TRF501X ride height adjustment

[Howard1650]

How did I adjust the ride height? This may sound like a simple question but what is the correct answer? Every option have an effect on another part of the suspension system. Is there a guide to setting up a 501X? I've seen the sheet sheets. Below are the ride hight options as I see them.

Adjusting the spring height on the damper cylinder, changes the preload on the spring.

A shorter spring means cutting a good part that can't be adjusted back.

Moving the damper to a difference position on the damper stay, changes the dynamics of the suspension.

Unscrewing the ball joint, on the end of the piston rod, by a few turns will just cause it to break.

Putting spares under the piston reduces the length of available travel. As does fitting a shorter piston rod.

Please help.

[pugs]

Originally Posted by Howard1650

How did I adjust the ride height? This may sound like a simple question but what is the correct answer? Every option have an effect on another part of the suspension system. Is there a guide to setting up a 501X? I've seen the sheet sheets. Below are the ride hight options as I see them.

Adjusting the spring height on the damper cylinder, changes the preload on the spring.

A shorter spring means cutting a good part that can't be adjusted back.

Moving the damper to a difference position on the damper stay, changes the dynamics of the suspension.

Unscrewing the ball joint, on the end of the piston rod, by a few turns will just cause it to break.

Putting spares under the piston reduces the length of available travel. As does fitting a shorter piston rod.

Please help.

Hi, you change the ride hight by adjusting the spring retainer on the damper cylinder( ie screwing it up or down,the preload on the spring isnt really inportant as the damper "stiffness" is controlled by the wt of oil and the spring rate ) a good starting point is wishbones level for outdoor or driveshafts level for indoor,with batteries etc.. in the car.
If you move the shocks on the damper stay it will affect how the car reacts during corners,if you move them inwards the car will turn in slower,move them out it will turn in quicker,the best way to find out is experiment!
as a basic guide if you built the car to the book just change the oil to about 30 or 35wt and put associated blue springs on the front and silver springs on the rear set the ride hight as above and the car should handle quite well on most tracks and be quite easy to drive, then just fine tune one thing at a time and see what differance it makes and if you find it easier or harder to drive, hope this helps!
p.s dont cut the springs or unscrew the ball joint on the end of the rod you dont need to!!