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  This article is part of a section of the RcTek site devoted to radio controlled model car handling. As car handling is an extremely complex subject, it will be quite some time before it is finished.

This article focusses on the equipment used in the setting of suspension droop, which was mentioned on the Forum a couple of times and prompted this article.		 R/C Model Car Info  
Section Contents
Model Car Handling
Handling Basics
Camber Angle Basics
Caster Angle Basics
Caster Angle Advanced
Adjusting Caster Angles
Toe-In & Toe-Out
Ackerman Steering Principle
The Circle
King Pin Inclination Angle
Caster Angle Affect
on Camber Angle
Toe Angle Affect on Ackerman Angles
Using Weighing Scales
on Model Cars
  Suspension Droop
Information about this subject can be found in our Suspension Droop article.
  Step Gauges
Model Car Setup Step Gauge
Model Car Setup Step Gauge Model Car Setup Step Gauge Model Car Setup Step Gauge
Model Car Setup Step Gauge
A step gauge (pictured left) is, as the name suggests, a piece of equipment that has steps on it.
They are accurately made from either alloy or plastic and are normally used in conjunction with a flat bar such as that shown to the right.
Model Car Setup Bar
Model Car Setup Bar Model Car Setup Bar Model Car Setup Bar
Model Car Setup Bar
  Using A Step Gauge
A Step Gauge is used as shown in the diagram to the below and, as with almost all model car set-up operations, a flat board is required in order to adjust the settings accurately and consistently.
The car is sat on the flat bar and the step gauge pushed in to either check the height or to provide a level to adjust the wheel to.
Setting Model Car Droop Using Step Gauges
Setting Model Car Droop Using Step Gauges Setting Model Car Droop Using Step Gauges Setting Model Car Droop Using Step Gauges
Setting Model Car Droop Using Step Gauges Setting Model Car Droop Using Step Gauges Setting Model Car Droop Using Step Gauges
Setting Model Car Droop Using Step Gauges Setting Model Car Droop Using Step Gauges
Setting Model Car Droop Using Step Gauges Setting Model Car Droop Using Step Gauges Setting Model Car Droop Using Step Gauges Setting Model Car Droop Using Step Gauges Setting Model Car Droop Using Step Gauges
Setting Model Car Droop Using Step Gauges
Setting Model Car Droop Using Step Gauges
The main benefit of using a stepped gauge is that there is only one required to set a multitude of heights. The step gauge can be used for other settings on the car as in the example shown above, the second step from the top on the gauge is level with the top of the bar and so plus or minus measurements can be set.
Some people will propose that the shock absorbers are removed for this operation and if doing so you will need to check that the dampers are of sufficient length not to alter the settings.
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  Spacers or Bars
Model Car Setup Spacers
Model Car Setup Spacers Model Car Setup Spacers Model Car Setup Spacers
Model Car Setup Spacers
The use of spacers is probably the most cost effective solution to setting the droop on model cars. The spacers can be blocks of metal or plastic that have been machined to the correct sizes for your particular car.
Model Car Setup Bar
Model Car Setup Bar Model Car Setup Bar Model Car Setup Bar
Model Car Setup Bar
The lightest weight and most space saving solution to this are turned lengths of reasonably thick walled tubing as they can easily be made in half millimetre increments if required. This flexibility comes at the cost of having to have at least one spacer for each measurement height required though.
If you cannot get hold of the turned spacers, flat bars will prove to be a good alternative, although you may experience difficulties in getting the correct thicknesses.
  Using Spacers
Using spacers is subject to the same advice given above about both using a set-up board given above and whether to have the shock absorbers fitted or not.
The spacer(s) are simply placed on the board and the chassis of the car is rested upon them.
The wheels are then adjusted to bring them lightly into contact with the board surface.
Setting Model Car Droop Using Spacers
Setting Model Car Droop Using Spacers Setting Model Car Droop Using Spacers Setting Model Car Droop Using Spacers
Setting Model Car Droop Using Spacers Setting Model Car Droop Using Spacers Setting Model Car Droop Using Spacers
Setting Model Car Droop Using Spacers Setting Model Car Droop Using Spacers Setting Model Car Droop Using Spacers
Setting Model Car Droop Using Spacers
Setting Model Car Droop Using Spacers
Setting Model Car Droop Using Spacers Setting Model Car Droop Using Spacers Setting Model Car Droop Using Spacers
Setting Model Car Droop Using Spacers Setting Model Car Droop Using Spacers
Setting Model Car Droop Using Spacers
Setting Model Car Droop Using Spacers Setting Model Car Droop Using Spacers
If you are using flat bars, they are used in the very same way.
Summary
The Step Gauges are usually supplied by either model car manufacturers or option parts manufacturers, but if you have access to the right machinery you can make your own.
The spacers and/or bars may be sold commercially, but you can produce your own or maybe have a friend make them for you.
Related Information
Suspension Droop
Further Information
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