soft suspension while still maintaining ride height?

[theloudone]

i have a slash 4x4 and ive been wanting to make the suspension really soft, like full scale trophy trucks. but the problem i keep running into is ride height. the softer i make the suspension the lower my truck sits. is there any way around that or am i screwed?

[Duuuuuuuude]

You should be able to soften it up and still maintain a usable height, unless you want it super tall.

[theloudone]

with the stock traxxas springs and 2 of the biggest shock spacers it sage only about 1/4 inch. but with just one of the biggest spacers it nearly bottoms out just sitting there. the shocks and springs are brand new so there's no chance of them being worn out. with a firm suspension it bounces around over the bumps and doesnt look scale at all. but with a medium and soft suspension it bottoms out and still bounces around.

[Duuuuuuuude]

Have you ever thought about shock oil?

And by swapping spacers all you are doing is changing preload, not actual spring rate.

[theloudone]

that's probably the key. what weight shock oil would you reccomend in this situation?

[Duuuuuuuude]

I can't. That is something you'll have to work out yourself. Shocks/springs need to be set up for the conditions you are driving in.

You want a spring soft enough to not bounce the truck around, but still hard enough to allow it to jump well. Same with shock oil. Too heavy and the shock will be too stiff, too light and it won't control the spring. Either way leads to a bouncy truck.

[theloudone]

well, i have a few hobby town gift cards and its a nice day. i guess its time for some trial and error.

[Duuuuuuuude]

Pick up a multi pack of shock oil (25-45 would be a good range) and if they have front and rear spring kits, get one of each.

Once you get home, and before you do any wrenching, sit down and read through this thread starting with post #2.

Tune With Camber Links - R/C Tech Forums

The process described will make a world of difference in the way your truck handles. It takes time to sort things out, but it is worth it. I need to take some time and make myself a Cliff Notes version to keep out in the shop.

[JeremyH]

Thin shock oil and larger/more holes in your pistons.

[theloudone]

i appreciate all the help

[Duuuuuuuude]

Originally Posted by JeremyH

Thin shock oil and larger/more holes in your pistons.

Not necessarily. On my sc truck went to much thinner shock oil with smaller/more holes in my pistons.

[theloudone]

well there's other crap i have to do today. so i dont have any time to go to the hobby shop. i took off the stupid progressive springs that traxxas made and put on some normal traxxas springs. once i drained the oil i tested to see if the front end and rear end were balanced and surprisingly they were. all i have to do is get some new springs and oil and play with the shock mounting positions and i should be able to tune the shocks to my liking.