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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
The Jato 3.3 includes a
take full advantage of it's performance potential and allow
wheelie bar. The wheelie
customization for specific conditions. Jato tuning and setup is separated
bar is intended for use on
into two sections, Basic and Advanced. Jato makes it easy to perform
hard, high-traction surfaces,
typical, everyday setup and track tuning adjustments. Adjustment
such as pavement, where
procedures for alignment, spring rate, damping, steering, and ride
controlling wheelies can be
difficult. To install the
height are covered in the basic tuning section. Adjustments for the gear
wheelie bar, attach the
ratio, 2-speed shift point, slipper clutch, and brake are also covered. In
wheelie bar to the bottom
most cases, the basic information is all that is needed to tune Jato to
of the rear battery box with
perform well on a variety of surfaces. Jato was engineered to provide
the four included screws.
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 42 ) 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
34 • Jato 3.3
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)
Green
*
6.3 lb/in (1.1 N/mm)
Gold
7.4 lb/in (1.3 N/mm)
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
Compression
good handling. The more vertical position of the shocks allows for a
3/5 (60%)
more linear progressive rate and a soft, plush-feeling suspension. The
Ride Height
spring rate (at the wheel) increases as the lower shock mounting
Sag (Droop)
2/5 (40%)
position is moved from position (1) to position (4). This is similar to
using stiffer springs. The total suspension travel is reduced as the lower
Axle Centerline at Max Compression
Axle Centerline at Ride Height
shock mounting position is moved from position (1) to position (4). The
Axle Centerline at Max Sag
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
Tan
5.7 lb/in (1.0 N/mm)
Silver
6.8 lb/in (1.2 N/mm)
Pink
†
8.0 lb/in (1.4 N/mm)
Blue
9.1 lb/in (1.6 N/mm)
*
†
Stock front spring.
Stock rear spring.
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