Owner`s manual

Page 5
Changing the Pinion Gear/Gear Ratio
Before you change the pinion gear ask yourself why you are doing it. In general, if you change to a larger pinion the wheel
speed will increase but you will see less acceleration and run time. This would only be advisable for low traction climbs.
Changing to a smaller pinion will give you quicker acceleration and possibly a bit longer run time but a little less wheel speed.
This would be good for high traction rock climbs. The pinion on the Mini-Rock Crawler offers the best balance of both. To
change the pinion, remove the gear cover, loosen the motor screws and slide the motor back. Use the included 1.5mm allen
wrench to loosen the pinion setscrew. Place the new pinion on the end of the motor shaft and, using the flat of the pliers or a
similar flat tool, push it on to the same position as the one removed. See Setting the Gear Mesh below. Your Mini-Rock Crawler
comes equipped with a 14-tooth pinion which provides an overall ratio of 86:1. If you increase the pinion size to a 15-tooth
gear, the ratio will change to 80:1 to decrease the pinion size to a 13-tooth will be 92:1.
Warning: When running aftermarket motors, check with the motor manufacturer for correct gearing. Never over-gear
the motor as it can cause overheating, damaging it and the speed control.
Setting the Gear Mesh
The motor screws should be slightly loose. Slide the motor forward allowing the pinion gear to mesh
with the spur gear. Snug (not tight) the bottom motor screw and try rocking the spur back and forth.
There is a slight bit of movement before the motor is forced to turn over. If not, pull the top of the
motor back slightly and recheck. If there is too much slop between the gears, push the top of the
motor forward. When set properly the wheels can be spun forward freely with very little noise. Make
sure to tighten both motor screws and replace the gear cover before running.
Tuning Tips
Weight: Adding weight to the front wheels of the Mini-Rock Crawler will help
increase traction and lower the over center of gravity. Using the LOSA99201
Self Stick weights, carefully cut each piece in half and place inside the wheel as
pictured. It is important that the wheel weights be evenly placed inside the
wheel to ensure that it is balanced.
Shock Oil and Springs
The Mini-Rock Crawler shocks are filled with Losi 30wt shock fluid. By switching to thinner shock fluid, the Mini-Rock Crawler
will have more traction, quicker weight transfer and softer dampening. Doing the opposite will cause the Mini-Rock Crawler to
react more slowly to input and have slower weight transfer. Adjusting these settings will help adapt the Mini-Rock Crawler to
your conditions. Please note, the Mini-Rock Crawler comes from the factory with a stiffer rear spring to help minimize “Torque
Flex” often found in 4wd driver rock crawlers.
Cleaning
Performance can be hindered if dirt gets in any of the moving suspension parts. Use compressed air, a soft paintbrush, or
toothbrush to remove dust or dirt. Avoid using solvents or chemicals as they can actually wash dirt into the bearings or
moving parts as well as cause damage to the electronics.