How well do the #1600 Associated shocks work in the T-Maxx trucks?

We tested the #1600 Associated kit shocks against the T-Maxx stock shocks in a manner that is easily reproducible by anyone and found the results comparable to the original kit shocks. Here's what we did...

1

We set up a yardstick and marked the three foot mark clearly.

 

2

We molded soft modeling clay into the shape you see here and placed two on the ground, one under each end of the truck. The soft clay was 1 1/2" high.

 

3

We dropped the T-Maxx from the 3 foot height using three different setups: 

A. The original T-Maxx shocks and oil.

B. Associated shock kit set up strictly according to the manual.

C. A third configuration using the Associated shock kit, but substituting red springs and 80wt oil. 

We then measured the height of the folded clay figures.

 

4

Results:

A. Original T-Maxx setup:
the clay went from 1 1/2"  to 15/16" tall.

B. Associated shocks kit setup: 
the clay went from 1 1/2"  to 7/8".

C. 80wt oil and red springs recommendation: 
the clay went from 1 1/2"  to 1 1/8". 

Conclusion:

These tests show that the Associated shock kit is functionally comparable to the original T-Maxx shock setup when assembled and mounted according to the instructions. If you wish to improve your T-Maxx stock setup, we recommend using 80wt oil and red springs with the Associated shock kit.