How To: Easily Set Your Slipper Clutch

Beginner’s Guide to RC – Easily Set Your Slipper Clutch

Surprisingly, your offroad vehicle’s slipper clutch is one of the most underrated tuning options. It not only helps protect the drivetrain from damage during sudden jolts, it also allows you tune some ‘slip’ into the drive, making it easier to accelerate on slippery surfaces. The process to set the slipper clutch is pretty simple, but there is still a little bit of hesitation when people attempt to adjust it. Too much slip and you can overheat the slipper; to tight and you can do damage to the spur gear (or gears inside the transmission).

I’ve seen a couple different ways to do it, but this is by far the easiest, most controlled and effective way I’ve used. Follow the simple steps below to set your slipper.

1. Tools Required

Almost all kits (and RTR’s) come with a 4-way tool that allows adjustment of various items on your car (or truck). This will work fine, but if for some reason you don’t have it anymore, you’ll need to find a suitable replacement. The slipper nuts are different from vehicle to vehicle, so you’ll have to do the research on your car to find what size hex wrench to get.

2. Initial Setting

If you have an RTR, the slipper clutch was set from the factory and should be pretty close to perfect. You can use this as your initial setting prior to making any adjustments. If you own a kit, go ahead and set it per the instruction manual (usually tightening it all the way down and backing it off 1/8 or so turns). This should also be a good starting point before adjustment.

3. Initial Test

Turn your transmitter on, followed by your vehicle. Set the vehicle on your pit are facing away from you. With the transmitter in your left hand, 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 in short bursts. The front of your vehicle should lift off the surface approximately 4-5″.

4. Make Minor Adjustments

If the front of you vehicle doesn’t lift off the surface (or less than 3″), your slipper is too loose. Tighten it approximately 1/4 turn and repeat Step 3. If the front end jacks up higher than 5″, your slipper is too tight. Loosen it approximately 1/4 turn and repeat Step 3. Once you have the front end lifting approximately 4-5″, the slipper is set to a good starting position.

Hit the Track

The true test of how well your slipper clutch 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.

For more tuning options, check out our RC Suspension Tuning Guide.