what shocks would be the best for getting the quad lower but still having the same or more suspension travel
i ride all over from sand to mountain trails

 

If you lower your bike very much at all you will loose travel, no way around it..

 

No you won't if you get ZPS(Zero preload system) shocks that lower the centre of gravity while not losing any suspension travel. Elka make these kind of shocks but i haven't heard much about them.

 

pvtcowboy is a little mistaken. If you buy any aftermarket shocks with zero-preload (some call it SSD, ZPS) then you will get at least as much travel as stock - usually about 1" more - but the quad will set 2-3 inches lower. The shock sets partway through the travel, so it has enough stroke to absorb bumps, but also has some "extension" travel. That is, when you go over a hole or a whoop, the shock extends to keep the tire in contact with the ground. This helps steering. Also, when you go off a jump, the shock extends all the way and you get the full amount of travel to soak up the landing. I have a full set of Elka shocks with SSD and my quad sits much lower and handles much better than with the stock shocks. But it is expensive! Good Luck!

RR1

 

I used to crash my quad all the time before I put my Elkas on. They have saved me from some definate wrecks.

 

ELKA's are great....

It's like going from a pogo stick to riding on top of a great big sponge!

The only complaint is that they also soak up the lip of most jumps. You will need to go much faster to clear the same jump as your buddy…really good for racing...but at times can require a big leap of faith.

 

Bpotter is right on...charge the jump more agressively...but your knees and back will thank you. SSD (self sagging device) works. Elka makes shock bodies for TCS as well...not sure if theres any savings to be had on that end...but i will tell you this. These things have saved me from some bad landings that i know i would've paid the price on.

lower, stable and all the travel...plus you can mount these bad larrys on your next quad.

 

As my riding ability improves I find myself doing more & more jumping & massive hill climbing & would definitely like to lower the center of gravity of my Raptor. I was thinking about selling it but if I keep it I will have to take the plunge & spend some big bucks on zero preload type shocks. I was wondering if everyone is buying the Elka SSD's because they are good quality at an affordable price or or are they really that damn good(a little WWE humor)? I hear really good things about Custom axis shocks, are they worth the extra money?
Also, I was thinking about a 2" swingarm extension. Should I get +2 w +1 f a-arms too or is a 2" swingarm enough?

 

Chimmer, i was familiar with Elka from my experience with Sno-mobiles...if you've ever seen a sno-cross event you would have a new found respect for sleds and the suspension that is needed to handle jumping sleds. When i heard Elka was throwing their hat into the quad market i was stoked. Then the 01 Raptor was released.

i thought...well ,if your stupid enough to by a first year model against your own better judgement...a 660cc...heavy monster. Why not throw all sense of rational out the window and try Elka's new line of quad shocks. if they can handle sno-cross they should handle this pig.

What did it...was the call to Elka. They were excited and wanted my business. Martin ,pain stakingly worked through all my questions and spent even longer on narrowing down my riding style, weight, weight with riding gear, weight increase from mud during moto's...he accounted for all factors for performance.

their service is "the Best in the Business" and their product is top notch. i bought one of their first sets of shocks and they've kept me in the loop with upgrades and have even sent parts that they changed since mine have come out. i have not heard (A) bad word about them or their product since.

 

If I had the $$$$$ to put down on some after-market shocks I would definitely go with the Elka's!!!!!!![img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]