<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote>Originally posted by: Junkman673

I just called high lifter and they don't make aftermarket spring or shocks for my ATV. He said they have stuff for the independent suspension but not the straight axle. Oh well, I guess i'll get some stockers.</end quote></div>

I was talking to my neighbor (AC mechanic). He had a ACT and told me that he changed the rear shocks with shocks that came off a KTM motocross motorcycle. Maybe a trip to a motorcycle or performace cycle shop may get you what you want. Maybe even a different model AC or Polaris etc. Thing to be concerned with, are eye-let to eye-let (length of shock), and spring rate (stiffness).

 

<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote>Originally posted by: thundercat

Will setting the front shocks at there lowest setting and adding some air to the front give me a good ride over ruff terrain? Wouldn't setting the springs at there lowest setting make the atv jump around a lot? Just wondering.--Thanks--Mike</end quote></div>

Yes on good ride and No on ATV jumping around, it will allow your suspension to work easier absorbing bumps, Your tire may bounce more (like a basketball) but the suspension will absorb that, at a consistent and predictable rate. Soft tires (weak sidewalls - via air pressure or ply rating or profile 'tall profile') offer more 'tire-walk', they will have a tendancy to follow a smaller rut rather than staying true and riding up out of it and keeping a straight line. The whole idea is to have your suspension do the handling and not your tires. Suspension is consistent, predictable and tuneable, tires (rebound, roll-under etc) are not. At a given speed a tire will compress and rebound differently over different bumps (inconsistent and unpredictable) - shocks have the same compression and rebound rate (more consistent and predictable).

As you go over bumps the camber on your suspension is constantly changing - tires can't change camber. Well, at least not at a predetermined amount, by the amount of travel, determined by the size of the bump and speed treveling. Your suspension can predetermine this with the geometry of the A-arms and the arc of the swing while traveling up and down.

 

<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote>Originally posted by: Junkman673

I've got a '01 500 manual. The shocks seem to be shot in the back. My question is: Should I go with stock or a stiffer aftermarket. I ride about 50/50 with a passenger and without.

What do you guys think?</end quote></div>

Don't know what you have done about shocks but check this out, I ran across it while snooping around on ebay - they retail at close to $470+. They say they will work with ACT, might be worth checking out.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors...emZ270121064344QQrdZ1


Just do a copy and past in your browser for the above link.