Chassis Kick-Up

[GilBeQuick]

What does "kick up" do for the chassis? I assume kick up is the nose of the chassis angleing upwards? Review I have read say that it helps steering, but how? What purpose does it serve?

 

[GilBeQuick]

anyone?

 

[militarymaxx]

Kick-Up -- While caster refers to the upward angle at the front wheels of the car, kick-up refers to the upward angle of the front suspension arms. Technically, buggies and off-road trucks have kick-up, not caster, but since they are so similar in description most people use the term "caster".

 

[HumboldtBlazer]

Kickup makes the front suspension be able to actuate better over uneven terrian in off-road situations. Without kickup the front A-arms and shocks move straight up and down so when you hit a bump the way the shocks work without kickup decreases your speed imensley as the front end takes the brunt on the the uneven terrian. With kick up the a-arms and shocks move up and slightly back at a angle wich makes the job of abrupt actuation a lot easier to take and this is the reason you lose less speed. Well that is the way I understand it. If anyone knows more or know better please correct me. Hope it made sense!

 

[Nitroaddict]

Blazer is correct 100%. It also allows an angle of attack to be decreased on the chassis. In other words, the front of the chassis is less prone to dig into jumps and bumps in the track.

 

[GilBeQuick]

Ahh I see, it all makes sense now.
Is there a given angle at which kick up becomes bad for the suspension?

What is the normal amount for a stadium truck? 1/8 buggy?

 

[militarymaxx]

Didn't mean to throw anyone with the "caster" reference. Comes from too many hours working at Tire Kingdom. Anyways, blazer put it plainly. Searching the web I found this great link that talks about all the different aspects of wheel/suspension placement.
Nice pics too. Enjoy.

http://www.rctek.com/handling/index.html

 

[SkyMaxx]

Excellent link, militarymaxx. Just added that to my reference folder.