Setting the Clutch Bell and Spur Gear Gap

The proper relationship of the clutch bell and spur gear is crucial to the performance of your truck. There needs to be a small gap between the gears. However too much will result in stripped spurs, and too little will introduce friction. After a while you get a feel for how to properly set the gap. Until you feel comfortable with that, using the "paper method" will provide you with the best results.

To do this, you take a small piece of notebook or copier paper and place it between the clutch bell and spur gear as shown in the picture below.

Then hold the paper in place while you angle the engine and clutch bell towards the spur gear. To move the two gears closer, you will need to have previously loosened two screws found on the motor mount. While holding the motor in place, tighten the mounting screws back down. After this procedure you can spin the gears by hand to release the paper. Once you remove the paper, you should notice a small gap between the gears as well as a little play. The picture below shows you where these screws are located. Please note that engine removal is not necessary to access these screws, but I have done so for clarity purposes.

It should also be noted that proper placement of the washers on these screws, if they've been removed, is important. This information can be found here on the Traxxas site.

Between this and the proper adjustment of the slipper clutch, you should experience very few stripped spur gears.