The angle of an RC car's shocks can have a wide range of impacts on handling.
General effects
Inward at the tower
- More progressive feel(softer initially, stiffer when compressed)
- More responsive
- Less side traction
- Front: smoother steering response, easier to drive
- Rear: more mid-corner traction
Outward at the tower
- More linear feel (constant stiffness during compression)
- More initial chassis roll
- More side traction
- Easier to drive
- Front: better handling on bumpy tracks
- Rear: more corner-entry traction
Inward at the arm
- Softer suspension feel
- More responsive
- More traction
- Less rotation in corners
- Outward at the arm
Stiffer suspension feel
- More stable
- More side traction
- Easier to drive
Front shocks
Front shocks more upright
- More reactive
- More initial turn-in
- More front roll
- Stiffer feel
Front shocks more angled
- Less reactive
- Less initial turn-in
- Less front roll
- More stable on bumpy tracks
Rear shocks
Rear shocks more upright
- Stiffer suspension
- More steering response
- Less stable over bumps
Rear shocks more angled
- Softer suspension
- Less steering response
- More stable over bumps
Changes to the shock angle may require a change in the shock spring/shock oil/shock piston combination to keep other handling characteristics consistent.