Traxxas Shock Spring 1.6 Rate Red Double Blue Stripe GTR TRX5434A

Overview

The Traxxas Spring, Shock (Red) (GTR) (1.6 Rate Double Blue Stripe) (1 pair) TRX5434A represents a precision suspension upgrade component designed for RC car enthusiasts across the UK seeking to fine-tune their vehicle's handling characteristics. Whether you're a competitive racer at the track or a weekend basher exploring the capabilities of your ready to run RC car, these GTR shock springs are engineered to deliver exceptional performance by working in harmony with your vehicle's damping system. Traxxas springs are crafted from high-quality spring steel with durable powder-coated finishes in striking red, ensuring both longevity and visual appeal on your RC model.

These shock springs are specifically engineered for use with Traxxas GTR shocks, which are recognised as industry-leading suspension components. The 1.6 rate designation indicates a medium spring stiffness that balances responsiveness with stability across varied terrain conditions. The distinctive double blue stripe colour coding makes identification straightforward when managing multiple spring rates in your pit box, and this pair provides the complete set needed for most Traxxas models equipped with GTR-type suspension systems.

Spring selection is a critical component of suspension tuning, influencing how your RC truck or buggy responds to bumps, jumps, and cornering forces. The relationship between spring rate and damping force is fundamental to achieving optimal performance, whether you're navigating rough terrain, smooth track surfaces, or varying grip conditions.

Key Features

• 1.6 Rate Spring Stiffness — The spring rate is a measure of how many pounds of force are required to compress the spring one inch, with higher numbers indicating stiffer springs. This 1.6 rate offers a medium stiffness that provides a balanced compromise between suspension responsiveness and stability, making it suitable for diverse driving conditions and terrain types commonly encountered by RC enthusiasts in the UK.
• Colour-Coded Identification — The distinctive double blue stripe on these springs provides instant visual identification, eliminating confusion when you have multiple spring rates in your setup or spare parts collection. This colour-coding system is a Traxxas standard that makes pit box organisation straightforward and track-side adjustments quick and efficient.
• High-Quality Spring Steel Construction — Manufactured from premium spring steel, these components are built to withstand the demanding forces of competitive racing and recreational bashing alike. The material selection ensures consistent performance over extended use without degradation in spring characteristics.
• Durable Powder-Coated Finish — The powder-coated red finish protects the spring from corrosion and environmental damage whilst providing an attractive appearance that complements modern RC car aesthetics. This durable coating maintains its appearance through mud, water, and intense use.
• GTR Shock Compatibility — These springs are specifically engineered for Traxxas GTR shocks, ensuring perfect fit and optimal performance integration with the damper assembly. GTR shocks feature threaded bodies for precise ride height adjustment without requiring additional spacer parts.
• Pair Quantity — This package includes one complete pair of springs, providing the quantity needed for most standard Traxxas vehicles that utilise a front and rear suspension configuration. Having matched pairs ensures consistent handling characteristics across your RC model's suspension.
• Suspension Tuning Tool — Spring rate selection directly influences how your chassis responds to terrain, making these springs an essential tuning component for any racer's pit box. By adjusting spring rates, you can compensate for different track conditions, driving styles, and vehicle weights.

Technical Performance

The spring rate of a suspension system works in direct partnership with damping force to create the overall suspension behaviour of your RC car or truck. When combined with GTR shock dampers, these 1.6 rate springs create a balanced suspension platform that resists excessive oscillation whilst maintaining responsive wheel articulation. The engineering principle is straightforward: when spring rate and damping force are properly matched, the suspension will support your vehicle without being too stiff (resulting in a bumpy, traction-robbing ride) or too soft (resulting in excessive chassis roll and bottoming-out on jumps). A well-tuned suspension with appropriately matched spring rates will compress quickly to absorb bumps and jump landings, extend smoothly to return to normal position, and resist further oscillation until the next impact. The piston and oil interaction within the GTR shock creates damping force, whilst the spring rate determines how quickly the suspension returns and how much preload supports the vehicle weight. For GTR shock pistons, Traxxas offers tuning options ranging from 0.95mm to 1.6mm hole openings; the 1.6mm opening reduces damping force, whilst 1.5mm increases it. This means users choosing 1.6 rate springs might pair them with standard GTR piston configurations for balanced performance, or experiment with different piston sizes to fine-tune handling for specific conditions. Traxxas carefully engineers springs and damping settings specifically for each model, optimised for versatile performance across all terrain types. The 1.6 rate represents a mid-range stiffness that suits general-purpose driving without requiring extreme damping adjustments. Most Traxxas models use 30-weight silicone oil in their shocks, which works synergistically with spring rates to create the complete suspension system.

