I'm tired of my rancher 350 stock shocks so I was wondering if anyone can help me here? Should I go with the perfex long travel suspension kit or the progressive 512 series shocks? I have to buy new shocks any way because my stock ones are shot. I wonder how the progressives would work with the perfex? I would greatly appreciate all the information anyone can give me. Thank you.

 

I just put the Progressive 512 shock on the rear of my 350 4x4 Rancher yesterday. It raised the rear up about an inch, which is about were it was when I purchased it. It's amazing how fast the rear stocker wore out. I'm not super impressed, it's nice to adjust pre-laod, and it does come with a cover, but I noticed no differences in ride quality, and the shock unloads too fast, causing a clunk. I hope that will stop after some more use.

I did put on the Oxlite front A-Arm guards too, they are pretty nice but heavy, and they don't cover the rear of the A-Arms, only the front and bottom. I think aluminum would have been a better choice.

Oh-well, buy cheap, get cheap stuff.

I have heard good things about the perfex kit, but have no experience with it.

Anyone?

 

IMO, PERFEX is junk.

But then again I don't agree that the Tornado air managment system or a pill in my gas tank is going to improve my gas mileage by 20% either.

I took mine off immediately.

 

I must disagree w/ propnut. I put my Perfex kit on about a month ago ( Vinson ) and love it! The more I ride w/ it the more I like it. It is however, a "cheap" looking kit but it is holding up just fine. I've jumped several times and it's still doing great. It will NOT ride like an IRS, but definately helps. You WOULD notice a difference!!!! All it does is raise your stock lower shock mounts up about 1.5" ( Makes it more vertical ) Gives about an inch of lift. I was very skeptical at first, but am very satisfied w/ it!!! --My .02ct

 

I understand what you are saying BillyMack. The ride is softer, but it makes the shocks feel like shi+. Mush. Dead. (that's part of why it rides smoother). On the Honda it also screws with your brakes as it allows further drop out, tugging the back cable and applying the brakes. Wait until you have some CV problems from the overextension, then you'll understand why I commented the way I did. An inch&1/2 of drop out allows dangerous angles at the CV when unsprung.

Don't you think Honda would just change the shock angle if that's all there was to it? You also have to limit the travel, which PERFEX does not do. It's a band-aid, not a remedy.

Go for a good set of shocks, properly set up for your weight and riding style.

I have a PERFEX kit for sale if someone wants it!!

 

I don't understand the " overextension " on the CV. I had heard someone else mention it in another thread, but I just can't see it changing the angle anymore than say a 250 lb. rider would just sitting down on it. ( I'm 170 lbs ) That's changing the angle by itself. Maybe you could shed some light here for me. I went this route B/C there's NO way I could replace my shocks. By the way, STILL haven't got tires yet!!!!

 

the CV joint won't see it in compression, but you're not getting the same compression anymore either. your shock limits travel. moving just one end of the shock closer to the pivot of the a-arm lets the axle drop lower than it used to. this tugs the CV assembly and puts it at an angle that will damage it when it's unsprung. as long as you never unspring your machine you might be fine. it's not for me though. and it's not because it just looks cheap. axles cost more than shocks. that's just the front, I'm sure the rear u-joints don't react well either. if honda could have made thier foremans ride better and last as long for $25 worth of stainless sheet metal and labor to avoid all the bad press about such a stiff ride - don't you think they would have done that? I didn't think about it enough, I bought one hoping it would work.