HOW TO: 450R shocks on 400EX

[400exMO]

How to install 450R shocks on a 400EX

1. first remove old shocks and line the R shocks up
#look for where the frame and the shock eye hit

[400exMO]

2. grind the top of the shock eye off where the plastic holding braket is bolted to the frame

[400exMO]

3. grind the back back of the eye of the shock off where the shock mounting bracket hits it

[400exMO]

lastly lube and tighten it all back up and enjoy the much improved ride

any question post back

[ZQ8Dude]

whats the ride difference like? ive been debating picking some up to help this bike have a better feeling when ive got the bike pinned out through the woods

as for the grinding, you mean on the shock right?

[400exMO]

yes, grinding the shock eye(Minor grinding about 1/8 inch deep)

The ride quality is SO much better than stock. They seldom bottom out, great feeling, fully adjustable. For someone on a budget i'd definentely suggest this setup. It's night and day difference

[ZQ8Dude]

somewhat OT, but is there anything to do with the rear shock for cheap?

[Unverfehrt400ex]

Send the stock one off to someone like GT Thunder racing. They can get them rebuilt and revalved for your weight and set up for your riding style. It only cost like 75 dollars

[ZQ8Dude]

how is the rear shock revalved compared to a rear elka? just curious



Sorry not trying to hijack

[TRX400-06]

I am wondering if all years R shocks will fit all years 400's? I have an 06 and i want a better suspension just not the price of one. How much are the R shocks going for and where would i get them?

[JR3]

Originally posted by TRX400-06
I am wondering if all years R shocks will fit all years 400's? I have an 06 and i want a better suspension just not the price of one. How much are the R shocks going for and where would i get them?

Look ebay or some one selling them on here.

[400exMO]

around 200 dollars

[400EXBill]

Did the ride height change with the R shocks?

[400exMO]

I got a tad bit lower, like about half and inch. But I also put on +2 aarms at the same time.

[quadman 05400ex]

will stock arms work with R shocks

[400exMO]

yup

[kickass400exRI]

what year is the bike you put the r shocks on?

[400exMO]

03, they'll work on any year.

[quadman 05400ex]

yep those are a great up grade

[bansheemorphine]

is there anything i can do to lower the ride hight with the r shocks on my +2 a arms?

[F-16Guy]

Originally posted by bansheemorphine
is there anything i can do to lower the ride hight with the r shocks on my +2 a arms?
Check out GT Thunder. They will revalve, re-spring, and modify the shock bodies for $350. The springs will give you the sag you want, and the body modification allows the shocks to compress further, since they would normally bottom out well before the frame reaches the ground. That's especially useful if you're not running MX tires.

[250r48]

do u have to get the r shocks revalved and all that or will they work without it

[prepracing]

the 450R fronts need to be redvalved/sprung to get the ride height back for a 400ex. The stock rear 450r shock is no improvement over the stock rear 400ex shock. Getting your stock 400ex shock revalved/sprung or getting a different link is the best way to go on the rear

[400exMO]

^Agreed, but you do not have to do it, but it will be worth the money.

[Unverfehrt400ex]

so how much will the ride highth change running them with stock a arms?

[400exMO]

They'll be alittle bit higher in stock form. If you get the shocks redone it'll lower it a tad.

[Hondaexboy]

is the ride a whole lot smoother

what about the yfz shocks,... are they better,...will they fit

[F-16Guy]

Originally posted by 250r48
do u have to get the r shocks revalved and all that or will they work without it
You don't need to get them revalved, but it will probably give you a plusher ride. If all you want is more sag and a more progressive spring rate, you can just change the springs. Valving does nothing to ride height.

[EXevan91]

Hey anyone wanna gimme their 450r shocks :) you dont need them anymore. plzzz

[quadman 05400ex]

hers an idea and i didnt get them revalvd

[yfzfelix]

Originally posted by 400exMO
2. grind the top of the shock eye off where the plastic holding braket is bolted to the frame Grinding the shock like that is stupid!! I took a small flat tip screw driver and a hammer and knocked the nut off that is spot welded on there for the fender bolt and used a button head bolt and installed it so the bolt head is by the shock and the nut is on top of the bracket, the button head bolt does not make contact with the shock and looks cleaner than that hatchet job!!

[yfzfelix]

Originally posted by 400exMO
3. grind the back back of the eye of the shock off where the shock mounting bracket hits it no need to grind this either, go look at the bracket on a 450r and cut yours to match, very simple and cleaner than a Mr. Grinder job

[Grant Casey]

what dose revalued mean for the 450r because i am lost wit it.

cheers
grant Casey

[Crazy lil punk]

like is it fully okay to run these shocks with stock aarms? are you sure you cant like bend anything running these shocks?

[AR15 guy]

I run the 450r shocks with the stock a-arms. It works great. The front shocks are MUCH better than the stock 400ex shocks.

Night and day difference.

However it really made me realize how worn out/crappy my rear shock is.

http://f10.putfile.com/thumb/7/19715214033.jpg (http://putfile.com/pic.php?pic=main/7/19715214033.jpg&s=f10)
http://f10.putfile.com/thumb/7/19715211958.jpg (http://putfile.com/pic.php?pic=main/7/19715211958.jpg&s=f10)

[400exMO]

Originally posted by yfzfelix
Grinding the shock like that is stupid!! I took a small flat tip screw driver and a hammer and knocked the nut off that is spot welded on there for the fender bolt and used a button head bolt and installed it so the bolt head is by the shock and the nut is on top of the bracket, the button head bolt does not make contact with the shock and looks cleaner than that hatchet job!!
well to tell you the truth, running that setup is stupid!! If you're gonna do it, do it right. That setup was just a tide me over. Here she is now.

[400eXr1d3rZ]

Where can I find some super super dirt cheap 450r shocks?

[AR15 guy]

I got mine for 183$ shipped from paypal.

Watched several sets go for ~230$ + shipping so I did ok.

[tar]

400exMO you should get a bumper, it would make your quad look so much better.

[WheelieMan4]

I just picked up some 450r shocks for 50 bucks!!!! lol, im pretty sure thats a hell of a deal! The springs have some chipping, but they work great. Also, I have the rezzies facing forward. Is that bad? Because everyone else I see has them mounted backwards...let me know, thanks!

[AR15 guy]

I don't think it should matter wheelie.

[timmypeaper]

The rezzies should be to the rear so that they don't break off if something hits it.

[F-16Guy]

There is a floating piston that moves in the reservoir when the shocks compress. If they get dented by a rock or something, the piston may not move freely.

[QuadJunkies]

Im giving this thread and bump and posting a sticky on the topic..

There is soooo many repeat topics and consists of most of the same info.

I hope this sticky makes it a little easier to answer most of the questions you all have on the shock set up :)

I thought I would keep a few of the common topics up for a bit and see how this works.

[400exMO]

My how to is going to be stickied!:o :D

[QuadJunkies]

And please for the love of God.. Dont start flaming and have to have it cleaned up,too much of that lately .:ermm:



Lets build off this one and add to it !:)

[Def-e-nition]

I must say this Mod has to be one of the Bigger and better mods That I have done so far . With a lot of advice from all on Atv Forum , i decided to take the plunge and do this mod .

We dont all have R12000 $ to do the real thing mod , but this is a cool second best . Although the ride height did put me off at first , I must say that the first landing over the tabletop had me convinced from the word Go that this was the right thing to do .

i turned the pre-load and compression All the way down , and , As Suggested , The compression was right : some guy said a good rule of thumb is If it bottomed out once then it was set right .

I took some more advice and did no cutting or removing of bolts , and the results are very impressive to say the least . Except for the standard shock being 8 mm Shorter than a 450 One , which increases preload a little , I am Well pleased with this mod , and would recommend it to anyone on a tight budget . ;)

Anyone running the 450R shocks with +1 a-arms?

Do the wider a-arms return the geometry to about stock 400ex ride height, etc?

[400exMO]

when I had +2's it was still higher than stock. Many people run them with stock aarms. If I was you, I'd would only get them if you plan on getting them revalved and resprung.

What about yfz450 shocks on 400ex? Thats a better mx set up than 450r shocks and it lowers you and they mount up by just grinding the top shocks eye holes slightly skinnier.

Originally posted by slow
What about yfz450 shocks on 400ex? Thats a better mx set up than 450r shocks and it lowers you and they mount up by just grinding the top shocks eye holes slightly skinnier.

Cuz I don't have a line on a good price on YFZ shocks like I do the 450R shocks.

What's so much better about the yfz shocks?

