I am running works triple rate front shocks w/ +2 +1. Got the shocks from ebay. They are sweet!
The +4 on the rear makes all the difference in the world. It will handle like a completely different bike. You will like it!

I did the first 686 myself, then learned about the rod problems. It was just to hard to pull down a perfectly good motor just to change the rod. But, it did let go like everyone said it would after a year. Now I am having craycraft do my motor. I am still assembling the top end, but they are taking care of the rest. Major $$$, but it is still cheaper than a new quad.