Shock Length

[440ex kid]

Alright, I just ordered Houser +2.5 for my 450r. The question I have is what length shock do I use? The website says 19.5in, but I have found many guys running 20in, some are running 19.25in. How do I know which length will work for my setup?

[JRDrider22]

are the a-arms long travel?

[440ex kid]

Yes

[JRDrider22]

i know people using 19 1/4 and 19"

[440ex kid]

Yea but for MX? I only know of guys that use 19.25 for XC (+1s). I can Imagine it would bottom more with smaller mx tires.

[TBD]

Run what the a-arm manufacture tells you to run. Different manufactures place the shock mount in different locations meaning that they will require a different length shock. The shock length that the manufacture built the arms for is the length that you will need to run.

[440ex kid]

I emailed John Houser and he said that it varies with different companies, setups and stuff. And also does TCS make fully adjustable shocks?

[440ex kid]

Bump

[roughrider01]

Im running 19" PEPs with my houser +2 LT arms and they work good. I know housers site says to run 19.5 but i got mine used for a good price.

[R3Concepts]

My PEPs are 20 1/4 free length. Like TBD said check with manufacturers and use what they say. Dont use shocks that are not made for the arms that you have, it could be a bad situation.

[beak7707]

The reason you see so many people running wrong length shocks is because they didnt buy new. All those people out there that had 250r's and 400's, just put thier lt shocks from those quads on there 450r's. I have talked to houser he said 19.5 and my friend has thier LT setup on both his 450r's and he is running 19.5's. Almost a

[440ex kid]

But is 1/4 in that much of a difference?

[roughrider01]

I just had my shocks off, they measure 19.25 from eye to eye. Im not a pro so i dont see a 1/4" making a noticable difference. I along with many beginner races dont even know how to set their shocks up to the shocks best potential so saving $500 was a no brainer for me.

BUT, If your buying new i would call the a-arm company and the shock company to get your set-up.

[TBD]

If the overall length and stroke are different it could be a problem. If the arm builder did his work correctly, then when the shock is fully bottomed the frame should be fairlly close to the ground. If you run a shorter shock then you might end up with what we call underground travel which is unuseable. What is wrong with running what the manufacture built the arms for? If your looking at getting a deal on a used one your not only going to need to make sure that the length is correct but also the shaft travel needs to be correct.

[440ex kid]

Would there be a difference in shaft travel for a +1 a-arm verses a +2.5?


Also roughrider01, do you have any problems with bottoming and such?

[roughrider01]

Originally posted by 440ex kid
Would there be a difference in shaft travel for a +1 a-arm verses a +2.5?


Also roughrider01, do you have any problems with bottoming and such?

No but then again i havent had much time on them. If i run into a problem with my setup then i will fork over the money to get a new set, that was my plan. In no way am i telling you that you should be cheap like me and buy used. Listen to these guys, they know a hell of alot more then me when it comes to suspension. Good luck!