I originally posted this in Drivetrain, Suspension & Tires, but I wasn't getting much response so I moved it here to try and get more feedback/comments.

I have a stock 2002 Raptor LE and I'm not 100% happy with it's handling. To me it's too top heavy and tippy feeling. So.... I think I have (2) options:

1) Sell it and get something different.
2) Modify the suspension.

I'd like to hear from some Raptor owners who have moded their suspension. Questions are:

1) If I add 2+ A-arms, a wider aftermarket axle and good aftermarker shocks how much better will it handle"?
2) Does it eliminate the tippy feeling totaly?
3) How much better will it handle over stock. 20%, 30%. 60%. 100%?

If the difference is huge I'd probably keep it, if not I'll probably sell it.

Any Raptor owner that's been been here/done this... let me know what you think....

Thanks, Rude Dog
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You said it yourself when you said to add +2 a-arms and shocks !!!!!!!!!!
You won't be happier if you do.
A little more information would be nice such as where you ride and the terain though.

 

get wheel spacers for the front and back. they are cheap and you will know right away if you like the wider stance. if you do, then you can sell them and buy a-arms and axle later. if you don't, sell the bike and all.

better shocks are a seperate issue and the stockers are similar to the other sport quads out there. the more you spend on new shocks the better they tend to be.

 

Hey Ridley, can you tell me exactly what the zero preload setup means? Thanks, Shady

 

Even better than 100%!!!
Zero-preload means that there is no spring tension at ride height...
The suspension is already about half way through its travel...until you come of the ground...and then blamo...huge gobs of suspension
Check out my pics I've got those exact mods on my quad

 

Turbo33:

1) You said it yourself when you said to add +2 a-arms and shocks !!!!!!!!!!
2) You won't be happier if you do.
3) A little more information would be nice such as where you ride and the terain though

2) "Wont" be happier??? not sure of meaning here ?????
3) 90% Dunes, 10% Dirt
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BlueLeader: I like the idea of the wheel spacers to see!!!!
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RAPTORJAY: Can you post, email or PM me a complete breakdown of what you put on?
IE: Brand of A-Arms, type of material/metal, length, heim joints or ball joint type, Shocks,
type, part numbers, Axle brand, width. Also where you ordered the parts from and cost...
If.... you don''t mind...


Thanks, Rude Dog

 

Timmy Boy A-arms
+3and forward+1
ball joint style(no reaming)
race style(camber&caster adjustbale)

Dura-blue axle x33 +5

Tucker Racing swing-arm
+2
twin bearing carrier

TCS zero-preload stadium shocks
fronts w adj comp and resv
rr stock shock conversion


I tried adding up the prices...but it made me sad and I cried[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-sad.gif[/img][img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]
I'll pm costs to ya