03 TRX400 Front Suspension Mods Question???

[Woody003]

I'm looking to upgrade my front suspension on my TRX400EX and was wondering if the TRX450 shocks will fit on the 400? If not the 450 swap anyone know of another cheap but safe way to makin this mod happen? Its gotta be possible some how!? Did something similar to my trx300! Was gonna just add spacers to the front to make it a bit more stable!? Thanx!

Woody

[CJM]

Dont use spacers, if they fail you willbe sorry.

As for 450r shocks, yes they fit. You have to slightly shave the upper frame mount and knock off the nut for the plastics and use a carriage bolt. Some suggest grinding the shock itself, dont do that please!

[Woody003]

Even for just trail ridin? Huh?! As for the shocks...good to know they'll fit! Now I'll place an ad to buy a set! Regarding the shaving of the upper mount...I did something similar to the mod on my 300 and simply shaved the upper bushing and worked like a champ! Didn't lose any of its integrity at all! Thanx for the input though!

[CJM]

On the 450r shocks you gotta cut off a good half inch of the shock housing.

All ya gotta do on the EX is knock the welded on nut off on the frame and replace with a carriage bolt, cheaper and much easier imho.

As for spacers, some say they are fine-others say run away. If they were so good then the pros would use them and thats my opinion. Just like 4x4 trucks and cars, I dont condone the use of spacers either. Mostly is they are dangerous if they fail and they put to much stress on the balljoints.

[kt1148]

I just put some 08 450r shocks on my 07 400ex. I didn't have to shave or trim anything, just bang that nut off and use a carriage bolt with locknut. They fit just fine!:D

[CJM]

Originally posted by kt1148
I just put some 08 450r shocks on my 07 400ex. I didn't have to shave or trim anything, just bang that nut off and use a carriage bolt with locknut. They fit just fine!:D

Unless they changed the top mounts on the frame in order to get them not to rub you gotta trim about 1/8 off the inside of the mount.

I did my buddys 05 and my 200 and we had to cut the frame.

[87HONDATRX250X]

I made a video of me doing a yfz 450 shock mod. They arnt as stiff as the 450r. I havnt had a problem with them and like them a lot. Here is a link (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UvP6QpYf3mA)

[2001400exrida]

i would much rather shave the shock than the frame. if all it takes is to knock off that nut then i'll be doing that first!

spacers are fine for the trails. pro's don't use them because they don't ride traisl they race and take jumps.

[CJM]

Your cutting such a minute amount off the frame for the 450R honda shocks its not even funny. Ive jumped mine plenty and Im fat and no issues.

[87HONDATRX250X]

mine have held up awesome! The yfz are a little shorter then the 450r and lowers it a bit. Might not be the best for trails but, it does give it a wider feeling. The amount you grind off is nothing compared to the tapped on bearing on the 400ex shocks.

[evan402]

awesome video on the yfz450 shocks. has anyone tried the kfx450 shocks, i have a buddy about three hours away that has some laying around he would sell me or should i just do the yfz or 450r shocks.

[pmg8134]

"Ive jumped mine plenty and Im fat and no issues." ......priceless

[CJM]

Originally posted by pmg8134
"Ive jumped mine plenty and Im fat and no issues." ......priceless

Well 200lbs is kinda fat I spose when most riders for MX are 150-170 or so. I also dont do anything insane either when I jump. Main thing that kills the frames of these is the stock shocks (for the time they were ok) stink nowadays and people ride them like full on MX machines with no regard to a proper suspension.

Bottom line is your not cutting the integrity of the frame at all the way I mount the honda 450r shocks. The steel frame is much stronger than the aluminum shock ends anyways.

[2001400exrida]

Originally posted by CJM
Your cutting such a minute amount off the frame for the 450R honda shocks its not even funny. Ive jumped mine plenty and Im fat and no issues.

if you're cutting a minute amount off the frame then wouldn't you be cutting a minute amount off of the shock as well? Might as well keep the frame savvy and just shave the shock.

[CJM]

No, the shock must be trimmed a good 1/4 to 1/2 an inch off the top of the shock to clear the nut your knocking off. You gotta trim the frame regardless or FORCE the shock in there.

Here is a picture where I circled what you gotta remove with a die grinder or similar. Notice the nut is still welded to the frame as well. Ive done 3 different atvs and each one of them I trimmed where i circled to make the shock fit. Im not sure how people are getting them to fit unless shaving the shock eye works somehow.


Why is this so complicated? A. Trim frame slightly to fit shock and knock welded on nut off or B. Cut LARGE piece off shock in order to fit. Not to mention NO ONE besides a person looking to mount them to a 400EX will want those shocks.

[87HONDATRX250X]

i just trimmed off i think it was a 1/4" off each side of the shock then trimmed the top just enough so it would fit in. Doesn't look like it would weaken the shock at all. Just try not to do a hack job and our golden. Lots of people have modded there shocks and haven't had problems as far as i know.

[CJM]

^ I personally just dont believe in it.

[2001400exrida]

Originally posted by CJM
^ I personally just dont believe in it.

well that's pretty obvious. most people dont' wanna shave their frame though if you can understand that in any way haha.

you've done 3 quads like this, good for you i've seen about 5 with shaved shocks. not shaved frames.

[CJM]

Originally posted by 2001400exrida
well that's pretty obvious. most people dont' wanna shave their frame though if you can understand that in any way haha.

you've done 3 quads like this, good for you i've seen about 5 with shaved shocks. not shaved frames.

Whatever works for the people who feel aluminum is stronger than steel.

Hey, what do I know about metallurgy right?? :blah: Just like its ok for oil to come out the head lol? (no offense man but you have far to go young padawan)

[2001400exrida]

when did i say it was ok for oil to come out the head?

[87HONDATRX250X]

from what i learned and gathered is that it yes it will weaken it a bit but its still strong enough to ride and jump with. Not saying go huck a 200ft triple on them. But for the average weekend track and trail rider its a cheap mod. I know i dont know every thing but from my experience doing the mod and riding mx and from friends reviews there hasn't been any real issues with braking.

[CJM]

Originally posted by 2001400exrida
when did i say it was ok for oil to come out the head?

In the other thread.

[2001400exrida]

no sir, i never said it's ok to leak oil from the head.