Boosh 71, when I put the Elkas on my Raptor I didn't run any preload on the shock collar. This set the front end at approx. 46" wide, which is the same as a stock YFZ. I believe that around 45" to 46" is the magic number you are looking for. I think if you run a +2 a-arm and a zero pre-load shock it would put you about 47" to 49" wide, which is to wide for the woods in my opinion. Look at my pics under my profile to get an idea of how the bike would set. Having a set of zero pre-load shocks on a Raptor is a necessity, and any one who thinks they handle just fine stock hasn't rode anything else or is just an idiot! [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]
I loved the handling after i bought the shocks and tires. The tires stayed planted on the ground, and absoulety loved to side in the corners. It only wheelied when you wanted it to, it was a totally different bike, night and day difference. Hope this helps you make a decision!

 

that looks pretty nice, so basically you have stock a-arms, and the suspension with zero preload makes it sit lower in the front right? Does this effect your ground clearance under the engine?

 

I wouldn't think it would effect ground clearance all that much. But either way you should get a full chassis skidplate. I got one from PRM in the thickest thickness possible. Not only does it protect your motor and chassis from debri, but it creates a good sliding surface if you land on the apex of a jump or for slamming through the whoops.

 

By installing zero preloads front and rear it drops the bike about 3", so yes it lower the ground clearance but it never was a problem while I was trail riding. If you look at a YFZ or a stock 250R they don't have as much ground clearance, that's part of the reason they handle so good! Really your ground clearance is only as high as your lowest point, which is the axle carrier which is only 4" or 5" off the ground. I think at the foot peg the Raptor frame is almost 10" to 12" off the ground, it won't hurt you at all to lose some of this. I would take 1BAD250R's advice and get a good skid plate while your at it too.

 

This is probably a stupid question, but when you say zero preloads, do you mean you just loosen the preload adjusters all the way? Or do you get shocks that are designed with zero preload?

 

I just saw some ASR a-arms on Ebay that sound to be what you are looking for. They were fully adjustable +1 up 0 for $469.99 from the Quad Parts Guy. The auction I saw was for a 250R but I would contact the guy if I were you to see if he could get you ones for a Raptor.