adjusting stock 400ex suspension front

[andrew emmons]

how do i adjust my stock front susupension on my 400ex

[02440exkid]

turn the adjuster on top of the spring

[400eXr1d3rZ]

Originally posted by 02440exkid
turn the adjuster on top of the spring


there is no adjuster on the top of the spring.

its a preload only adjust, look at the bottom of the shock, there is a little thing and it has 5 settings, you turn it to the lowest setting you may notice a change, mine are on the lowest setting.

[04TRX400EX]

Here is a helpful hint on how to adjust the preload collar on the bottom of the stock shocks: have someone pull up on the front bumper or put a jack under the front part of the frame and lift up the front end. This takes all the stress off the springs and makes it a lot easier to turn. Just use a large set of pliers or vise grips. You can usually even do it with your hands if you are going down on settings, not up though.

[f4iracer]

where would you guys recommend having the stock shock setup at what setting? I am a 180lb rider and i ride lots of trails.

where it feels the best for you...

[f4iracer]

Ok, let me clarify.

I'm still rather new to quads. What does "feel good to you" mean? To me they feel awfully squishy. I think i could use a bit more stiffness personally.

That's why i'm here asking you folks. Any advice on where you guys keep your stock 400ex front shocks at? Should i go all the way down? All the way up? In the middle?

I use a pipe wrench to turn them. Stand the quad up on the back bar so you can reach underneath easier and what not.

where it feels good to you means just that...i like mine stiff, my friend likes his softer...so i would make mine stiffer and he would make his softer...we all keep them to our liking or what feels good to us...there is no correct one answer for this...you'll need to trial and error it until you find what works best for you...

[f4iracer]

bump....

on what setting do most of you keep your front shocks at? like what notch from the lowest?

[rooster300ex]

Put it on the stiffiest setting and if its to stiff adjust it down one notch etc. When I tune my shocks in I ride it and go back to camp or wherever and adjust from there alil at a time until I feels right to me.

[f4iracer]

which would be the stiffest setting? i just noticed that when i push my shocks down they are like pogo sticks compared to the 450 shocks which barely compress when i push on them. Also, other 400ex's i ride with keep theirs alot stiffer too

[f4iracer]

I just wanted to update this for anybody else who might care to know.

You turn the bottom of the shocks to the right if you want to tighten them, and to the left if you want to loosen them.


This is what i was looking for originally with this thread.

Also a good setting for trail riding on these shocks is 1 notch down from the tightest setting.

These things are bouncy when they are soft.

[coryatver]

there pretty much pogo sticks no matter what setting you put them on lol

[rmcfadden68]

really all the opinions, crazy. u need no jack or a buddy just find a big pair of channel locks squeeze and turn. i leave mine as tight as it will get for a more sporty ride if u want soft go down one but as u go down u will feel more front end droop while hard cornering. and can wheelie easier when tight. adjust ride,adjust ride adjust ride, ull c. i also use channel locks to tighten chain makes lot easier

[f4iracer]

channel locks to tighen the chain? All you gotta do is loosen the 4 allen bolts on the axel and then you can either use a soft punch or just a soft hammer, turn it backwards and it'll tighten.