more dampening. Use only 100% pure
silicone shock oil to prolong seal life.
From the factory, the S-Maxx uses
30W oil.
The ride height for the S-Maxx can be
adjusted by adding or removing the clip-
on spring pre-load spacers. Note that
changes in ride height will occur when
changes in shock angle or spring rates
are made. You can compensate for ride
height changes by changing the pre-load
spacers on the shocks
Caster Adjustment
The S-Maxx offers the ability to adjust the
caster angle of the front suspension.
Caster adjustment may be used to influence the understeer/
oversteer handling characteristics of the S-Maxx. Increasing the
caster angle will increase the tendency of the truck to oversteer
(less traction on the rear tires, more traction on the front tires),
while decreasing the caster angle will cause the truck to have a
tendency to understeer (push in the turns). This effect becomes
more pronounced at higher steering angles and higher spring
rates. Caster is adjusted by repositioning the shims on the pivot
point of the upper suspension arms.
The stock caster setting is 7-degrees with one shim at each end
of the arm. Reduce the caster angle to 4-degrees by removing
the rear shim and inserting it next to the front shim. The caster
angle can be increased to 10-degrees by removing the front
shim and inserting it next to the rear shim.
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.
Upper shock mounting
position (A) should generally
be used with lower shock
mounting positions 1 and 2.
Upper shock mounting
position (B) should be generally
be used with lower shock
mounting positions 3 and 4.
The innermost upper shock
mounting position (0) can be used for tuning with the inner pair
of lower shock mounting positions on the arm (1,2). It is not
compatible with lower shock mounting positions 3 and 4. Other
combinations may be used to achieve individualized suspension
settings.
Lower Shock Mounting Positions
In the out-of-the-box configuration, the shocks are installed in
position (A) on the shock tower and position (3) on the lower
suspension arm. This setting allows for firm suspension and low
ride height, increasing the spring force (at the wheel). This
setting improves high-speed cornering on smoother terrain by
lowering the center of gravity. Body roll, brake dive, and squat
are also reduced.
The inner pair of holes on the lower suspension arm should
be used to increase the ride height of the S-Maxx. The more
vertical position of the shocks will allow for lower shock
progression and the soft, plush feel that’s characteristic of a
Traxxas Maxx Truck.
39
Adjusting Your S-Maxx
7
°
Caster adjustment shims (1 Front, 1 Rear)
Vertical
Ground plane
Vertical
4
°
Caster adjustment shims (2 Front)
Ground plane
Vertical
Caster adjustment shims (2 Rear)
Ground plane
10
°