Originally posted by garandman
Cuz I don't have a line on a good price on YFZ shocks like I do the 450R shocks.

What's so much better about the yfz shocks?

Yfz450 shocks are cheaper to find. Not as many people use them cause their off a yamaha so they want to stick with honda so most go to 450r shocks so 450r shocks sell for more.

commin prices for stock used shocks are
yfz $150
450r $250

450r shocks on a EX are better than stock for jumping but raise the ride hight.
On tests stock yfz450 against the 450r, the yfz shocks were called better for mx. Thats was the shocks on on the original quads their made for but still the yfz shocks are better for mx than 450r.

I would pic yfz450 shocks over the 450r shocks any day. Why? Cause they are better for jumping and mx type stuff and thats what i do.
If your a trail rider than you dont need 450r shocks cause it will only make it a ruffer ride. Trail 400ex stockers are good.

If you trail ride a lot but like to hit the track some times or hit jumps get the 450r shocks But, if your not bottoming the stock 400ex shocks all the time then why get 450r shocks?

450r shocks are slightly longer eye to eye and offer only .2 more travle over stock. They raise the ride hight around a inch. They get hotter faster than yfz shocks.

Yfz450 shocks on a Ex allow you to adj the ride hight up to about stock hight or you can adj the hight all the way down to about 5" lower than stock hight which is mx hight. They are said to be more adjustable. Buy that i mean that turning the dials is said to be felt more on the yfz shocks. Im not sure about that but my compression/rebound adj just a couple clicks can be felt allot.
The shocks offer about 1 more inch travle over stock(9.1).

I checked the bottoming points.
When a 400ex with stock shocks bottoms the A-arms are about streight and would be about teh same using 450r shocks.

When a 400ex with yfz450 shocks bottom it bottoms just at the right time. Stock A-arms can only pivot up so far b4 the ball joints go to their limit and at that limit the A-arms will stop moving. Well with the yfz shocks the front bottoms just b4 the ball joints come to their limit. Like just right. If the shocks could compress like a half inch more it would bottom out on the ball joints and that would break them realy easy. So they allow your shocks to compress as far as possable with out breaking the ball joints.
Yfz shocks are said to be valved for +2 A-arms from the factory.

I put the ride hight as low as it could go and i was hitting doubles. The front shocks would almost bottom every time i hit the double but wouldn't. Once the shocks started heating up i noticed i was bottoming lightly. It didnt feel like it, it felt like a soft landing but i saw marks on the ground so the front of the frame was scraping the ground some times when the shocks bottomed. It never bottomed hard one time like the ex shocks would do. It only bottomed very lightly.
When i have it on the lowest ride hight i put the compression on teh second stiffest setting and have the rebound all the way out at less their isn't many jumps.

If you put the yfz shocks as soft as they go they feal to soft. When i had them as soft as they go it had to much body roll which means to soft which means they can go from stiff were they dont move to soft probably softer than 450r. Actually on the softest setting they felt almost like the stock 400ex shocks just not as springy.

you can adj the shocks so they never bottom.

Over all i would say yfz shocks are the better choice.

yfz stock shocks on stock A-arms (shocks look differant but are stock)

*I just baught new +3 A-arms and the bottom shock mount on the A-arm was slightly to skinny so i will have to grind the bottom eye area slightly now on the shock so it fits between the a-arm shock mount*
Lowest ride hight (only 1.5" shaft showing)
http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n26/getdrunk1990/4wheeler164.jpg
http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n26/getdrunk1990/4wheeler192-1.jpg
http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n26/getdrunk1990/4wheeler185.jpg

(ride hight can go alot higher, I just had its hight set at mx hight.)

Slow -

Thanx for such a detailed response.

Right now the plan is to get the 450R's revalved and resprung for my weight (245 lb) and ride style. This will gain me 7/8 " travel.

Also, I plan to get the JB Racing +1 a-arms with the re-worked ball joints to gain more travel.

Laz(?) at GTThunder says it'll be better than Elkas when I get all done.

Why do all this? Because I can.

:devil: :) :D

[QuadJunkies]

I think that shock difference is based rider per rider preference ,cause I simply HATE the shocks on the YFZ .Maybe its dif. on the EX
Nice piece of info though.

Originally posted by garandman
[
Laz(?) at GTThunder says it'll be better than Elkas when I get all done.

Why do all this? Because I can.

:devil: :) :D [/B]

I dont think better. Elkas would have bigger rezzys and probably more travle and the dials would probably have more clicks along with the ride hight could be set lower.

Originally posted by QuadJunkies
I think that shock difference is based rider per rider preference ,cause I simply HATE the shocks on the YFZ .Maybe its dif. on the EX
Nice piece of info though.

Well I like stiff shocks so i can set the ride hight low and not bottom easy. Thats why i like the yfz's. I think the yfz shocks on the ex feal about the same as if they were on the yfz. Like when you push on the bumper how it feals. I can lift my front end up and drop it and it makes a "clonk" sound cause the shocks are so stiff.

Well, I picked up the 450R shocks last nite for $200. So I'm fully committed here.

:)

Now, on to the build.

[Sleeper01]

Does anybody have any pics of the 450r shocks on a 400ex with +2 arms?Thanks

-Kevin

[Sik05400ex]

does anyone know where i could find a set of these for pretty cheap?

Originally posted by Sik05400ex
does anyone know where i could find a set of these for pretty cheap?

in the for sale sec.

[jeremy_283]

on ebay i got a brand new pair for either $150 or $200 dont quite remember.... it was a buy it now and a great deal....... houser was the one that sold them to me

[400exMO]

I should have added these pics when I made the thread, but I just found them yesterday. Here's some pics of stock R shocks and +2 Aarms on a 400ex.(my old setup)
They also were horribly out of adjustment.

[Honda6sv]

I got mine through a friend that knew a guy selling his for cheap. Its a breeze to install. But Im looking into an i-shock front end. Might have mine up for sale sometime. Depending on if I can work up the nerve to spend the money :ermm:

[Honda6sv]

Heres that pic...whoops..:(

[Pappy]

We installed a set on our 400ex. After tweaking them for my son, they are working excellent. C&D Racing set these up for us and we couldnt be happier

http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g162/400ex127/DSC_7946b.jpg
http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g162/400ex127/DSC_7942aa.jpg
http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g162/400ex127/DSC_7960.jpg

[Def-e-nition]

Pappy those have to be some of the cleanest action shots i have seen . You must surely be using a bazooka for a Lens to capture such nice pics .....

What shocks did you fit in the end ? Im Bottoming Out the 450 shocks over the table , but regardless , they are still pretty good .
Those seem to be 450 shocks , but with other Coils fitted ? Interesting , as Im sure you Will have known to do that because of the Shocks being Too Long for the 400 . i simply turned down the pre-load . Hope I dont damage anything on the Landings . Once I clear the table It should be a problem . I also Cannot Set up the shocks for Jumps alone , as straight after we jump a couple of times , we head out to the enduro track , and there are definitely No Obstacles on the route that would necessitate turning the Pre-load stiffer . Perhaps I should simply give the compression screw a Turn Before jumping and then reverse what I did before I go riding ... mmm , never thought about that .

Those are good pics . Would be interesting to see what type of Camera /shutter speed /camera setting you used .
Nice .

Mine:

http://www.hunt101.com/img/446047.jpg

Not sure you can get any other comp / reb adj shocks revalved and resprung for your ride weight and style for anywhere near the $600 total I paid for these.

[Pappy]

Originally posted by Def-e-nition
Pappy those have to be some of the cleanest action shots i have seen . You must surely be using a bazooka for a Lens to capture such nice pics .....



We are running c&D Racings 450r shocks (stock 450r shocks that have been re-sprung and valved for our rider) They are doing really good so far, and should be just about right with the +2 arms(He is so light that getting the spring we need isnt the easiest task)

The pictures posted here were snap shots in the back yard with my Nikon D200, 70-200 VR DX VR lens with a sb-800 speedlight. Id have to look but I think exposure was 2.8 at 1/500 second.

[Def-e-nition]

Originally posted by Pappy


The pictures posted here were snap shots in the back yard with my Nikon D200, 70-200 VR DX VR lens with a sb-800 speedlight. Id have to look but I think exposure was 2.8 at 1/500 second.

oh for Heavens sake Rub it In Rub It In ..
I have the nikon 8700 , also very happy with it . More buttons than Kennedy space center , so takes time to figure out what to Force the Cam to Do for you .

