TRX400EX Suspension Mod Question

[Woody003]

Does anyone here know if the A-arms from a TRX450 will bolt up to a TRX400EX frame? I've heard that the front shocks and rear shock can but was wondering about the A-arms as well?! Also, anyone able to confirm that the shocks will work as well? I'm just trying to get better suspension and handleing on a very TIGHT Military disability budget! Any and all help would be appreciated! Thanx!

Woody

[Scro]

The mounting points are different for the 450r arms. A popular mod, however, is installing 450r front shocks. Do a search, or look in the sticky at the top of the page. You'll find alot of good info.

[Woody003]

Figured! Thanx for the reply!

[tri5ron]

here's the link that Scro mentioned above...

http://www.exriders.com/vbb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=187613

and btw,
Thank you for your service in the military.

[Woody003]

Great! Thanx again! Any idea about swappin out the rear as well? Also, serving was what I lived for! My pleasure!!!

[400exmxrider15]

Originally posted by Woody003
Great! Thanx again! Any idea about swappin out the rear as well? Also, serving was what I lived for! My pleasure!!!
Thanks for your service, I believe that an 06+ 450r swingarm is 1 inch longer than a stock 400ex swingarm...if thats what your asking about?

[tri5ron]

you won't gain much by swapping the REAR shock to the 450r.
The REAR shock on the 400ex is actually a fairly decent shock.
It is fully adjustable, (unlike the stock 400ex front shocks), and can be adjusted more to your liking. Some people feel the stock 400ex REAR shock "Bucks" a bit too much for their liking, and have had great sucess with simply changing the link to the GT Thunder XC aftermarket link.

The FRONT 400ex shocks are the junk shocks. we usually refer to them as Pogo-sticks, due to they are non-adjustable other than spring tension.

[Woody003]

Thanx again for the info! Well looks like I'm now in the hunt for a set of 450R front shocks!

[tri5ron]

Woody,
just so you are well informed before you get the 450r Front shocks...

Although they ARE only about a 100,000 % better than the stock 400ex front shocks,....

Many here feel, (myself included), that they are a bit too stiff on the 400ex a-arms.
This is not a great problem though, and is easily compensated for, (and even greatly improves the performance), with a set of aftermarket springs, for the 450r front shocks.

My choice in the aftermarket springs was the Works triple rates, and I am VERY pleased with their performance.

here's a pic of the stock spring on the 450r front shocks,

http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n148/tri5ron/03%20400ex/IMG_8246.jpg



and here's a pic of the Works Triple Rates on the 450r front shocks,

http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n148/tri5ron/03%20400ex/IMG_8839.jpg


Also,
many members here, who have done the spring swap/upgrade, will recommend a revalving of the 450r front shocks.

I personally have not found the revalving to be necessary. That is not to say, that it would not also improve the performance.
I'm confident that it can't hurt,... but I just see it as money that I don't need to spend, due to it is SOooo much better already,
(possibly has something to do with my riding style too),
AND, that I am quite happy with it as is.

What I DO recommend, as an additional compliment to the mix,
is a good steering stabilizer.

The front 450r resprung shocks, accompanied with the steering stabilizer, are two of the absolute best upgrades I have done to my 400ex.
It handles Amazingly well, and together, they have saved my butt on more than one occaision, from getting tossed off the bike.

There are many brands of stabilizers available, but the one I chose is produced by a guy in Minnesota (I think that's where he is), and he sells them on ebay. They are called "CCP Steering Stabilizers". Many of us here have purchased them, and I think i've only ever heard of one guy say he didn't like it. It is a FANTASTIC stabilizer, and does it's job VERY well.
In my opinion, it is almost comparable to the Precision or Elka stabilizers, at 1/3 the cost.
I'm not saying you should absolutely buy one of these paricular stabilizers,... I'm just saying we hae been happy with them, and you should make your own choice.

Here is a pic of mine installed with the 450r front shocks...

http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n148/tri5ron/03%20400ex/IMG_0151.jpg



Here is a link to an old thread, when many of us were scrambeling to get them. It's a very long read, but it get's pretty funny in some spots too.
Enjoy,...

http://www.exriders.com/vbb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=349366&highlight=steering+stabilizer



and here is a link to one of his current auctions on ebay...

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/honda-TRX-400EX-steering-stabilizer-free-shipping-_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQhashZitem43a559ebf8QQitemZ29053 6942584QQptZMotorsQ5fATVQ5fPartsQ5fAccessories



Anyway, whatever you decide to do,
Ride Hard, Ride Safe, and Keep the Rubber Side Down !

[Woody003]

So doin that upgrade to the 450 shocks...addin the triple rated springs...is that something you did yourself or is it something a professional needs to do? Sorry this is all very new to me! Thanx!

[riotact]

I'm pretty sure you just order the kit from Works racing and install it yourself.It should come with instructions on how to do it and set it up.

[tri5ron]

Originally posted by Woody003
So doin that upgrade to the 450 shocks...addin the triple rated springs...is that something you did yourself or is it something a professional needs to do? Sorry this is all very new to me! Thanx! did it all myself, very simple to do with basic hand tools, and basic mechanical knowledge. You'll be fine handeling it yourself.

[Woody003]

Cool! I'd like to think I at least have some common sense at least! LOL!!! I'll keep ya posted once I'm able to score some shocks and springs! I can't wait!!! Hey thanx again man!

[Muzzgit]

The stock 400EX shocks work surprisingly well with +2 A-Arms. Just wind em up.

And just in case anyone is interested, the same applies for the Raptor 700 non adjustable shocks. They work great on +2 A-Arms.