Traxxas 58034-1 - Manual (Page 20)

20 • SLASH
ADJUSTING YOUR MODEL
Once you become familiar with driving your model, you might need to
make adjustments for better driving performance
Adjusting the Slipper Clutch
The model is equipped with an adjustable
slipper clutch, which is built into the large
spur gear. The purpose of the slipper
clutch is to regulate the amount of
power sent to the rear wheels to
prevent tire spin. When it slips,
the slipper clutch makes a high-
pitch, whining noise. Remove the
rubber slipper clutch plug on the
transmission cover in order to adjust the slipper. Use the 4-way wrench
to turn the adjusting nut clockwise to tighten and counterclockwise to
loosen. Place the model on a high-traction surface, such as carpet. Adjust
the slipper so that you can hear it slip for approximately two feet from a
standing, full throttle start. (Learn more about adjusting the slipper clutch
in the sidebar.)
Motor and Gearing
There are two different types of aftermarket motors that can be
purchased for your model, stock and modified. Stock motors all have
the same wire thickness and number of turns around the armature as
governed by sanctioned racing organizations. They are inexpensive and
widely available. Modified motors are more expensive, may feature ball
bearings, and may come in a variety of wire thicknesses and a number of
turns of wire on the armature. The fewer number of turns of wire on the
armature, the more powerful the motor will be. Keep in mind that the
more powerful the motor, the less battery run time you will have.
One of the more significant advantages to your model’s transmission is
the extremely wide range of available gear ratios. It can be geared low
enough to run an extremely hot, modified motor. A modified motor
should be geared lower (higher numerically) than a stock motor because
it will reach its maximum power at higher rpms. A modified motor that
is geared incorrectly can actually be slower than a correctly-geared,
stock motor. Use the following formula to calculate the overall ratio for
combinations not listed on the gear chart:
If you are worried that you might be over-geared, check the temperature of
the battery pack and motor. If the battery is extremely hot, and/or the motor
is too hot to touch, your model is probably over-geared. If you are not able
to run your model for at least four minutes before the battery dies, then
change to a lower gear ratio. This
temperature test assumes that
the model is close to factory stock
weight and operates freely with
no excessive friction, dragging, or
binding, and the battery is fully
charged and in good condition.
The model is equipped with a
Titan 12T 550 motor. The gear
combination that comes stock
on each model provides good
overall acceleration and top speed. If you want more top speed and less
acceleration, install the included high-speed gearing (more teeth). If you
want more acceleration and less top speed, use a smaller optional (not
included) pinion gear. The included high-speed gearing is intended
for high-speed running on hard surfaces, and this gearing is not
recommended for off-road or repetitive starting and stopping.
The Titan 12T is equipped with an integrated cooling fan that is effective
during medium to high-speed operation. The gearbox is specially vented
to cool the motor. Repetitive starting and stopping over short distances
creates excess heat and will not allow the fan to cool the motor properly.
For this type of driving, smaller pinion gears are recommended to reduce
load on the motor.
Gearing Compatibility Chart (see sidebar)
The chart in the sidebar shows a full range of gear combinations. This
does NOT imply that these gear combinations should be used. Over-
gearing (bigger pinions, smaller spurs) can overheat and damage the
motor and/or speed control. Items in black will fit 540 motor only (not
Titan 12T).
Adjusting Gear Mesh
Incorrect gear mesh is the most common cause of
stripped spur gears. Gear mesh should be checked and
adjusted anytime a gear is replaced. To set the gear
mesh, cut a narrow strip of notebook paper
and run it into the gear mesh. Loosen the
motor screws and slide the motor and pinion
gear into the spur gear. Retighten the motor
screws and then remove the strip of paper.
You should be able to run a fresh strip of paper
through the gears without binding them.
Tighten
Loosen
# Spur Gear Teeth
x 2.72 = Final Gear Ratio
# Pinion Gear Teeth
• Fast Acceleration
• Short Distances
• Small Tracks
14-Tooth Pinion*
90-Tooth Spur
• Good Acceleration
• Good Speed
• Normal Conditions
16-Tooth Pinion
90-Tooth Spur
• High Top Speed
• Long Distances
• Hard Surfaces
23-Tooth Pinion
86-Tooth Spur
*optional (sold separately)
Motor
Screws
Strip of
Paper
All of the toe links are installed on
the truck so the left-hand thread
indicators point to the same direction.
This makes it easier to remember
which way to turn the wrench to
increase or decrease toe link length
(the direction is the same at all four
corners). Note that the groove in the
hex indicates the side of the toe link
with the left-hand threads.
To achieve a good starting point for
the slipper clutch, tighten the slipper
clutch adjusting nut clockwise until
the slipper clutch adjusting spring
fully collapses (do not over tighten),
and then turn the slipper clutch nut
counter-clockwise one full turn.