I have a race coming this saturday , was thinking of looking around for shorter , or Simply Other springs . Doubt ill have much Luck though . SA is not too sharp on having a huge variety of Parts , as they simply work out Oh-so-expensive .
Nice "snapshots " by the way .....snapshots my ***** !!

[Pappy]

I hate to break it to you, but yes, they were snap shots:p

This is a photograph with effort:D
http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g162/400ex127/BPG570.jpg

[Def-e-nition]

Oh rub it in then You bloody /show-off ...;)
very nice .
i managed to get the nikon to capture Multiple Pics , but it fills the memory Reeaaallly Quick .

taking 5 or more shots like that and you have Plenty to work with .
The d200 is a damn fine camera .

[TRFOXX]

Just put a set of 450 r shocks on my 400ex and its a great improvement. I took the advice about the button bolts for the fender mounts, great idea! I already have a set for my Z400 and they are great on that machine also! Being that i weigh 250lbs these shocks work really well with the compression/rebound cranked up.

[400eXr1d3rZ]

Originally posted by 400exMO
I should have added these pics when I made the thread, but I just found them yesterday. Here's some pics of stock R shocks and +2 Aarms on a 400ex.(my old setup)
They also were horribly out of adjustment.

Who makes those arms?

Heres a pic i found of some guys quad with 450r shocks.

[400exMO]

Originally posted by 400eXr1d3rZ
Who makes those arms?
HSD Racing, I wouldn't reccomend them to anyone. But I got them for a great price.

[400eXr1d3rZ]

Originally posted by 400exMO
HSD Racing, I wouldn't reccomend them to anyone. But I got them for a great price.

What's wrong with them?

[parts eeter]

I should be recieving my works triple rate spring kit for my 450 fronts.I will be trying them on stock arms first and then on some houser plus 2 arms.I will let you guys know how they work.Works said that with plus 2 arms the valving would be fine with the proper springs.With the stock 400 arms they are a bit shorter at least 1 inch maybe more than the 450 arms so that is why they are too stiff for most guys.I am setting mine up for woods so I am using the plus 2 arms,woods triple springs,and inset wheels so I can get the longest arm possible and only add a few inches of width to the front.This is supposed to be the ticket for the woods.Great thread guys.!!!I will post back with results.

[j beatty400ex]

where did u find 450r shocks and how much were they

[parts eeter]

ebay 260 bux and the springs were 250 bux.I have since ridden on my quad 3 times,and the riding was as follows.!st ride I rode at a strip mine where there were fast logging roads and the shocks worked great.I then went to the slate pile where there are several step up jumps and tables.The shocks were a tad soft on the lowest ride height and softest compression/reb settings for jumping.However they are very well matched to the oem rear shock that is also a bit soft for jumping my 240lb self!I then rode at the rockiest most technical riding area we have and I was amazed at how well the shocks worked.Full tilt boogie thru the rox and nothin but good stuff.I am happy and I can swap them to my 450r when i get a new quad.:D

has anyone had a problem when changing to =2 a arms and 450r shocks as far as having to compress the shocks to get the ball joints in the spindle???? this is killing me give me some tips please

[Redneck4ever31]

I bought 450r shocks and I have +3 ATV Fourplay a-arms. Should I put the shocks on those a-arms or with my stock? If I put them on my +3 a-arms, will it make my ride height lower than stock because of the +3 length? Aaron

[Pappy]

Aaron, +3 is wider, and unless they use a shock length that is longer then stock you will notice no ride heigth difference unless the shock has been converted to a ssd set up, and even then, on the rebuilds, there is little change in actual ride hiegth, depending on the arm design.

[j450rking]

what about a rear yfz shock on a ex would that fit??????? and would it make the ride any better

[j450rking]

dose gt thunder have a internet site?????????????????????


never mind i found it

[Def-e-nition]

Originally posted by Redneck4ever31
I bought 450r shocks and I have +3 ATV Fourplay a-arms. Should I put the shocks on those a-arms or with my stock? If I put them on my +3 a-arms, will it make my ride height lower than stock because of the +3 length? Aaron

i would go the +3 Route if I were you .
i find the Stock arms , even with spacers on , feel a Little cheated on the Length side .
That way you could use more of the adjustment available to you those shocks offer .

[Pappy]

a new 400 coming together, walsh arms with the 450r rebuilds

[new400exrider]

ok well im around 100lbs and i ramp alot would 450R shocks be a good upgrade or should i just stick with the stock ones for my weight?

[Pappy]

Originally posted by new400exrider
ok well im around 100lbs and i ramp alot would 450R shocks be a good upgrade or should i just stick with the stock ones for my weight?

when you are that light, it can be tuff to get something like this set up properly, but it can be done.

cody weighs 120 with gear, and they work well for him when he airs it out:p

[j450rking]

i just won a pair of yfz450 front shocks to put on my ex i got them for $230+ shiping is this a good deal? i am going to send them out to gt thunder to get them revalved along with my stock rear shock once i get them

[400exMO]

you could have found cheaper than 230, but that's decent. Does laz setup the YFZ shocks for the 400?? I know he does on the R shocks.

[j450rking]

i don't know if he dose i will have to call

[j450rking]

i called up gt thunder and thay said that to have the yfz shocks set up right for a ex it would cost $750.00 so i am just going to leave them as is and see how thay work but i wont be able to test them to well seeing as we have about 3 inches of snow here in up state N.Y.

[interceptorz28]

Can anyone explain how to adjust the 450r shocks?

Maybe someone has an owners maual with directions??

[stic]

http://www.hmfengineering.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1624

[Pappy]

We just recieved our 450r shocks back from servicing and having them re-set up for mx.

[j450rking]

i got my yfz shocks and the bottome bolts right up but the top is about 1/5 of on inch to wide so i am just going to grind them down and see how thay fit

[j450rking]

i got the yfz shocks ground down to fit thay look pretty nice but i can;t try them out untill i get the frame powder coated and get th ex put back together i'll post some pics tomorow

[Pappy]

Having used these shocks on a 300ex with 400ex arms, and now having them set up for a 400ex is sure a world of difference! So far we are very happy with them

http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g162/400ex127/Picture131.jpg

[400eXr1d3rZ]

Originally posted by Pappy
a new 400 coming together, walsh arms with the 450r rebuilds

What length arms are those? Im assuming +3?

[Pappy]

+2

[TWEP]

Why would you want those stiff R shocks anyway they way to stiff for the R even at loest setting seema like a waste of time to me IMO.........?

[Pappy]

Originally posted by TWEP
Why would you want those stiff R shocks anyway they way to stiff for the R even at loest setting seema like a waste of time to me IMO.........?

ever hear of having them re-sprung and revalved:p

[TWEP]

yea but wouldnt you be better off with A/M shocks ?? Stock Rs arnet tripple rated are they ? the springs i mean ? Seems the riders in GNCC had alot of trouble with 450r shocks in the past few years but then again i guess for the price of revalving might be a cheap fix not sure ??

[Pappy]

Originally posted by TWEP
yea but wouldnt you be better off with A/M shocks ?? Stock Rs arnet tripple rated are they ? the springs i mean ? Seems the riders in GNCC had alot of trouble with 450r shocks in the past few years but then again i guess for the price of revalving might be a cheap fix not sure ??



A sponsored rider of ours finished 2nd in the stock class in the GNCC's(1st in his district) for 2006 with ZERO issues with his suspension as it came from Honda so I am not sure where you get your information relating to problems.

With rebuilds, your saving on average $500 on a front set of shocks, they are set up for your weight, converted to triple or dual rate depending on the builder, feature rebound and compression adjustment (an upgrade on most aftermarket shocks)

As far as performance, any rider b class or below will be hard pressed to tell a difference in performance unless you feel like comparing a $1600 set of front shocks to the stock rebuilds.

Our shocks are triple rate

[TWEP]

WOW ! guess you set me straight fast and in a hurry......thats alright didnt know that info and thx for sharing it seems there is a cheaper way to than spending alot of money :)

[TWEP]

And my info comes from sponsered riders but then again they just buy the bike and send it off, and it comes back tricked out, then they just adjust to the track and or conditions :)

[TWEP]

I mean no offense was just saying is all :)

[TWEP]

HEY um .....Pappy you have a web site ? and you rebuild shocks.........PM me with some details if you dont mind I new to site...and looking for some hook ups since im racing again :) was racing when Barry Hawk started lol

[Pappy]

No, I do not rebuild shocks. I would suggest giving our site sponsor, C&D Racing a call and discussing any shock questions with them, or seeing your in the Carolina's, try Santo Derisi, another good friend of mine that does great work on shocks of all brands.

