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Set Up Suspension 101

By Allen Knowles
Photography by Allen Knowles
100 0508 Set00 Z
100 0508 Set01 Z
These double lock rings are... 
   
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100 0508 Set01 Z
These double lock rings are the most-common form of preload adjusters. How-ever, some front shocks have a collar with various slots to change the amount of tension placed on the spring.
100 0508 Set02 Z
A few brands of aftermarket... 
   
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100 0508 Set02 Z
A few brands of aftermarket shocks like this RHA model use a wire clip with multiple grooves to set spring preload. You must first relieve the spring pressure to remove and reposition the clip.
100 0508 Set03 Z
3-4. Checking your machine's... 
   
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100 0508 Set03 Z
3-4. Checking your machine's sag and free sag are how you determine the proper spring and spring preload. Begin by measuring the quad topped out by lifting up the back until the shock is fully extended (3). Free sag is the amount your machine sags without the rider and should be about 10 percent of the travel (multiply the travel of your quad by 0.1 to calculate the desired free sag) (4). The final and most-crucial measurement is the sag with the rider sitting in the middle of the seat. That should be one third of the travel (multiply the travel by 0.333). If it is more than this, you need to tighten your spring and vice versa.
100 0508 Set04 Z
100 0508 Set05 Z
5-6. The compression adjusters... 
   
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100 0508 Set05 Z
5-6. The compression adjusters are almost always on the top of the shock reservoir. They are either a small screw or a knob and click into the available positions. Turning it clockwise will stiffen the suspension and counterclockwise will soften the suspension.
100 0508 Set06 Z
100 0508 Set07 Z
7-8. The rebound adjusters... 
   
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100 0508 Set07 Z
7-8. The rebound adjusters are on the bottom end of the shock (opposite the shock body). Rebound controls how fast a shock returns after compressing. The adjuster's control is either a knob or a small screw. Turning it clockwise will slow the return travel.
100 0508 Set08 Z
100 0508 Set09 Z
This aftermarket TCS shock... 
   
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100 0508 Set09 Z
This aftermarket TCS shock shows an example of ride-height adjustment. Such a shock provides a lot more adjustability and requires knowledgeable assistance to maximize performance.

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