34 • Revo
Basic Tuning Adjustments
This tuning and setup guide is separated into two sections- Basic and
Advanced. Revo does not require any specialized knowledge or
understanding of its unique suspension and drive train 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 Revo to
perform well on a variety of surfaces.
Revo was engineered to provide sophisticated additional tuning options
well 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 optional suspension rockers, roll center
adjustment, caster adjustment, bump steer tuning, differential setup,
and fine tuning the 2-speed gear ratios. 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. Also included are instructions for using the Long-
Travel rockers and springs supplied with Revo. The long travel rockers
allow extreme suspension travel for rock crawling and rough, large-scale
terrain. The long travel rockers allow the suspension to operate at its
extreme mechanical limits and is recommended for advanced users.
Suspension Tuning
Springs
The front and rear springs on Revo have different spring rates. The
rear springs are about 20% stiffer than the front springs. The spring’s
pre-load tension can be adjusted by turning the spring pre-load adjuster.
Adjusting the pre-load changes the suspension sag. Suspension sag
basically defines how much the suspension compresses when the truck
is at rest. Adjust the pre-load so that the suspension compresses about
one third of its full suspension travel (see illustration). If suspension sag is
severe and requires a large increase of the spring pre-load to
compensate, then a firmer spring should be used. Firmer springs
(supplied) must be used when the Long Travel rocker arms are installed.
Use a stiffer spring to reduce sag, reduce body lean, control brake dive,
and provide a firmer, more responsive overall feel. If Revo is lightened
significantly for racing applications, softer springs will be necessary to
allow the suspension to
sag properly. Heavier
configurations will require
stiffer springs. Ride height
is adjusted by changing
the length or position of
the pushrods in the lower
suspension arms. See the
next section for ride
height adjustments. The
suspension sag and spring
pre-load should be
readjusted anytime the
springs are removed and/or replaced.
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.
Ride Height Adjustment
The rocker arm suspension uses push rods on each suspension arm.
Changing the length and/or position of the push rod adjusts the ride
height without affecting or compromising other suspension parameters.
For example, you can raise and lower the ride height without changing
up/down travel distribution, changing springs, or affecting your
progressive rate. This feature is unique to Revo and is extremely
beneficial in a racing environment where you can achieve a low center of
gravity (by lowering the ride height) without losing any suspension
capability. Increasing the ride height will increase ground clearance for
rough terrain.
90mm Travel
Dot Color
Spring Rate
Yellow 14.8
lb/in
(2.6 N/mm)
White 16.6
lb/in
(2.9 N/mm)
(Standard Front)
Orange 18.3
lb/in
(3.2 N/mm)
Green 20.0
lb/in
(3.5 N/mm)
(Standard Rear)
Gold 21.7
lb/in
(3.8 N/mm)
Tan 23.4
lb/in
(4.1 N/mm)
Black 25.1
lb/in
(4.4 N/mm)
120mm Long Travel
Dot Color
Spring Rate
Silver 28.0
lb/in
(4.9 N/mm)
(Standard Front)
Pink
30.8 lb/in (5.4 N/mm)
Blue 33.7
lb/in
(5.9 N/mm)
(Standard Rear)
Purple 36.5
lb/in
(6.4 N/mm)
Note: 90mm Travel springs are
not recommended for use with
the Long Travel Rockers.
Compression 2/3
Sag (Droop) 1/3
Ride Height
To
tal T
ra
v
el
Axle Centerline at Ride Height
Axle Centerline at Max Compression
Axle Centerline at Max Sag