[TWEP]

TY yes i know Santo.Cook and Borsch along with others and Thx again :)

[TWEP]

AS a matter of fact Spud did my engine/Tranny work to my new fond bike. Dont expect you to know him,but i do Pal around with other names mentioned, Just wondering if this a foe reak site ............or not again no offense:)

[Mxjunkie]

Originally posted by TWEP
TY yes i know Santo.Cook and Borsch along with others and Thx again :)

Borich...... :tired:

[new400exrider]

hey Pappy if i sent 450R shocks to you could you get them set up for a 400ex? the grinding and stuff id just assume have someone who knows what their doing to do it rather than do them myself

[400exMO]

Originally posted by new400exrider
hey Pappy if i sent 450R shocks to you could you get them set up for a 400ex? the grinding and stuff id just assume have someone who knows what their doing to do it rather than do them myself
Doing it is as simple as pie. You have nothing to worry about. It is like a haircut, it is easier to go back and take more off then it is to grow it back.

[Def-e-nition]

Pappy , I noticed Too that the 450 shocks are Pretty stiff this weekend .

i am considering now in doing what you've had done to yours .
THe only problem is that there aren't too many people in South Africa that do this kinfd of Conversion .
Is there anyone you could point me to that might offer me some advice on how the re-builder could soften them up a stitch. ?

Did another enduro the weekend , and by the third and final Lap i could barely hold Onto the bars - i had to let go of them to get through some of the Thicker stuff .I have blisters in top of blisters this morning .
Its on a 400 , so the shocks ideally are not suited to the bike , but i don't want to ditch them for the stock shocks again , before I try Re-valving them .

The guy Im working with says that it boils down to the stack sitting above the Piston - is he talking in the right direction ?

[Pappy]

being over seas is tuff.

id call colby at C&D, tell him your situation. he may be able to offer some tech advice and he may be able to ship you the parts and instructions so you could have your local builder handle the conversion!

if that is not an option, works offers a spring conversion that should help you soften them up

[ida400ex]

where can i find the cheapest set of new or used r shocks. i want to do this upgrade, but i am on a budget.

[Def-e-nition]

Ill mail colby . Thanks papps .

400ex , read my post , and get em re-valved and sprung if possible before you venture in that direction .

Its easy to fit em . its getting em to WORK on the 400 that is tough .


remember : they'rs even stiff on the 450 , the bike they were stolen from , so imagine your bike with them on .

They are Great For jumps - in fact , you'll struggle to bottom them out with average height / weight .

But for the Twisty stuff - i wont put a stamp of approval behind that mod unless you get them sorted out . I've done both , and will probably have some guy called colby try and sort me out over a distance of 16 000 km . so - having said that - you wanna know how badly I want them to be re-valved now ??

[Pappy]

We had the chance to put the C&D rebuilds to teh test, and they worked great!

[Pappy]

He will keep testing them too:p

[400exridin121]

ebay is the cheapest place to find them

[400exridin121]

ebay is the cheapest place to find them

[AbnMP13]

Bought a set from Carlock 33 tonight. Got them for $250 and they're already revalved. Can't wait to get them on the bike and test 'em out! :D

[miles Machine]

400EXMO, on you original set up with the 450R shocks were thos a-arms off of a 450R as well. if not do you know if a-arms from a 450R fit a 400EX?

[AbnMP13]

Did anyone put the 450R rear shock on the 400?
I did tonight but had to take my snorkel off because it wouldn't clear the reservoir?

[AbnMP13]

Also is there a difference between the rear shock linkage of the 450 and the 400?

[Pappy]

450R A Arms will not work on a 400ex


I belive the linkages are close but not the same, your better off using the stock shock and having it revalved/re-sprung


Here is a video of the 450R front shocks

http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g162/400ex127/th_cody.jpg (http://s56.photobucket.com/albums/g162/400ex127/?action=view&current=cody.flv)

[AbnMP13]

I couldn't pass up the deal for front and rear revalved for $250 shipped though.

[Pappy]

no doubt, now sell off the rear and recoup some beer money

[AbnMP13]

Planning on it, trying to put jets in the 400 right now.

http://www.exriders.com/vbb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=229923 (Fuel screw)

[mcleod]

http://mcleod.qit-files.net/mcleod/426exT00ning%20009.jpg

fit great with minor bracket mods!

it's raise the front a bit, but feel so great when jumping, but now i feel like my rear is a ****ty one! gonna need to revalve it!

great mod for low budget 400ex :D

Originally posted by mcleod

it's raise the front a bit, but feel so great when jumping, but now i feel like my rear is a ****ty one! gonna need to revalve it!

great mod for low budget 400ex :D

Just got my rear shock back from GT Thunder - they did it in about 3 days.

[mcleod]

how much have it cost? and where is GT thunder ? im far far in canada :P

edit : forget about that ... http://gtthunder.com/ :D

i answered all my question. thanks for the info!

Originally posted by mcleod
how much have it cost? and where is GT thunder ? im far far in canada :P

edit : forget about that ... http://gtthunder.com/ :D

i answered all my question. thanks for the info!

They did an awesome job on the 450R fronts.

I expect the same with the rear (and new link).

[AbnMP13]

Originally posted by Pappy
no doubt, now sell off the rear and recoup some beer money

It's at $113 now, looks like I'll get half of it back.

[parts eeter]

I installed the worx triple rate upgrade kit on my 400 ex with 450r fronts and they added alot more sag and softened the front up even more.I ride woods and weigh 225 lbs and have done some minor jumping 4-6 ft and still havent bottomed them out yet.I havent changed the oil in them yet because I feel that they will be just right with plus 2 arms that I havent installed yet.They are still a little slow on damping for stock arms.Best $$$$ I have spent on my quad besides my steering stem and damper.I hope this helps you guys.If anybody knows what weight oil is in these r shox from the factory please post this 4 me..Because I may be changing the oil to lighter stuff later on...

Nice, HG13.

That's how I did mine.

[DF400ex]

I thought about using a pan head screw but I was too impatient, I couldn't wait to get my new shocks on. I just knocked the nut off, ground the top of the bolt down a little bit, and put the bolt through the bottom and the nut on top. All in all it took me about 30 min to switch my shocks mod and all. It looks clean to.

[Pappy]

there isnt a lot of pre load on the 450r shock, and depending on your weight you may be able to adjust it to suit you. Id say if your above 180 , the works dspring kit would be all you would need for trails. As far as the compression settings, just play with the settings and see what you like best.

[AbnMP13]

I had to soften my up my rear spring initially because of the whoops on alot of the trails. I couldn't keep the rear end on the ground.

[Honda6sv]

I had to bump the psi in my rear shock up some and bump the compression screw so the shock was stiffer...then i had to put the spring preload down on the 450r shox and i set the compression adjusters too..i cant remember what i had set them at...i like my suspension a little on the stiff side.

[Pappy]

Originally posted by Honda6sv
I had to bump the psi in my rear shock up some

your rear shock uses air:huh

[j450rking]

Originally posted by Honda6sv
I had to bump the psi in my rear shock up some and bump the compression screw so the shock was stiffer...then i had to put the spring preload down on the 450r shox and i set the compression adjusters too..i cant remember what i had set them at...i like my suspension a little on the stiff side.

are you using the stock shock or did you get some air shock?

[Honda6sv]

uhhhh...nitrogen...:rolleyes:...I thought all "gas" was measured in PSI..not only oxygen...

[Pappy]

Originally posted by Honda6sv
uhhhh...nitrogen...:rolleyes:...I thought all "gas" was measured in PSI..not only oxygen...

just clarifying, on the internet when you post something like that you open up the gates to a ton of folks who know not that nitrogen is used. I could already picture many threads asking how much air to pump into their shock;)

[yfzfelix]

Originally posted by hornetgod13
After reading through this thread I had a better idea what I needed to do to prepare my 400EX for the 450R shocks. I bought a set of shocks off a 07' 450R and they are being shipped. Excited and eager to get a jump on things I went about removing my old shocks (certain to be for sale real soon).

Reading posts about grinding the upper portion of the 450R shock absorber to make it fit just didn't sound like the smartest or safest way to go. See Picture 1 for an examaple of a 450R shock that had to be grinded down to fit with the stock foward plastics mounting bolt and nut still installed. I was concerned with not having enough room for the upper portion of the 450R shock absorber to fit and move freely in the upper shock mount area. I decided to follow a tip from another post. The following "How To" will cover the and steps I took to complete it. I'll also include 4 pictures.

