How to find the right RC Vehicle Shock Springs AI guide
Written by an AI model from its trained knowledge.
What the AI looks for in RC Vehicle Shock Springs
- Inner diameter and length
- The inner diameter must fit over your shock body and seat in the spring cups, and the free length must suit the shock's travel. A spring that is too long cannot reach full droop or full compression, and a narrow inner diameter rubs the body.
- Spring rate
- Use stiffer springs for heavier vehicles, big jumps or smooth high-grip tracks, and softer springs for bumpy or low-grip surfaces. The spring rate sets how the car carries weight, separately from damping.
- Linear vs progressive
- Linear springs feel predictable. Progressive or dual-rate setups resist bottoming on big landings. Bashers and monster trucks benefit from progressive rates, while racers usually prefer linear springs.
- Brand rate labelling
- Compare spring rates only within one brand's chart. Color codes and rate labels are not standardized between brands.
Brands that matter
- Team Associated: Racing spring sets in fine rate steps.
- Team Losi Racing: Rate-labelled tuning springs for its chassis.
- Traxxas: Spring sets for its shocks, including progressive options.
- Pro-Line: Springs for its PowerStroke and other shock kits.
- Axial: Soft crawler springs for scalers.
What to avoid
- Using preload collars to make up for springs that are too soft
- Assuming the same color means the same rate across brands
Questions
Does preload make the spring stiffer?
No. Preload only changes ride height. To change stiffness you need a spring with a different rate.