450r/400ex shock question

[ukweasel]

Hey guys, I found a guy locally that is selling the front shocks off a 450r for $100, and the rear shock for $75. After reading around on these forums I noticed a lot of people saying that the front shock conversion is almost a must, so I was wondering if that was a good price, and I was wondering if it was worth buying the rear shock for that price, or if it would just be a waste of time and money. Can anyone also provide some guidance on how to adjust them for me? I am about 220lbs and mostly ride trails, but am not afraid to hit a big jump from time to time. I am absolutely clueless when it comes to setting up suspension so any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

[ukweasel]

Correction, my holding out on buying has induced the seller to offer me all 3 shocks for $125.

[siggy konowaluk]

yeah the front stock shocks are not good at all. i have herd they are referd to as "pogo sticks" thats how bad they are. and the stock rear shocks arnt bad, there actuall half decent. i would take it just to have it and get the front shocks as well. good luck!

[flyboy1294]

If you could get only the front shocks for $125, let alone $100, you'd be getting a steal. They sell on eBay for $225+

If I were you I would jump on that deal pretty quickly, assuming the shocks weren't damaged.

[ukweasel]

ok so concensus is get the fronts for sure, but does anyone have any commentary on whether it is worth the hassle and $25 bucks to replace the stock ex rear shock with the r's shock?

[flyboy1294]

Originally posted by ukweasel
ok so concensus is get the fronts for sure, but does anyone have any commentary on whether it is worth the hassle and $25 bucks to replace the stock ex rear shock with the r's shock?

I've always been told that the stock R shock is no improvement over the stock 400ex one. But $25 is pretty cheap, so I don't know what to tell ya... maybe someone else can chime in.

[mineralgrey01gt]

my rear shock on mine must have been bad because i put a 450r rear shock on and it did make a difference. I also wanted to lower my ride height a little in the rear so i used 450r frame to shock linkage and 400ex shock to swinger linkage, made a nice difference but not too drastic

[bkelley]

Wouldn't you need the 450r linkage to use the rear 450r shock?

[mineralgrey01gt]

all i used is the 450r linkage from the frame to the shock

[bkelley]

So, yes.

[KISSmyACE]

I say go for it, for sure. I got my 450 fronts for 125 shipped, which was a steal in itself. The rear can't hurt, and you'll be very happy if it improves the rear as much as the fronts improve. Just play with your preload, rebound, and compression to get it to where you like it and you'll be all set!

[mineralgrey01gt]

Originally posted by bkelley
So, yes.

im actually not sure. I wanted to lower the rear of my bike some so i used all the longer linkages from both setups.

[racer 557]

i might be able to help you with the front set up on the shocks

what year are they there off if there off of a 04 to 05 i heard they are stiffer but i think there good since the 400 is a little more weight

[ukweasel]

I have no clue what year they are. They came off of another 400ex that a guy was using as a parts bike. I actually just picked them up a few minutes ago, all 3 for $125. They seem to be in good condition, only a little bit of rust. The guy said he didn't have any problems mounting the 450r rear shock to his ex's linkage.

I am about 220lbs, and I mostly just ride trails and woods. I will hit an occasional jump that bottoms the front out. Any suggestions on how to set them up would be greatly appreciated. I am a total dummy when it comes to setting up suspension.

[racer 557]

what i did when i had my ex we set the preload about 1-2 rings of top and i think the 2 adjustments top and bottem were approx 2 turns out i believe from the softest setting

how ever i had it set up it was smoother than my works triple rates haha

ps im about 150 so you could just go a little more in on the compression i believe (the top one i think)