The next step after removing the shocks was to get 2 large button (pan) head flat tip screws that matched the same diameter as the current forward plastic's mounting bolts. See Picture 2. I wanted to be certain I wasn't sacrificing any strength by switching them but, I also wanted to ensure I was going to maximize the upper shock mounting clearance.

After removing the stock mounting bolt, I took a chisel and knocked off the spot welded nut that's right next to the upper shock mounting area. It took quit a few wacks to get it broke loose. Be careful when doing this so not to damage the frame or surrounding shock mount area.

Next I took the replacement button head screw and put the nut on it and than cut it to the required length (about an inch and a half). I cut it with a hacksaw in my vice but, you could also use a dremel tool with a cutting wheel. Now the reason I put the nut on first was so I can take the nut back off and clean up the threads after I cut it. That's an old trick when cutting screws or bolts when you're worried about damaging the threads at the tip of the fastener. See Picture 3 for new and old installation hardware.

After the new screws are cut to length I installed the screws with the head side facing downward, installed a flat washer, a lock washer and a properly fitting nut and tightened the whole thing down. See Picture 4 for the end product.

After comparing the before and after clearance I'm certain I will have no issues with my new 450R shocks rubbing the new screw.

Once my new shocks arrive I will be certain to post more pictures so you can see them installed. :cool:

Picture 1 on mine I also had to trim the backside of the front shock mount, looked at the mount on a 450r and cut mine the same

[Honda6sv]

Originally posted by Pappy
just clarifying, on the internet when you post something like that you open up the gates to a ton of folks who know not that nitrogen is used. I could already picture many threads asking how much air to pump into their shock;)

lol, Alright, I thought it was a smart @$$ed remark..but understood and sorry for not clarifying...one question though, on the rear 400ex shox...what would you recommend the MAX PSI to be? "for the nitrogen". :blah:

[Pappy]

no clue, i leave that to the people i trust to build my shocks;)

[DF400ex]

Originally posted by yfzfelix
on mine I also had to trim the backside of the front shock mount, looked at the mount on a 450r and cut mine the same

Does anyone have an up close pic of a 450r front shock mount...

[Honda6sv]

Originally posted by Pappy
no clue, i leave that to the people i trust to build my shocks;)

Would you mind asking one day? thatd be sweet.

[Honda6sv]

The shock mount?...as in the frame on your quad that you rely on to support your weight not break when you land hard? If so, Id recommend grinding the shock down...you can pick those shox up for way more cheap then a frame...

[DF400ex]

Originally posted by Honda6sv
The shock mount?...as in the frame on your quad that you rely on to support your weight not break when you land hard? If so, Id recommend grinding the shock down...you can pick those shox up for way more cheap then a frame...

Well not really man. The part that I had to grind does not appear to be a major load bearing part of the shock mount. We're only talking about less than 1/4 inch of the mount that isn't part of any welds or anything.

Personally I'd rather grind a small part of the mount off (with no ill effect) than grind the top of my shocks.

If I can get a good pic of it I'll post it.

[Honda6sv]

oh ic..

[DF400ex]

I tried to get a good pic of the modified mount, but the shocks are mounted and cannot get a good pic.

[Honda6sv]

Id recommend spring preload backed all the way off. You might want some decently fast rebound to put the wheels back on the ground...and if your not gunna be jumping it...strickly trails, Id back off on the compression. Leave them a little milky to soke up the bumps..but not too much so they bottom. Idk if you can bottom them out on trails only. Even at the lowest possible compression setting :S. Would need to be a man eating rut. Not sure though...I guess thats what id try first. Wait till you get some info from the ppl that know best. Theres my 2 cents.

[j450rking]

dose anybody want to buy some yamaha yfz 450 shocks with the top mounts cut to fit a 400ex if anybody is interested then let me know and i'll send you some pics

[fastyz85]

i just got some r shocks but which one is compression and which one is rebound. i think rebound is the one closer to the bottom and compression is the one on the top of the shock near the rezzie but i could be wrong.

[fastyz85]

thats okay hornet i believe you. thanks for responding ow to test them on a day when its not in the negatives.lol

[poorboy]

hey man I was wondering were I can find a pair of 450r shoks for cheap.

[poorboy]

hey man I was wondering were I can find a pair of 450r shocks for cheap.

[400eXr1d3rZ]

Originally posted by poorboy
hey man I was wondering were I can find a pair of 450r shocks for cheap.

Ebay!

[DF400ex]

Originally posted by poorboy
hey man I was wondering were I can find a pair of 450r shocks for cheap.

I got mine from a member here 170 shipped! Good condition to. Check the classified threads.

[hoodie]

I got my 450r shocks off of ebay for a really good price. This how to was a huge help in installing them. Just thought I share it with everyone. Thank you to everyone who put some type of input in this thread.

[AbnMP13]

Originally posted by Honda6sv
Id recommend spring preload backed all the way off. You might want some decently fast rebound to put the wheels back on the ground...and if your not gunna be jumping it...

How do I adjust the spring preload? Is that the two jam nuts on the shock? What are those for?

[AbnMP13]

Nevermind, found it here. (http://www.hmfengineering.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1624)

[AbnMP13]

Originally posted by Unverfehrt400ex
Send the stock one off to someone like GT Thunder racing. They can get them rebuilt and revalved for your weight and set up for your riding style. It only cost like 75 dollars

You say $75 for the rebuild, I got a quote from GT Thunder for $700 yesterday for both front and the rear shocks.

[DF400ex]

Originally posted by AbnMP13
You say $75 for the rebuild, I got a quote from GT Thunder for $700 yesterday for both front and the rear shocks.

Yeah if you go all out it'll be 700, but it's less if you don't. This is directly from GT Thunder's site...


Fronts

Dual spring kit - $195.00
Revalve and modify front shocks - $250.00

Revalve, respring and modify front shocks - $395.00[/u]


TRX400EX Rear Suspension Kit

Kit price includes revalving the rear shock, a new rear spring, and a new rear suspension link.

$345.00

Priced separately:

Link................................$175.00

Service rear shock..........$75.00

Revalve rear shock........$75.00

Rear spring......................$95.00

[AbnMP13]

What's the difference in the stock and aftermarket $175 rear link?

[DF400ex]

Originally posted by AbnMP13
What's the difference in the stock and aftermarket $175 rear link?

I am no suspention pro, but this article answered some of my questions.
From GT Thunder (http://www.gtthunder.com).

ATV suspension has been evolving over the past 2 decades. There has been constant improvement with new and better shocks and suspension components constantly being developed. Several of the notable innovations to hit this industry include progressive spring rate combinations from Works Suspension, extended A-arms from both Leager and JP Racing (now known as Lonestar), ProTrax front ends by Leager, CR500 linkage setups from Leager, and no link setups from both Roll Design and Lonestar. Most of the innovations have evolved into even better product and setups today as the concepts that brought us these innovations in the first place became better understood and companies continued to build and improve on these concepts.

One example of this is the “Long Travel” front ends that gave shock builders more room to work with when designing progressive rate spring stacks. Some of the innovations were very successful, but not for the reasons that are first apparent. A good example of this is the no-link rear suspension that was brought to us from Roll Design and Custom Axis. This setup worked well and was very successful, not because of the no-link setup, but rather the fact that it was one of the best setup rear ends in its day. With notable input from Mike Hallock , Bill Balance and others, this setup was designed with better attention to detail such as the correct amount of up travel, the correct amount of down travel, and a better combination of springing and valve setup. Anytime this attention to detail is given to something and it is tested and developed to this extent, it will inherently be successful, and remain an industry standard until someone steps up with a better concept and applies it with the same attention to detail and develops it to a higher level. A better concept alone will not succeed without the proper development.

A good example of this is the stock rear suspension on the YFZ450. While the rear linkage is derived from the very successful linkage setups on 2 wheelers, it does not meet everyone’s needs. If you ran a tall tire like used in XC racing and tried to lower your bike, you then spent to much time in the extreme up travel part of the suspension where the progression rate was very high. This gave the quad a feeling of kicking and bucking, while never actually bottoming at the shock. Elka manufactured a link for this that lowered the progression rate. In the near future there will be many companies offering linkages to help setup quad suspension correctly.

