary to re-adjust the spring pre-
load. The accessory springs have been designed so the ride height
should be the same before and after changing springs.
Optional springs available from Traxxas are listed below. Refer to your
parts list for a complete part number listing. Higher rate springs are
stiffer. Springs can be identified by dots of color on one end.
Dot Color
Spring Rate
Yellow
4.0 lb/in (0.7 N/mm)
Orange
5.1 lb/in (0.9 N/mm)
Tan
5.7 lb/in (1.0 N/mm)
Green
6.3 lb/in (1.1 N/mm)
(Standard Front)
Ride Height
Jato's ride height can be adjusted by turning the spring pre-load
adjusters on the shock bodies. Turn the adjusters to the left to raise
the ride height. Turn them to the right to lower the ride height. When
adjusting spring pre-load be sure to change the adjustment equally
on the left and right sides so the suspension remains balanced. Ride
height is not significantly affected by changes in the upper or lower
shock mounting positions. Use a 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.
Lower Shock Mounting Positions
In the out-of-the-box configuration, the shocks are installed in position
(B) on the shock tower and position (2) on the lower suspension arm.
This setting allows for a combination of long suspension travel and
good handling. The more vertical position of the shocks allows for
Compression
3/5 (60%)
a more linear progressive rate and a soft, plush-feeling suspension.
Ride Height
The spring rate (at the wheel) increases as the lower shock mounting
Sag (Droop)
position is moved from position (1) to position (4). This is similar to
2/5 (40%)
using stiffer springs. The total suspension travel is reduced as the
Axle Centerline at Max Compression
lower shock mounting position is moved from position (1) to position
Axle Centerline at Ride Height
Axle Centerline at Max Sag
(4). The outer pair of holes on the lower suspension arm should be
used to reduce the suspension travel of Jato, and increase the spring
force (at the wheel). This setting will improve high-speed cornering
on smoother terrain by providing a firmer suspension feel (higher
spring rate). Body roll, brake dive, and rear squat will be reduced. To
maximize your suspension travel, install the shock in position (A) on
the shock tower and position (1) on the lower suspension arm.
Dot Color
Spring Rate
Silver
6.8 lb/in (1.2 N/mm)
Gold
7.4 lb/in (1.3 N/mm)
Pink
8.0 lb/in (1.4 N/mm)
(Standard Rear)
Blue
9.1 lb/in (1.6 N/mm)
The Jato 3.3 includes a
wheelie bar. The wheelie
bar is intended for use on
hard, high-traction surfaces,
such as pavement, where
controlling wheelies can
be difficult. To install the
wheelie bar, attach the
wheelie bar to the bottom
of the rear battery box with
the four included screws.
4
JATO 3.3 • 29
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