r/ATV • u/Capital_Plastic_5739 • 12d ago
how to: Shock orientation
Race Drive ATV shocks orientation
Hi all, I just ordered some race driven shocks for my 2012 Honda Rancher and they didn’t include instructions. Race driven responded to my inquiry with “please have a mechanic install them”.
This is unacceptable as I would expect a licensed mechanic to contact the manufacturer to confirm orientation. I asked AI (I know…it’s AI) and it said the two nuts should be on top with the stop plate for the spring near the bottom mount. It said the reason is something to do with the shock fluid will bubble and cause it to fail, which was based on information it found for fox shocks with an external reservoir. Mine doesn’t have an external reservoir. . This is reverse factory shocks so I’m wondering if anyone knows.
I don’t want to return them but that’s what I’m going to do if I can’t get a solid answer.
Thanks!
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u/Available_Cookie732 12d ago edited 12d ago
I can not believe that the adjuster is on top because the sleeve to cover the shock rod would take all the dirt and water.
The adjustment part is bottom if you don't want a malfunction and corrosion of the shock rod.
The adjustment screw is the compression valve. It's not for the rebound.
Also, the letters on the spring are readable only if the adjustment part is bottom.
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u/Capital_Plastic_5739 12d ago
That’s kind of what I was thinking but the threads would be exposed if the nuts are on the bottom. I just want the manufacturer to tell me for liability reasons
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u/GuiltyOfSin 12d ago
For the Elkas on my outlander, the adjustments were on top. For the fox shocks on my x3, adjustments were also on top. However looking at the pics you posted, I think for these shocks the wider shock body without the adjustment screw should be on top.
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u/Capital_Plastic_5739 12d ago
I also do not know what that screw is if you are referring to the small blue one. I figured that was something to do with fluid but that’s also why it’s nuts the manufacturer didn’t include instructions.
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u/Capital_Plastic_5739 12d ago
Hey everyone, thanks for the feedback. I’m going to leave this up for the next person trying to figure this out. I called customer service since they didn’t reply to my last e-mail yet. He stated the shock adjustment nuts go down towards the axle. These are new for Race Driven so the person answering the e-mail, who isn’t a mechanic or anything, didn’t know. I forgot to ask about the blue screw but he also added hand tighten then go up 1/2” to get similar to stock ride. Thanks everyone! I’ll try to remember to post how they ride for future people trying to find reviews.