Why would we want a progressive rate rear linkage setup when the no link rear setup worked so well?? Take a look at the 2 wheel side of this sport. The Big 4 vs. KTM. For some reason KTM has chosen to stick to a no-link setup and has had to build a more exotic shock setup to compensate for the lack of progression. What does a progressive linkage give us?? It allows us to have a plusher ride in the main part of the travel while still giving us very good bottoming resistance in extreme conditions. How does it do this?? The shock actually moves faster for the same amount of wheel travel as the rear wheels get close to their maximum up travel. This extra shaft speed acts to give the same effect as if we stiffened the valving just before we bottom out the quad. What KTM did to compensate is install a moving internal shaft that actually does stiffen the valving when close to bottoming, and they install a progressive rear spring. Why would someone not want progressive rear linkage?? If the progression rate is to steep – it can be as bad or worse than having no progression at all. If all you ever hit is 2-foot whoops, a no-link suspension could be dialed in to work very well for that but would bottom out badly on a 40-foot flat lander. Or a no-link could be dialed in for 40-foot flat landers but would then be very stiff in the whoops. With progressive linkage suspension that is setup correctly, it is possible to tune the rear suspension for a much larger range of conditions. With a no link rear suspension – it is very easy to add some progressive resistance with a variable rear spring setup. However we still have out hands tied as valving goes with currant ATV rear shock technology.

Progressive rear linkage suspension in not automatically better then no link, but has the potential to be better if the linkage is designed correctly for its use and the shock is dialed in for it.

If you are spending your hard earned money, don’t buy a new linkage just because it is better, but rather buy the correct linkage for your needs. Be sure to get the progressive rate linkage that meets your needs.

[tyler3400]

i race harescrambles and some GNCC's would the 450r fronts work on my 400ex? plan to have stock a-arms, i dont really have thwe moeny to have them sent out and revalved/ resprung for a few months. would this ride be to harsh and tierd me out quicker?

[DF400ex]

They will still be better than the pogo stick fronts that come on a 400ex, lol. I haven' had mine re-sprung yet, but the ride is still a lot better than before.

[miles Machine]

so the 450R shocks hook up perfect in to the A-arms, so if i bought 400EX shocks for my 450R besides the fact they might need to be revalved they would work for my R.

by the way does ne one know the lengths of a
standard and long travel 450R shock
&
standard and long travel EX shock

Thanx for the help:D

[DF400ex]

my only question would be why would you want to put 400ex shocks on a 450r. The 450r shocks are way better.

[miles Machine]

no after market this gives me a wider range to select front used after market shock, my budget is kinda low so im looking fo some cheaper good shocks.

[quad71]

Thats one of the best looking 400exs period. the walsh arms are they +forward. those stock bars must be tuff all the mods and didnt change them. what is price for walsh arms and how long did it take to get them. thanks 99 440ex new in 98 raced all these years and runs great. Vince Hewitt jr

[Convert]

I've noticed while reading this, some people have started the Yfz shock mod and changed thier minds. Going to the R shock why?
I'm leaning towards the Yfz, is there something get I should be aware of? Has anyone run the Yfz setup and what were your thoughts?
thanks Convert

[prnstr4life]

Will my 400ex ride better with all 450r shocks or just front? i found a deal for all 3.

[AbnMP13]

The rear is bout the same as the stock 400 shock but if it's part of a package you might as well buy it too.

[DF400ex]

either way the fronts are going to make it ride alot better. I would send all three off to GT Thunder to be revalved for your weight and riding style at a minimum. If you have the money, have them resprung while they are there. 450r fronts are night and day difference on a 400ex, but revalved and resprung are so much better. I thought they were great when I first put them on, but a friend had them all redone by GT Thunder and let me ride it, mine were off and on their way to GT Thunder with in 2 days.

But if all you do is put around on trails or in your back yard the 450's just revalved should be fine.

[400exMO]

The 400ex rear shock is better for the 400 that the 450R shock. The R shock is a different length and has no benefit over the ex. Waste of money IMO.

[DF400ex]

Originally posted by 400exMO
The 400ex rear shock is better for the 400 that the 450R shock. The R shock is a different length and has no benefit over the ex. Waste of money IMO.

yup. deff a waste of money. but if the price is right then you can always sell the rear on ebay.

[Mechanixx]

Just put a set of 05 450R front shocks on my 05 400ex wow how easy. Just knocked those nuts holding the plastics on went to home depot 2 bucks for new bolts (stanless) put the shocks on and away I go lol.I can tell a differnce just jumping the speed bumps up the road.Just a comment on this thread as far as revalving and resprining these Im sure it help but remeber why this was done in the first place a CHEAP upgrade to your bike when these shocks I put on need rebuilt I will spend the money to have it done but till then its a CHEAP upgrade.Anyways Ill try them out on the trails this weekend.P.S thanks to HONDA5 for selling me the shocks.
Oh and as far as raising the front of the bike up my ride hieght was 13 3/4 with stockers 450r 13 7/8.

[Def-e-nition]

Originally posted by DF400ex
either way the fronts are going to make it ride alot better. I would send all three off to GT Thunder to be revalved for your weight and riding style at a minimum. If you have the money, have them resprung while they are there. 450r fronts are night and day difference on a 400ex, but revalved and resprung are so much better. I thought they were great when I first put them on, but a friend had them all redone by GT Thunder and let me ride it, mine were off and on their way to GT Thunder with in 2 days.

But if all you do is put around on trails or in your back yard the 450's just revalved should be fine.

Hey Bud - could you perhaps point me in the right direction to Gt Thunder ?

I'm In South Africa , too far away for me to send my shocks to them , but Im planning on having them re-sprung this side .

What I'd like to find out from Gt thuinder is maybe a few pointers in the right direction toward spring rates etc .

Im leaving the valves as is , but as for the springs - well - they are Just too hard for Enduro style races . Table tops these things handle them With Ease , but i find myself having to Let go of the Bars on rough terrain , thats how bad they bounce on the rough stuff . unpleasant .

[07250ex]

if R shocks are better why does everbody say 450's are horrible trail bikes also my 250ex shocks very rarely bottom out *directed to first post*

[DF400ex]

Originally posted by Def-e-nition
Hey Bud - could you perhaps point me in the right direction to Gt Thunder ?

I'm In South Africa , too far away for me to send my shocks to them , but Im planning on having them re-sprung this side .

What I'd like to find out from Gt thuinder is maybe a few pointers in the right direction toward spring rates etc .

Im leaving the valves as is , but as for the springs - well - they are Just too hard for Enduro style races . Table tops these things handle them With Ease , but i find myself having to Let go of the Bars on rough terrain , thats how bad they bounce on the rough stuff . unpleasant .

www.gtthunder.com

If it is rough in the bumps just get a steering stabilizer. That will help alot. you really should have them revalved to your weight and riding style. It will let the springs work the way they are supposed to.

[TunedPerforman]

I jut got a set of 450r shocks for my 400. The last guy monkeyed aroungd with the preload. How do I set these up do I need the jam nuts backed all the way off and run it that way? Thanks

[DF400ex]

I'm 200 lbs so when I plan on hitting alot of big jumps I move them to about half way so I don't bottom out. I leave them all the way domn when I'm just messing around on trails or woods and small jumps. It all depends on how you ride.

Getting them resprung and revalved will help a lot and make them perform the way they should.

[TunedPerforman]

Thanks , I do alot of trail riding and im about 150. I think I will try to have them backed off and adjst them from there until I can afford to have them resprung and valved.

[1965 honda]

400ex front shocks stink. rear one is good. i went with works triple rate with rezzys, i have stronger ones they are rated for 200lbs and up. they work great all the time big improvment.

[iwannaride202]

I am doing the exact opposite of everyone else simply b/cuz i dont have the money to have my 450r shocks revalved.........basically i bought my 400ex with 450r shocks..........they are way to stiff for me though because all i ride is woods.........i have never been on an mx track so stock shocks feel much better because they are not near as stiff and i only way 150 lbs.........so i dont have to worry about bottoming out shocks because i dont ride mx..........

[AbnMP13]

Originally posted by TunedPerforman
I jut got a set of 450r shocks for my 400. The last guy monkeyed aroungd with the preload. How do I set these up do I need the jam nuts backed all the way off and run it that way? Thanks

The jam nuts adjust the ride height, adjust the screws at the top and bottom for compression and rebound to half way. Turn them all the way in or out, count the clicks to the other direction and then back off half. That's a good starting point.

[Sparky_20]

can someone post a picture of what a button head bolt is plz. I just got my 450r shocks and i need to get those bolts for the fender brackets

[AbnMP13]

Button head bolt aka carriage bolt.

[Ruby Soho]

this is the kind of bolt you need.

http://www.fastener-warehouse.com/images/Carriage_Bolt_SS.gif

I'm going to get some 450 shocks this weekend hopefully. can't wait:D

[Def-e-nition]

Originally posted by iwannaride202
I am doing the exact opposite of everyone else simply b/cuz i dont have the money to have my 450r shocks revalved.........basically i bought my 400ex with 450r shocks..........they are way to stiff for me though because all i ride is woods.........i have never been on an mx track so stock shocks feel much better because they are not near as stiff and i only way 150 lbs.........so i dont have to worry about bottoming out shocks because i dont ride mx..........

