[KC6401]

Well, not really shocking but it is about shocks. I've read so many posts about shock upgrades that my head's about to explode and I still can't find an answer. I hate to beat the dead horse but......

I just purchased a 2014 Rancher FA1 (4X4, DCT). Only has 20 hours and about 200 miles. My question, is the adjustable, newer model (newer technology?) rear stock shock on this Rancher as good as a moderately priced upgrade like the Bronco, Progressive, etc? Would I be able to tell a difference in ride comfort (mainly trails, rocks, roots, etc) if I replaced the stock shock with a shock in the $100-150 range or do I trust that I already have the best / newest shock available in that price range?

 

[mrbb]

odds are if your just buying an after market Basis replacement shock, unless your shocks are beat and worn
you ain;t getting any better
plain and simple, GOOD shocks are NEVER cheap
great shocks are down right very expensive
MOST upgraded shocks are NOT about getting smoother rides, there about more control, and many times that can actually mean a harder ride till you get up to faster speeds, then you can run over things at 50 , your OEM shocks couldn;t handle at 35
but you will have better control of things at 50 than OEM shocks did at 35
if you follow here!
YES some shocks will offer some better smoother riding, but that isn;t what most company's shoot for when building them
better smoother riding, tends to come from lowering air pressure and better WHOLE suspension design of the ATV
you can always HAVE custom built shocks to do what you want, but then you will loose the load carrying limits you once had
yes dual rate springs are there and do help
but good one's again will never be in the cheap OEM replacement category!
I'd play with tire pressure first
and if not happy, TALK to a shock builder about YOUR needs/wants

these are ATV, not Caddy's? LOL

 

[alloutdoors]

IMO, I think the difference in "ride quality" would be minimal given how relatively "new" the machine is and miles, etc. Also, the mono-shock in the rear has limitations and if you really want to change the ride, explore swapping it to independent rear, pricy , but you will feel and see a real difference in performance/ride.

 

[dalekoven]

Most inexpensive replacement shocks are just that inexpensive replacement shocks. Not a better ride not better action just shocks to replace expensive OEM's that have failed. The magic word you said was adjustable. Whenever I do suspension changes I always prepare myself for a long boring day. Make sure you bring a notepad and a pen it's full of ink and you ride the same section over and over and over. Make first pass make a change documented. Try it again if it got better keep going with the change. Document all changes you've made in case you get to the point you went over the edge. Nothing worse than losing your spot and then have to start all over again. The key is to keep riding over the same Terrain.

Sent from my SM-G935V using Tapatalk

 

[creed82]

Well, not really shocking but it is about shocks. I've read so many posts about shock upgrades that my head's about to explode and I still can't find an answer. I hate to beat the dead horse but......

I just purchased a 2014 Rancher FA1 (4X4, DCT). Only has 20 hours and about 200 miles. My question, is the adjustable, newer model (newer technology?) rear stock shock on this Rancher as good as a moderately priced upgrade like the Bronco, Progressive, etc? Would I be able to tell a difference in ride comfort (mainly trails, rocks, roots, etc) if I replaced the stock shock with a shock in the $100-150 range or do I trust that I already have the best / newest shock available in that price range?

I ride a similar 2016 Rancher 4x4 DCT EPS (FA2), and here's my $.02. From my experience (3000 miles on rocks and tree roots, etc) if you have your rear shock preload set to the second-to-softest setting, and then you keep your factory tires at about 4-4.5 psi, your ride is as good as it'll get. For me, it's fine. I love how my Rancher rides.

 

[Maddog225]

Get a set of stage one are 2 elka shocks and be done in getting the stage 1 when I get the money