Shock swap questions (KFX450/TRX450)

[MtnEX]

OK, a lot of you have done shock swaps on your 400EX. So I have some questions.


So to start with, a KFX450R shock swap would make the most sense for me.

I could put aftermarket shocks on my KFX and then put it's stock shocks on the 400EX.

So what is involved in the swap?

Can I swap the rear also (thinking no).

What effect does it have on ride height?

[MisterGraphic]

I had KFX450 shocks on my 400ex and liked them a lot. Great upgrade from stock.

I used with Stock A-arms and a little bit with my +2 a-arms.

Here's the right height with +2s

http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g61/omgvwgolf/2001%20400ex%202011%20Build/400ex_1.jpg

You have to grind the top mount so it's the same thickness as the stock shocks.

Don't know anything about the rear though

[MtnEX]

Thanks for that info.

So pretty much make the grind and the shock is close enough in length that the ride height works out?


As for the rear shock, I am thinking it is a lot longer but don't know for sure.

[ish416]

Here is a pic of my EX with KFX450 front shocks on stock a-arms. Apologies for the amazing picture quality of my phone.

The ride height is very close to stock and the KFX shocks seem much smoother and softer on the EX than the 450. Since I own both I figured I would start with the same settings that I was running on my KFX and it seemed spot on for the EX.

For the swap, all you have to do is mill down the top of the shock. I do not remember how much I took off but it was a lot off the sides.

[evan402]

are you sure you didnt etch-a-sketch for that picture? lol.

I never realized the kawi450 shocks would work on the 400s, i had a friend offer me some a while back but i spent the money and bought the 450r and revalved them. I could have saved some money if i would have known this!

[bkelley]

For the KFXs, you have to take 1/8 inch of each side of the shock eye and a little bit off the frame. With stock arms it dropped the front a little, an inch or two. I really like them paired with +2 arms.

[ish416]

The KFX450 shocks are about an inch wide at the top. I milled 4.5mm off each side or close to 1/8 inch and then used a grinding wheel and took a little bit off the top. I did not have to make any modifications to the frame.

As far as ride height, with the kfx shocks my EX sits 1/8 inch lower than with the stock fronts on the 4th stiffest preload setting. That is with me on the quad (240lbs).