What's in the Box

• One pair (2x) Traxxas Shock Springs, 1.6 rate, red with double blue stripe, GTR-compatible

Frequently Asked Questions

• What does the 1.6 spring rate mean and is it right for my RC car? — Spring rate refers to how many pounds of force are required to compress a spring one inch; a 1.6 rate spring is a medium stiffness option. This rate works well for general-purpose driving across varied terrain and provides a good starting point for most RC enthusiasts. However, the optimal spring rate depends on your vehicle weight, damping settings, driving style, and terrain. Traxxas provides factory-optimised settings for each model, but racers often experiment with different rates to suit specific track conditions or personal preference.
• Can I use these springs with other shock types besides GTR shocks? — These springs are specifically designed for Traxxas GTR shocks and may not be compatible with other shock types or manufacturers. GTR shocks feature a specific design with threaded bodies and particular spring mounting characteristics. Always verify compatibility with your shock model before purchasing; using incompatible springs could result in poor fit and suspension performance issues.
• How do I know when to upgrade my spring rate? — If your suspension feels too soft (excessive body roll in corners, easy bottoming-out on jumps, bouncy feeling), you may need a stiffer spring rate. Conversely, if the suspension feels harsh and doesn't absorb bumps smoothly, a softer spring rate might help. However, Traxxas recommends starting with your model's factory settings and only making adjustments if you feel the need or wish to experiment. If you need a bigger change than one step in spring rate, you may also need to adjust damping force by changing piston sizes or shock oil viscosity.
• Are these springs colour-coded for easy identification? — Yes, the distinctive double blue stripe on these springs provides instant visual identification in your pit box or parts collection. Traxxas uses colour-coded markings on all their shock springs, making it easy to identify different rates at a glance during track-side adjustments or maintenance.
• What is the relationship between spring rate and damping force? — Spring rate and damping force work together as a matched pair in your suspension system. The spring compresses and extends, whilst the damper (containing a piston and oil) resists that motion to prevent oscillation. If you increase damping significantly beyond what the springs can overcome, the shocks may "pack up" in bumpy terrain and limit suspension travel. Conversely, if damping is too light for the spring rate, suspension will bounce excessively. The two must be balanced: Traxxas models come factory-optimised, but racers may adjust piston sizes (which have 0.95mm to 1.6mm hole openings for GTR shocks) or change oil viscosity to fine-tune this balance.
• Should I adjust ride height when changing spring rates? — Ride height is set separately from spring rate selection, typically using threaded adjusters on GTR shocks. The spring rate you select doesn't directly change ride height, though it influences how the suspension behaves. Ride height should generally be set near the middle of suspension travel to allow both up and down articulation; setting it too high reduces down-travel and limits suspension efficiency, whilst too low limits up-travel for big hits. Front ride height is often set 1-3mm lower than rear to improve steering and counteract rearward weight shift during acceleration.
• Are these genuine Traxxas parts with quality assurance? — Yes, these are authentic Traxxas components manufactured to the same exacting standards as all Traxxas suspension parts. Traxxas has been optimising suspension systems for RC vehicles for decades, and their GTR shock and spring designs represent current generation performance engineering for the RC hobby.

Why Buy from RC Model Shop?

RC Model Shop is a trusted UK RC retailer and authorised dealer for all the brands we stock, including Traxxas, ARRMA, Losi, FTX, Hobbywing, Spektrum and more. Based in Walsall, we have a physical store where customers are welcome to come in, view products and purchase in store. Whether you are a seasoned competitor, a weekend basher, or just discovering the world of RC for the first time, our team of experienced RC enthusiasts is here to help you find the perfect setup and provide ongoing support. Order the Traxxas Spring, shock (Red) (GTR) (1.6 rate double Blue stripe) (1 pair) TRX5434A today with confidence, knowing you are buying from an authorised retailer with genuine products, expert knowledge and a commitment to customer satisfaction. Shop online or visit us in Walsall — we look forward to helping you get the most out of your RC experience.