Basic Tuning Adjustments - Traxxas RUSTLER 4x4 VXL BRUSHLESS Owner's Manual

All of the toe links are
installed on the truck so the
left-hand thread indicators
point to the same direction.
This makes it easier to
remember which way to turn
the wrench to increase or
decrease toe link length (the
direction is the same at all
four corners). Note that the
groove in the hex indicates
the side of the toe link with
the left-hand threads.
Rear toe-in can be adjusted
using accessory rear axle
carriers, Traxxas Part #1952X.
These can add or remove 1.5°
toe per side, for a total of 1 to
4 degrees per side.
24 • RUSTLER 4X4 VXL

BASIC TUNING ADJUSTMENTS

Once you become familiar with driving your model, you might need
to make adjustments for better driving performance
Adjusting Gear Mesh
Incorrect gear mesh is the most
common cause of stripped spur gears.
Rustler 4X4 VXL makes improper gear
mesh virtually impossible. A factory
installed fixed gear adapter helps
set the motor in the proper place
according to the pinion and spur gear
that are selected. Access the gears by
removing the single screw on the top
gear cover.
Motor Screw Position in
Fixed Gear Adapter for
Setting Gear Mesh
Spur Gear
50 52 54
11 - - A
13 - A -
15 A - -
17 - - B
19 - B -
If you choose to do so, you can also
set the gear mesh manually without
using the fixed gear adapter. With the
adapter removed, loosen the motor
screw. Cut a narrow strip of notebook
paper and run it into the gear mesh.
Slide the motor and pinion gear into
the spur gear. Retighten the motor
screw, and then remove the strip of paper. You should be able to
run a fresh strip of paper through the gears without binding them.
Adjusting the Toe-in
Geometry and alignment specs play an important role in your
model's handling. Take the time to set them correctly. Turn off TSM
(see page 17); then, set the steering trim on your transmitter to
neutral. Now, adjust your servo and tie rods so that both wheels are
pointing straight ahead and are parallel to each other (0° toe-in).
This will ensure the same amount of steering in both directions.
For increased stability add 1° to 2° of toe in to each front wheel. Use
the turnbuckles to adjust the alignment.
Toe Base Factory Settings
Front: 0-degrees
Rear: 2.5-degree toe-in each side
Fixed Gear
Adjusting the Camber
Adapter
The camber angle of both the front and rear wheels can be adjusted
with the camber links (upper turnbuckles). Use a square or right-
angle triangle to set the camber accurately. Adjust the front wheels
A
B
to 1° to 2° of negative camber. In the rear, adjust the wheels to 1° to
2° of negative camber. These adjustments should be set with the
truck positioned at its normal ride height.
Strip of
Paper
Motor
Screw
Static Camber Base Factory Settings
Front: 1-degree negative camber each side
Rear: 1-degree negative camber each side
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.
1°-2°
Toe-in
1°-2°
Camber
1°-2°
1°-2°