Setting Your Slipper Clutch

 

One of the most underrated tuning options on any off-road vehicle is the slipper clutch. This system helps protect the drivetrain from damage due to sudden jolts or excessive loads. The process of setting the slipper clutch to work properly seems easy, but most people still don’t have a clue how to do it. Too much slip and you can overheat the slipper; too tight and you can do damage to the spur gear (or the gears inside the transmission).
In my years of track time, I have seen different ways to set the slipper and this is by far the most effective method I’ve used. Follow along with the steps below.

 

1.    Tools Required
Most buggies and trucks come with a four-way tool or something similar that allows you to adjust the slipper clutch. If not, you’ll need to pick yourself up a hex driver that will fit your slipper nut.

 

2.    Initial Setting
If you own an RTR, the slipper clutch was probably set close to the correct position from the factory. You can use this as your initial setting. If you own a kit, go ahead and tighten it down as shown in the instruction manual. This should also set you close to the correct position for an initial setting.

 

3.    Initial Test
Turn your transmitter on, followed by your vehicle. Now, with the vehicle facing away from you, place your left forearm on the left rear tire and your right hand on the right rear tire. Hold firmly! Now apply full throttle, but only a short burst. The front of your vehicle should lift off the ground approximately five to six inches.

 

4.    Make Any Adjustments
If the front of your vehicle doesn’t lift off the ground, your slipper is too loose. Tighten it approximately ¼-turn and repeat step three. If the front end jacks up higher than six inches, your slipper is too tight. Loosen it approximately ¼-turn and repeat step three. Once you have the front end lifting approximately five to six inches, the slipper is set in a good starting position.

 

5.    Hit the Track
The true test of how well your slipper is set will be on the track (against the track conditions). Take a few laps and see how it feels; if you feel you need to make further adjustments, do so in smaller, 1/8-turn increments.