Very True . I have also found the 450 Shocks to be Too stiff for Normal Riding , jumping from the stockers to these makes ones hands So tired in a short while I virtually had to back off and let go of the Bars Completely in an enduro .
I have now decided to take somebodies advice on the net , and have em re-sprung , using a guy who does custom winds on the springs . The results I will know next week. But i cannot wait . i had the misfortune of having my stockers stolen .bummer

[F-16Guy]

Originally posted by Def-e-nition
Very True . I have also found the 450 Shocks to be Too stiff for Normal Riding , jumping from the stockers to these makes ones hands So tired in a short while I virtually had to back off and let go of the Bars Completely in an enduro .
I have now decided to take somebodies advice on the net , and have em re-sprung , using a guy who does custom winds on the springs . The results I will know next week. But i cannot wait . i had the misfortune of having my stockers stolen .bummer
You're probably right about the stiffness. I'm about 205 lbs. and I'm using mine with +2 a-arms. It might not be perfect, but it feels just about right to me. I think that, unless you're a really heavy person, the 450R shocks in stock form would work a little better with +2 a-arms.
As far as fitment goes, I trimmed a little metal from the back side of each top mount (frame), and used button head Phillips screws with locking nuts.

[Def-e-nition]

+ 2 , hmm, ishocks Woulda Been Perfect , were it Not for their Friggin Price this side ...
I had em Re-worked . Pappy got me started on the whole damn thing , and it turned out costing me double what I started on budget ...

New Nitrogen gas , re-worked dual Rate springs , frsh powder-coating , man , I went the whole nine yards , from what started out being just to help me get along better with "stock" shocks ... Ahh well.
see , in the States, Im figuring that guys to re-work shocks like some of th ecompanies mentioned on this site , are a dime a Dozen . round HERE , we just don't have em . There must be a grand total of TWO , for sure , that I know of , Including the one who re-worked mine , that can actually tell you " well- your stock springs need 27kg per 10mm to move , with a toatl travel of 50 mm" etc etc .

so . what I did : got him to lower the 27 kg , to around 19kg , witht he spring wound stiffer near the top . I have not gotten them yet , so hold thumbs . Looks like I get em Friday , Fit em , and saturday it's b@lls to the Wall at the Enduro ...how thrilling .
3hours on a bike on saturday , No practise cuz the bikes been standing waiting for einstein to finish the shocks
. crikey .

[Def-e-nition]

Update :
Holy Crap .
Get a set of 450 shocks re-wound . I am impressed . The stock springs are simply too stiff for general Ridign on a 400. The New stuff I've had installed is simply Magic. Pappy and all the rest were right .
This modification starts , and ends , with the stock springs being removed , and completely new , softer-rate springs installed .

As with any modification :one only learns what someone else is raving about on their machine , and this one in particular , is NO different .

[ride-to-live]

Nice tutorial.. its good to know how to do that if you are tight on money and what some better shocks for cheap.

[Def-e-nition]

4 months Lay-off , and I finished 2nd. I'm Satisfied enough .
The terrain was nothing short of the Moon . My hands have Blisters upon blisters . But if the shocks weren't there- much worse . They bottom out on the super-stron stuff , but I'm fine with that . One has Nothing to be gained , by having too stiff suspension. suspension is supposed to be there to Soak UP the hard stuff.And Do that it did .




:)

[gcart2]

im 175 with full gear on lsr +2's and my pogos are hurtin me. will the 450r shocks help me? stiff is ok... n e thing is better than bottoming out at the top of 4th.
will they help me?

[Def-e-nition]

Very much so mr 175 pounder sir .

I found them a little stiff , but I can almsot guarantee you they will not bottom out on the top of the 4th .
The difference is major , and once you get em your butt will itch to rebuild em . But stock , they 'll help you a lot .

Guaranteed .

[gcart2]

tyvm

[yamihoo]

Did the button head screws, works great! Nice improvement!
http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t221/jmz_photos/ShockNut2.jpg
http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t221/jmz_photos/ShockNut3.jpg

[Napalm Nate]

I installed 450r shocks on my 400ex and love them no more bottoming out. My question is now my front tires are wearing funny, anybody know how to fix this.

[Honda6sv]

i got a set that have been modded for sale! 250 and YOU pay shipping. Just a set of nice 450r shox. Perfect shape.

<a href="http://photobucket.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j253/hondasv/1469734470_l.jpg" border="0" alt="Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket"></a>

[liljhall09]

so will a rear 450r shock fit on a 400ex ???

[glamiskid395]

im sure this has probably been asked and answered somewhere in this thread but i do not want to read through 16 pages to find it.

i noticed that someone put yfz450 shocks on a 400ex instead of the 450r front shocks.

i can get a set of these shocks for free from a friend, but when i tried them the upper eye was to wide to fit in the shock mounting location on the 400ex.

what is the solution to this?
do i have to grind down the eye of the yfz shock?

thanks

[Def-e-nition]

Originally posted by glamiskid395
i noticed that someone put yfz450 shocks on a 400ex instead of the 450r front shocks.

i can get a set of these shocks for free from a friend, but when i tried them the upper eye was to wide to fit in the shock mounting location on the 400ex.

what is the solution to this?
do i have to grind down the eye of the yfz shock?

[/B]
Yip. Probably make it thinner . But it'll work , sure enough .
And the shocks are shorter , but their plushness is amazing .

[Ruby Soho]

how come some of you dont use the flat head style screw bolt. it would probly give even more clearance?

[gcart2]

cuz they dont want to knock off the nut that is welded on.

[250exkid]

my question is if i by them and leave them in stock form with it eventually ruine my fron a arms or anything? and all i do is occasionlly jump here and there and have bumpy woods trails would the 450r shocks in stock form br good or no?

[honda_runner]

what about 450r rear shock? will it fit on my 400ex?

[400exMO]

Originally posted by honda_runner
what about 450r rear shock? will it fit on my 400ex? it'll fit, but it will ride worse than a stock 400ex rear shock

[honda_runner]

Originally posted by 400exMO
it'll fit, but it will ride worse than a stock 400ex rear shock

REALLY? I can get one for 75, and i was wondering if it was worth it.

[400exMO]

Originally posted by honda_runner
REALLY? I can get one for 75, and i was wondering if it was worth it. No it wont. Save the 75 and put it towards getting the stock shock rebuilt.

[honda_runner]

Originally posted by 400exMO
No it wont. Save the 75 and put it towards getting the stock shock rebuilt.

thanx man, i'll do that!

[gcart2]

Originally posted by 250exkid
my question is if i by them and leave them in stock form with it eventually ruine my fron a arms or anything? and all i do is occasionlly jump here and there and have bumpy woods trails would the 450r shocks in stock form br good or no?

no its not gonna break anything. however i wouldnt suggest it unless you like firm suspension orr plan on having them revalved. however if you were doing mx or a lot of jumpi9ng then id say thumbs up.. hope this helps.

[Gatekeeper]

Originally posted by gcart2
no its not gonna break anything. however i wouldnt suggest it unless you like firm suspension orr plan on having them revalved. however if you were doing mx or a lot of jumpi9ng then id say thumbs up.. hope this helps.

just curious- I weigh 270- Do most my riding in woods/powerlines/logging roads. Do you all think they would be too stiff for me? New into sport atv's- like going fast- haven't got the stones for any jumping....yet :D

[boosted3g]

I got my set on today from an 05. I didnt run them stock i put on a set of triple rate springs from works to eliminate the height problems. It actually sits a little lower than the stock 400 shocks on the lowest preload setting. With the compression and rebound both on their softest setting it is night and day. They are firm but not too firm. Our buddy owns 1000 acres and we have a track set up and on some of the long sweeping turns i would tend to have an oversteer problem that i couldnt get rid of until now. Jumping is much better, i dont air it out but you can tell a difference for the better. To me they take a bump and recover smoother and faster while with the stock 400 shocks i would rebound hard and was left with a loose feel. Total spent was 515 for the new 05 shocks and the Works zero preload spring set.

