front suspension help please

[dirtyd]

I need some input on front shocks. I need to get new shocks but not sure on what to get. I'm not looking to get high end shocks right now so should I get 400EX or 450r? Right now I am using stock arms but maybe some time in the future I want to get some +2 arms. I know the 450's are better over all, but are the EX shorter than the 450's? I have read were some have had issues with 450 shocks binding the joints and some have not. Also I am about 230-240lbs with riding gear and I know they say the 450 shocks are a little stiff but just wondering what the people that have said this weigh. And I'm thinking when I do get extended a-arms that should make the 450 shocks a act little softer from the extra leverage.

One last thing. Do standard travel +2 a-arms usually take slightly longer shocks. I thought I saw that somewhere.

thanks in advance for any input

[Burns350R]

No standard travel is standard travel. With you being a heavier guy, and th +2 arms. A set of stock TRX 450r shocks would probably work good for you. They are a bit stiff for a standard length a-arm and light rider. But with the extra leverage they will probably work.

Im going to be running a stock 450r shock on my +2 std arms this year for my XC bike. Im excited to give them a shot.

[kristynluann89]

I'm running 400ex shocks on a +2 arm and they make my bike sit up taller than I would like.

[mennis1971]

How do those ride James? I would think they would be really soft and bottom easily due to the +2 arms. I'm running some works pro series that are valved for +2, but am running +3 arms. I have the compression at full since I use it for motocross and it works good. I can soften them up, but I want them to work when hitting stuff at speed, which means that at lower speeds they are a little rough which is pretty normal for mx stuff. I don't just cruise around at the track anyways. Are the 400ex's preload adjustable on the spring? I think they are and the newer ones may have even more adjustments than that. Idk because I don't keep up with 400ex stuff. If so then use that to set your ride height. Also you can switch dogbones to adjust the rear height, but if you have the 88-89 dogbone then that will already make your rear end sit higher. the longer dogbones(86-87) will make your rear sit lower. I would stay away from the adjustable dogbones like what durablue makes as they will break easily when jumping frequently. I think you(may have been someone else though) have one of those for sale anyways, so I'm guessing you already know that. How long have you had your R btw?

[WFO370]

Does anybody know if TCS is still in business? I have a set of front shocks that I need rebuilt and I can't find TCS online.

[RyanWsly]

TCS is part of Race Tech now. To the original poster, unworked 450R shocks are a bad idea IMO I personally thought they were garbage.

[kristynluann89]

How do those ride James? I would think they would be really soft and bottom easily due to the +2 arms. I'm running some works pro series that are valved for +2, but am running +3 arms. I have the compression at full since I use it for motocross and it works good. I can soften them up, but I want them to work when hitting stuff at speed, which means that at lower speeds they are a little rough which is pretty normal for mx stuff. I don't just cruise around at the track anyways. Are the 400ex's preload adjustable on the spring? I think they are and the newer ones may have even more adjustments than that. Idk because I don't keep up with 400ex stuff. If so then use that to set your ride height. Also you can switch dogbones to adjust the rear height, but if you have the 88-89 dogbone then that will already make your rear end sit higher. the longer dogbones(86-87) will make your rear sit lower. I would stay away from the adjustable dogbones like what durablue makes as they will break easily when jumping frequently. I think you(may have been someone else though) have one of those for sale anyways, so I'm guessing you already know that. How long have you had your R btw?

I just completed the build on this r towards the end of the summer and didn't get but about 5 hours of ride time on it so I can't tell you a whole lot about the feel of the shocks. I was mainly dragging it so not much jumping. I have the springs adjusted all the way down and its still higher than I want. I'm thinking about a 15 1/2" shock to get it where I want it. I have a durablue adjustable dogbone on the rear of my bike and have ran them on previous bikes with no issues. I don't jump much though.

[hawaiiysr]

Does anybody know if TCS is still in business? I have a set of front shocks that I need rebuilt and I can't find TCS online.

TCS

[BLUE R]

i'm a bigger guy too. do the 450 shocks bolt right up.

[dirtyd]

I have heard some people say they bind the ball joints but many have them on their R's. So last night I jacked up the front end and unbolted my shocks. So once the a-arm was hanging there and the ball joints stopping it I measured to the center of the mounting holes. It was about 16-1/4" center to center. I don't know what the exact spec of the 450 shocks are but I have seen on Ebay where people say they are 16-1/4" eye to eye. So a direct bolt on, I guess so, but it seems to be right at the limit of the ball joints from the investigating I have done.