Front Susp Design 300ex w/400 arms

[frozenh2o]

I'm getting ready to weld in the top shock brackets for my newly installed 400ex a-arms on my 300ex. I've noticed something interesting on the Honda's design on both the 300 and 400: you can draw a straight line thru the lower and upper inner a-arm pivots and the top shock mount. I can't visualize why this would be important.

Anyway, my delimma is whether I should copy the exact shock angle of the 400, or should I put the top shock mount in line with the a-arm pivots like Honda does? If I copy the 400 angle, I could order shocks with valving and spring rates identical to a 400. If I put the shock in line with the pivots, the shock will be at a different angle (more laid down) and require some odd-ball valving and spring rate, so I'd have to give the shock mfg all the measurements, and they'd take their best guess.

Opinions?

[Buzzsaw]

Are you using stock 400 shock or buying new shock from works or etc.

[frozenh2o]

I'm buying Elka's, and I'm going to stick with the 16.25" length of the 400 ex, so I can always sell them later if I want.

[Pappy]

i would think making it the same angle of the 400ex would be the smart choice. anyone say different?

[frozenh2o]

Here's a pic of the top bracket set up for the 400ex shock position. Left side of pic are the 400 arms right side stock 300ex. Arms are both at the same 30 degree angle (Honda's max ball joint angle). Adds 2" of width per side, and about 2 degrees more negitive camber at full droop. Both are good things for a 300ex. Note how the stock shock and a-arm inner mounts line up on the stock side. Still time to make the 400ex side line up the same way.

[Racing Rice]

Did you make that bracket setup or did you purchase them from somewhere?

[frozenh2o]

I'm making the brackets myself. Used 3 x 1 x 0.125 mild steel rectangular tubing, cut down to size.

[Pvt. Maggot]

Hey,
How Much Would You Want For A Kit? Pm Me Or Reply Or Whatever.
Roach

[frozenh2o]

The brackets were more work than I thought they would be so I don't really feel like any more sets. One was enough! There is a guy out there that has a bolt on kit available, tho I haven't seen it. Costs $125, I think. Do a search for 400ex a-arms on 300ex and you'll find it.

Got everything welded in today, also mounted up my Raptor rear shock, just waitin for my Elka's to arrive to try it out.

that looks to be a very trick setup. :cool:

[toby400ex]

how did you get it at the 400 angle, when i made mine, i found it to not be possible because of welds on the frame and other crap in the way, but it still works great and is only a tiny bit stiffer than stock. When i made my mount i set it up so that it sat a tiny bit lower than normal and it works great. Are you using an angly finder.

[Buzzsaw]

I'd like to see the front fender mounts there in the center of your quad when you are done?

[frozenh2o]

The way I set it up was I set the top a-arm angle at 30 degrees at full droop (same as stock 300ex & 400ex) and set the distance between the top shock mounts the same as the 400ex. The distance between the lower a-arm pivots is the same for the 300 & 400, so the shock angle ends up the same as the 400. This method increases the ride height about 3/4", but the self-sagging device on the Elka's will bring that back down to stock.

By the way, toby3003x, did you make up some steering stops? My tie rod ends hit the lower arm at full lock, so I'm dreamin up something right now to prevent that.

[TRX_Thumper]

how do u measure the a arms so they sag at 30 degrees?

[frozenh2o]

Here's the fender bracket buzzsaw300, it snakes in there perfectly.

[frozenh2o]

Oh yea, and here it is done deal.

[Live2Ride300]

Nice man, that looks awesome. Awesome work! How do you like it? Must handle great!

real nice work

[frozenh2o]

Glad you like it Live2ride300. I took it out last weekend and have the following thoughts:

Front end was WAY too stiff. I'm not sure if it's springs or valving. Called Elka, they are shipping me softer springs, no hassle, great service, Quebec to Calif in 3 days, free. Nice guys.

Love the wider stance. Corners much better, doesn't lift the inside rear wheel anymore.

Less bump steer, more stable when hitting bumps.

Front end sits much lower with the ssd Elka's. I'm going to lower the rear end to match, not sure what ride height I should really use for CC/Desert. How low is too low?

Had to make steering stops because the tie rod nuts contact the a-arm at full lock, full droop. Didn't loose too much turning radius, but I could tell instantly that it wasn't turning as tight. Wish I still had the old turning radius.

Need to play with the Raptor rear shock. Without any guidelines at all, it will probably take me a while. Didn't mess with it much cuz the front end was so far off. Even so, much better than stock.

[danney f]

How much wider did the 400ex arms make it and how much wheel travel does it have over stock. I'v been thinking about doing the same with 400ex or 250r arams haven't made up my mind yet. Haven't made up my mind on whitch shocks to use either, don't have the money for aftermarket.

[frozenh2o]

Assuming the Elka rubber bumper compresses 1/2", I measure 9 1/4" of travel. Honda claims 6.7" stock travel, so it increased 2.5". Not too shabby. One inch more droop, 1.5" more bump. The tire misses the front fender by about 1/2" at full bump.

It is about 4" wider than stock (depends on where you set the ride height), front width is now exactly the same as the stock rear.