I ride mostly all trails from going slow to 55-60MPH over the whoops. I love to do jumping when I find some. Will the 450r shocks be worse on the whoops than stock because they are stiffer or even so will they be better? I hate when my front end dips on the whoops and the stock pogo stick make it feel like you hit a huge log. I have read this whole thread and see almost all good on the shocks but for trail riding will they be to stiff without a revalve? I weigh only 145lbs

[yamihoo]

If your 145 they probaby will be a little stiff for you. I'm 200lbs and I have the springs all the way down and they are a little stiff for me, but I like how they handle so much better with the dampening, just a much better shock its a no brainer. I ride pretty aggressive on the trail and the harder you ride them the better they perform. BUt I plan to get custom springs soon. Dual or triple rate springs would really ultimate with these shock.

so do you think it will be worth getting them without a revalve for the time being or no? i know with a revalve and new springs they will be way better than stock but stock for stock will i be better off with 450r? the picture i'm posting is proof stock shocks suck lol

[Hondamaster5505]

By the time you buy the 450r shocks and revalve/spring them, wouldnt it be just as cheap or cheaper to buy nice used or new aftermarket shocks??

[flauge]

All of yall that knocked off the nut off the frame instead of grinding the shock-eye...... how hard was it to knock off? Did you have to beat on it with a sledge or just give it a few taps with a tack hammer?lol..
I just wanna know what to expect..:ermm:

[DF400ex]

Originally posted by flauge
All of yall that knocked off the nut off the frame instead of grinding the shock-eye...... how hard was it to knock off? Did you have to beat on it with a sledge or just give it a few taps with a tack hammer?lol..
I just wanna know what to expect..:ermm:

It was pretty easy. All it took was a metal punch and a tap with a hammer. Way easier than grinding your shock.

[400exMO]

Originally posted by Hondamaster5505
By the time you buy the 450r shocks and revalve/spring them, wouldnt it be just as cheap or cheaper to buy nice used or new aftermarket shocks??
Yes it would. To buy the R shocks and get all three of your shocks rebuilt and resprung would cost around 900.
You can find a set of nice used shocks get them revalved, and get your rear shock resprung and valved for around 900 as well.
If you plan on getting R shocks redone later I would just save the money and get used aftermarket shocks.

[Ruby Soho]

i plan on getting them, so my quad can take larger jumps on the track. i way 145, maybe alittle stiff but its gonna be alot better than bottoming out the stockers on 60ft jumps

Originally posted by Ruby Soho
i plan on getting them, so my quad can take larger jumps on the track. i way 145, maybe alittle stiff but its gonna be alot better than bottoming out the stockers on 60ft jumps

I weigh the exact same and I nkow they will be much better on harder landing and big things but for me riding mostly all trails with tons of whoops idk if those shocks would be a downgrade on the little stuff.

[Ruby Soho]

Originally posted by FoxHondaRider
I weigh the exact same and I nkow they will be much better on harder landing and big things but for me riding mostly all trails with tons of whoops idk if those shocks would be a downgrade on the little stuff.

thats why im getting them cause i want to be able to handle larger jumps ill eventually get them revalved

a huge majority of the jumps I do dont have a landing ramp at all. The rear is ehh and the front is alright but its not a plush landing its more of a jar when you land. For smaller whoops and jumps stock shocks work pretty good but once you start to ride agressive their ture suckfest come out. I have riden 450's and their suspension is amazing over a 400ex and they ride so smooth. I want a ride like that without the huge price tag. Anyone have 450r shocks that are not revalved and rides trails? Tell me how they are

[flauge]

Aww yea. I just bought me a pair off ebay! I dont think Im gonna even put them on my bike yet. I'll probably just send them back out to gtthunder to let them do what they want to with them. :D

[glamiskid395]

i just got some 450r shocks for free from a buddy because it couldnt see selling them on ebay for $200, so he gave 'em to me.

i put them on, grinded the frame a little and knocked off that nut, they bolt up easily and raise the bike a little too.

they are not as smooth as stock even with the compression set at softest and preload all the way out. but they are smooth landing.

i also jump without a landing, jump off a razor back and land flat on the top of the dune. i was able to bottom out even with the 450r shocks set at hardest compression.

i have a question though....how much is it for gt thunder ot TCS to revalve them for my wieght?
and where is the link or post where it shows how to use compression and rebound adjustments??

thanks

[flauge]

Originally posted by glamiskid395
i just got some 450r shocks for free from a buddy because it couldnt see selling them on ebay for $200, so he gave 'em to me.

i put them on, grinded the frame a little and knocked off that nut, they bolt up easily and raise the bike a little too.

they are not as smooth as stock even with the compression set at softest and preload all the way out. but they are smooth landing.

i also jump without a landing, jump off a razor back and land flat on the top of the dune. i was able to bottom out even with the 450r shocks set at hardest compression.

i have a question though....how much is it for gt thunder ot TCS to revalve them for my wieght?
and where is the link or post where it shows how to use compression and rebound adjustments??

thanks
399 at GTT. Should be about the same everywhere else too.

[glamiskid395]

Originally posted by flauge
399 at GTT. Should be about the same everywhere else too.

wow thats a little steep for me:eek2:

[flauge]

Not really when you think about what you're getting..
Revalve, re-spring with double or maybe triple rate springs, depending on where you get it done at. And they modify the body to shorten the compressed length..
After all that you'll have a shock thats up to par with a lot of the aftermarkets, or so I've heard... I'll tell you how they ride sometime this week when they come in.:devil:

[honda_runner]

Originally posted by Honda6sv
i got a set that have been modded for sale! 250 and YOU pay shipping. Just a set of nice 450r shox. Perfect shape.

<a href="http://photobucket.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j253/hondasv/1469734470_l.jpg" border="0" alt="Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket"></a>

where can i get the graphics that u have?? i like em

[440challenger]

looks like ONE industries. Nice quad!

[BluBeaSSt]

Oh hell yea! I was wondering about this!

[flauge]

Uhh Oh!!! I just got my 450 fronts back from GTT!! As soon as I beat that dam nut off the frame I'll put em on and let yall know how they ride..:devil:

this anticipation for the ride review is killin me haha come on man get them bolts off faster

[flauge]

Sorry to keep ya waiting. haha. Well I got the nuts off, that was easy. But I found out that the shock eye was still hitting the frame. So I had to bust out the dremel for a few minutes.
Then I found out that I didnt have any carrage bolts so I called it a day.
I'll tell you man, it took a lot of willpower to keep me from riding out with no front plastic.lol
:o

my friend rode his 400ex for a bout a month with nothing on the front all you saw was the gas tank then rear fenders and a seat it was hilarious.

[flauge]

I just got back from riding and all I got to say about it is DAM!:D
The shocks are very plush and did great at everything I threw at it. Small bumps are barely noticeable, but just enough to let you know theyre there. I also did a few small jumps and they feel real smooth on landings.
Handling is alot better too, its turns like its on rails and doesnt lean nearly as much as it used to.

I cant wait till March so I can test them in an XC race.:devil:

Originally posted by flauge
I just got back from riding and all I got to say about it is DAM!:D
The shocks are very plush and did great at everything I threw at it. Small bumps are barely noticeable, but just enough to let you know theyre there. I also did a few small jumps and they feel real smooth on landings.
Handling is alot better too, its turns like its on rails and doesnt lean nearly as much as it used to.

I cant wait till March so I can test them in an XC race.:devil:

Are you on stock a-arms or what?

[flauge]

Yea Im still on the stockers.

I'm hoping to get some 450r fronts. Thats deffinately my next mod and then the revalve/respring when i get some cash.

[flauge]

Do it man, you'll be glad you got em.
I was thinking about getting just aftermaket fronts before but im kinda glad I didnt now. For that price I got a good front and rear setup and I still have a lil money leftover. :cool:
Some say aftermarket might be better, but for the price and the way I ride revalves are perfect for me.:)

[400exMO]

Originally posted by flauge
Do it man, you'll be glad you got em.
I was thinking about getting just aftermaket fronts before but im kinda glad I didnt now. For that price I got a good front and rear setup and I still have a lil money leftover. :cool:
Some say aftermarket might be better, but for the price and the way I ride revalves are perfect for me.:)
I'm trying to understand your reasoning. 200$ for the R shocks, 700 to respring and revalve all three shocks equals 900$ dollars.
Used aftermarket shocks 400$ realve those 100$, rear shock resprung and valved 300$ which equals 800$.

Originally posted by 400exMO
I'm trying to understand your reasoning. 200$ for the R shocks, 700 to respring and revalve all three shocks equals 900$ dollars.
Used aftermarket shocks 400$ realve those 100$, rear shock resprung and valved 300$ which equals 800$.

its only $100 to revalve aftermarket? a bet a good $100 is the springs though.