The suspension components on a nitro RC connect the wheels/tires to the chassis. The suspension system provides traction, handling, ride height, and protection when hitting bumps and jumps.
If you’re new to RC, I highly suggest reading the Traxxas RC Suspension Tuning Guide. It covers everything you need to know in a 4-part series about suspension tuning with some great pictures and diagrams that will get you familiar with the various RC suspension components.
Another great resource is this 5-part series on shocks by Ultimate RC:
- Part 1: Intro to shocks & springs
- Part 2: Shock oils and spring rate & length
- Part 3: Spring Preload
- Part 4: RECAP on shocks, springs, oil, and preload
- Part 5: Shock mounts & angles
Additional Info
- RC Car Suspension Setup Basics (Caster, Camber, Oil and more)
- Adjust Your RC Car Alignment
- How to check and rebuild your oil filled shocks
As always, read your manual as it will have specific information about tuning and maintaining your nitro RC’s suspension.
If all this suspension tuning seems like a lot to take in, know that suspension tuning isn’t nearly as important for bashing as it is for racing. The stock setup that your nitro RC comes with will likely work great. If you want to spend the time learning about suspension tuning, you’ll know exactly how you can tweak your set up to get the most performance from your nitro RC on the terrain you are bashing.