Basic Tuning Adjustments; Suspension Tuning; Wheels And Tires - Traxxas SLEDGE Owner's Manual

BASIC TUNING ADJUSTMENTS

Once you become familiar with driving your model, you might need
to make adjustments for better driving performance.

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 aggressive suspension settings.
The suspension of your
model has been set up for
best performance on hard
surfaces (position 1 on the
front and rear suspension
arms). If you plan on driving in
low traction situations or over
rough terrain, move all four
shocks to position 2 on the
suspension arms.
Fine Tuning the Shocks
The four GT-Maxx® shocks
greatly influence handling.
Periodic maintenance may
M2.5 Locknut
be required to maintain
Piston
optimal performance. You
Bushing
can also tune your shocks to
X-ring
your driving style or running
Spacer
environment. Whenever
X-ring
you rebuild shocks, or make
O-ring
any changes to the pistons,
springs, or oil, always make
changes to the shocks in
Bushing
pairs (front or rear).
clip
To disassemble the
GT-Maxx shocks:
1. Remove the 2.5x12mm
cap screw from the lower
spring retainer. Remove
the lower spring retainer
and shock spring.
2. Remove the cartridge/
shock shaft/piston
assembly from the
shock body.
3. Remove the M2.5 locknut, piston, 2.5x5mm washer, and the
existing cartridge assembly from the shock shaft.
Note: The holes in the front and rear pistons are different sizes. Be
sure to use the correct pistons for the front and rear shocks during
disassembly/assembly (see sidebar for more information).
4. Assemble the new cartridge on the shock shaft.
Note: The new cartridge must be assembled on the shock shaft.
DO NOT attempt to assemble the cartridge separately and slide
it onto the shaft. This may damage the shaft x-rings and cause
a leak.
5. Reassemble in reverse order. Be sure to fill the shocks with
100% pure silicone shock oil to help prolong the life of the
seals. From the factory, the GT-Maxx shocks are filled with
60W shock oil in the front and 50W shock oil in the rear. When
adding shock fluid, be sure to allow any air bubbles to escape.
You can tune your shocks by using thicker or thinner viscosity shock
2
1
oil, as well as changing the piston that moves through the fluid
inside the shock.
Ride height can be adjusted by using the threaded spring retainer.
Adjust the ride height so that the suspension arms are just slightly
above being parallel to the ground. Observe how Sledge handles
in turns. Proper setup will add stability and help prevent spinouts.
Experiment with different shock oils and ride heights to find what
Bladder
works best for your driving style and conditions.

WHEELS AND TIRES

Many types of aftermarket tires and wheels can be adapted for
use on your model. Most will affect the overall width and the
suspension geometry of the model. The offsets and dimensions
designed into the model's wheels are intentional; therefore, Traxxas
cannot recommend the use of other non-Traxxas wheels with
different specifications. The diameter of the wheels is an innovative
design, and there is a variety of different tires available for you to
Cartridge
experiment with in addition to the included tires on the model
(listed in your parts list). Experimentation with different types of
tires is recommended to see which ones work the best on the
terrain where the model is run. When selecting tires, consider the
overall diameter and the rubber compound (hard or soft). If the
overall diameter of the tire is significantly increased, you will need
to use a smaller pinion gear to compensate for the larger tire. Soft
compound tires with many short spikes generally work better
2.5x12mm
on hard, dry surfaces. In loose dirt, a tire with large spikes should
perform better. See your parts list for accessory wheels and tires.
Important: The shocks are
assembled at the factory with
a center-to-center distance
(between the rod end balls)
of 128mm (front) and 144mm
(rear). Any time the shocks are
removed and disassembled,
this distance should be checked
to ensure proper operation of
the suspension.
128mm (front)
144mm (rear)
Shock Piston Size
1.25mm
SLEDGE • 23