I have a 2003 Baja that i am building up and i will probably need to go with an extended swingarm.My Raptor required that i install a heavier spring to compensate for the longer swingarm.Will i need to go to a heavier spring on my Baja with a +4" swingarm?I am 230 lbs and at times when drag racing i really push it hard through the whoops and i dont want to bottom out my rear shock.My back is bad enough as it is without the added effects of bottoming out my shock.My Baja seems to have enough travel in the rear shock to perform without a heavier spring but i would like some opinions.

 

belive it or not the spring is not what keeps the shock from bottoming out, valving and the weight of oil used in the shock is how you keep the shock from bottoming out. The spring is mainly for returning the bike to the pre set height and the DS rear shock has a lot of pre-load adjustment. I'd suggest you try the shock the way it is and then tighten up your valving if it bottoms out too easily. If that is still not enough than get the shock recharged with a heavier weight oil- you'll be good to go then.

 

Good information .Thanks.

 

i run mine ok, i think you will have more service to do on the shock though, mine seemed to get tired quick.

 

Sandman Do you have any problems keeping the front end down with 4" extended ?
I am rebuilding my motor and it will have approx 65HP and a 20 Shot of NOS I will not be shooting NOS from the starting line. I have a 2004 and it is 1" shorter than previouse years I just wanted some feedback from you guys on any wheeling problems from the starting line.
Do you think 4" extended will be enough to keep the front end down coming out of the whole hard with 22" 8 paddle haulers? befor my rebuild I could not keep it down and I lost some races because I was bulldoging my bike while other guys with extended swingarms were taking off.
Thanks Tpsycho.

 

it depends on the sand conditions, but for the most part it works good.

 

Wouldnt hurt to get the shock re-valved and get a new spring for your increased travel you have and makes for a better ride through the whoops.
When you extended your swingarm you also put more leverage on the rear scock spring, there are lots of good shock rebuilders, I went to TCS he is local, I dont know of any shock companys that are in your area but I bet some of the other guys on the forum can help you find one.