Anti-squat is a suspension geometry adjustment commonly used in various types of vehicles, including RC cars, full-scale race cars, and off-road vehicles. It affects how the rear suspension behaves under acceleration and can have a significant impact on traction, stability, and handling. To understand how anti-squat works, let's break down the concept:

Basic Principle:Anti-squat refers to the angle of the rear suspension arms in relation to the vehicle's chassis. When you apply throttle, the vehicle's weight shifts towards the rear, compressing the rear suspension. Anti-squat aims to control how the rear suspension compresses during acceleration and how it affects the contact patch of the rear tires.

Anti-Squat Angle:The anti-squat angle is the angle between a line drawn through the rear pivot points of the suspension arms and a line perpendicular to the ground. It determines the amount of anti-squat built into the suspension.

Effects of Anti-Squat:

1. Traction: Anti-squat can influence traction during acceleration. A higher anti-squat angle (more anti-squat) can prevent the rear suspension from compressing too much, which reduces the rearward weight transfer. This can lead to better traction as the rear tires maintain more consistent contact with the track surface.
2. Stability: Higher anti-squat angles can also contribute to better stability under acceleration. The reduced weight transfer to the rear can prevent the car from "squatting" excessively, minimizing the risk of the front end lifting or the car becoming unsettled.
3. Throttle Response: Anti-squat can affect throttle response. More anti-squat can provide a more direct and responsive throttle feel, as the weight transfer is controlled, and the rear tires maintain better grip.

Adjusting Anti-Squat:You can adjust the anti-squat angle by changing the suspension arm's mounting positions or using anti-squat adjustment inserts (if your vehicle supports them). Here's how it typically works:

• Increasing Anti-Squat: Moving the vehicles rear pivot point higher (rear Pin closer to the ground) or using inserts that increase the angle will result in more anti-squat. This can be beneficial for high-traction surfaces or when maximum stability is needed.
• Decreasing Anti-Squat: Moving the vehicles rear pivot point lower or using inserts that decrease the angle (rear Pin Higher) will reduce anti-squat. This can provide more rearward weight transfer for improved traction on low-traction surfaces.

Balancing Suspension Setup:Keep in mind that anti-squat is just one aspect of suspension tuning. It interacts with other suspension settings like shock absorber tuning, roll center, and weight distribution. Achieving the right balance between these factors is crucial for optimizing your vehicle's performance and handling characteristics.

As with any suspension adjustment, experimenting with different anti-squat settings and observing how they affect your vehicle's behavior on the track is essential. Pay attention to how your vehicle responds during acceleration and how it affects traction and stability, then fine-tune your setup to match your driving style and track conditions.