*xke*
New member
First off: I'm looking for any advice/contact with people WHO HAVE ACTUALLY DONE THIS MOD.
I'm in the process of converting my 98 long track SRX (Mountain SRX) to have a long travel front (already has a long travel 136" skid from the factory). I put on 2000 SX600R front shocks and although the front is higher, the shocks are close to bottoming at rest and I've got a lot of preload jacked into the springs to try and raise it (soft coils are packed tight and I still am only getting about an inch of shock rod exposed). I used the stock shock upper mount location (made my own spacers and bushings) because it is about as high up as possible to make enough room for the longer shock. I have a complete SX600R as a donor sled and can switch any other parts needed. I know about widening the front (tie rods, radius arms, sway bar) but am wondering if just for a test run this is actually neccessary.
Thanks for your help, I'm short on time getting ready for a big trip in a few days.
I'm in the process of converting my 98 long track SRX (Mountain SRX) to have a long travel front (already has a long travel 136" skid from the factory). I put on 2000 SX600R front shocks and although the front is higher, the shocks are close to bottoming at rest and I've got a lot of preload jacked into the springs to try and raise it (soft coils are packed tight and I still am only getting about an inch of shock rod exposed). I used the stock shock upper mount location (made my own spacers and bushings) because it is about as high up as possible to make enough room for the longer shock. I have a complete SX600R as a donor sled and can switch any other parts needed. I know about widening the front (tie rods, radius arms, sway bar) but am wondering if just for a test run this is actually neccessary.
Thanks for your help, I'm short on time getting ready for a big trip in a few days.
I have Viper shocks all around on my 2002 SRX. I had to widen mine out not only to get the proper ride height, but also so I could connect the shocks to the trailing arms. The stock shorter radius nrods did not allow my trailing arms + shocks to line up without compressing the shocks.[at least thats what I remember it was a while ago] I am not really gaining all of the Viper shocks travel because with the wider front end the shocks are flatter[angled out at the bottom more]
*xke*
New member
Any chance you can measure how much of the shock rod is exposed when you're not sitting on it (sled at rest)? Do you think it was worth the trouble?
I've got viper fronts in my srx. Used the brackets that betheviper used to sell for my conversion. Ran it with the stock rods and arms. Now have mpi stuff, but it all went together the same. No idea on what the front end height diff is, but it's taller. Suppose I could measure it.
*xke* said:
With the sled sitting on the shop floor there is @ 3" of metal shock rod showing[from the white plastic disc to the shock body]...when I jack up the front end off the ground there is approx 4" of shock rod visable[the sway bar may be restricting its full extension but I don't think so]
Snowtraxx
New member
I just finished this on my 2000. I too tried to use the original brackets but even with the wider front end it was not right. I ended up making brackets that bring the top mount up to the top of the belly pan. I had to cut the belly pan to put the bolt in. With the brackets the shock bolted in exactly as it does on a Viper, I didn't have to preload it to get it in like the stock brackets. Ride height in the front was not changed drastically and the sled handles like it always did. I tried to attach a sketch of the brackets I used but I don't know if it will work. Also, if you make the brackets be sure to put the top hole far enough out to clear the head of the bracket mounting bolt...Not that I know this from experience.
Attachments
*xke*
New member
The sketch came out perfect! Any chance you can throw some dims on it? I think I can get a couple made in time for this to work.
*xke*
New member
800vmax4 said:
With the sled sitting on the shop floor there is @ 3" of metal shock rod showing[from the white plastic disc to the shock body]...when I jack up the front end off the ground there is approx 4" of shock rod visable[the sway bar may be restricting its full extension but I don't think so]
I measured mine and the stock SRX shock has 3" of travel, stock SX-R has 4.375" So if you're getting 3" you're basically back to stock travel but with better (softer springs). I think moving the top shock mount up like mentioned here must be the missing link.
Snowtraxx
New member
I can get dimensions but not until later this weekend. Basically I went from the top of the belly pan opening for the shocks to about an inch past the bottom mounting hole. The width is the same as the stock brackets and the top depends on how far out you want the shock to sit. Mine is about an inch or so, the bolt almost rubs the head of the top bracket mounting hole. I think I am making this more confusing. I have the cardboard "template" we started with at home. I will do my best to remember to measure it and get them on here.
I fabricated top brackets as well...I bolted the shock to the bracket then bolted the bracket, with shock attached, to the bulkhead and then attached the shock to the trailing arm, so I din't have to cut the belly pan.
I also have set the shock springs at zero preload ,when extended, to keep the ski pressure down.
The sled rides and handles well but I'm not sure if the front end is much improved over what it would be with stock shocks with adjustable brackets.
I spent a fair bit of time and cash to get the front end right.
I also have set the shock springs at zero preload ,when extended, to keep the ski pressure down.
The sled rides and handles well but I'm not sure if the front end is much improved over what it would be with stock shocks with adjustable brackets.
I spent a fair bit of time and cash to get the front end right.
Snowtraxx
New member
I have to agree with the front end not being "that much" of an improvement over stock. It is nice to have the drop out a little better but the stock front shocks on these things were really not that bad imo. All my "conversion" dollars went into the front as well. My next step is Viper Trailing arms and spindles to try and get the front up just a tad more to equal out with the back.
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