i still want more/better rear susp...XTX

[MCApex44]

I already had the shocks revalved (Pioneer) and it got a bit better, already added the Star Susp and it got a bit better again. But-it still isn't good enough. After switching on and off my XTX and a 2007 F8 all day yesterday...the XTX needs alot of improvement. That F8 rides like a dream compared to my XTX. I ride my sled aggressive but I find the rear susp just too stiff. I rode that F8 just as hard and the rear suspension soaks everything up and is very forgiving/plush.

I read/searched old threads and went to a few websites (Schmidt Bros and Hygear) and was wondering what could be the next step/purchase. I am looking at the Custom Axis Shock set-up for the XTX by Hygear compared to the Fox Zero Pro Shocks by Schmidt Bros.

Honestly...will new shocks help out or would I just be throwing more money away?

 

[BADSLED]

I run Custom Axis on my XTX and it's night and day difference. I feel the Star suspension mod would complement Axis very. My suggestion for a budget upgrade install a doo sc-5 skid with tracks usa extensions, saving you $ and 30+lbs.

 

[brs077]

I am 350lbs w/ gear, and rode on trails that were more apt to be a MX whoops section than a snowmobile trail last weekend and my rear suspension handled it like a dream, never bottomed out, etc. I have the star kit and star revalves, plus a stiffer center spring. I haven't been on a F8, but I can tell you that I beat it pretty hard and it just kept asking for more.

 

[natedawgedog]

http://www.ty4stroke.com/viewtopic.php?t=109029

since you like the a/c suspension, do some reading on here... like you, think the xtx rear leaves alot to be desired and loved my previous sled's (06 crossfire) suspension...
I had my rear shocks revalved that made a little difference. and didnt want to spend anymore money on a suspension that I thought couldnt be fixed because it is just way to heavy to begin with.

 

[furg69]

I have to agree that the Xtx suspension is nothing to brag about. I had an 07 f1000 sno pro that rode like a dream compared to my xtx even after I had hygear triple rates, revalve and spring inserts its still not close. On the other hand my F1000 did blow 2 crate engines and a 3rd rebuilt one. I'm considering a full m10 suspension, rather then keep dumping money in this xtx skid.

 

[sleddingfarmer]

I run Custom Axis on my XTX and it's night and day difference. I feel the Star suspension mod would complement Axis very. My suggestion for a budget upgrade install a doo sc-5 skid with tracks usa extensions, saving you $ and 30+lbs.

X2 Put a doo suspension under there.

 

[sgilbert]

I have the star kit and ended modifying and increasing travel extension limit 1 1/2 in the front of the skid which also let the rear down a little. with the front springs at zero preload, letting the rear down it sits flat now, before the rear of the skid had to preload to set on the front. night and day difference so far, headed north with it this weekend. my dampening is way off, but the ride is much better and consistent. heavy steering much better. also kinda doubt it will rail as good, but better ride is worth it

 

[MCApex44]

Thanks for the posts so far guys! I like the idea of the putting a Doo or Cat suspension on the XTX but unfortunatly I think that is way above my mechanical abilities.

I priced out the Hygear Custom Axis ($1,099) and the Schmidt Bros Fox Zero's ($600+). The guy at Hygear was very helpful and knowledgable and I can see these shocks being better (than stock) but I am just not sure about shelling out over a grand. When it comes to the Fox Zero's...the guy at Schmidt's said save your money b/c he feels the stock shocks are just as good as the Zero's and seems to think instead of buying shocks I should try their center shock/spring upgrade ($169) and also send them my shocks to have Schmidts revalve them. He said they have their revalve spot-on for the XTX. He also said that center schock spring is a major key in the equation.

 

[natedawgedog]

Thanks for the posts so far guys! I like the idea of the putting a Doo or Cat suspension on the XTX but unfortunatly I think that is way above my mechanical abilities.

I priced out the Hygear Custom Axis ($1,099) and the Schmidt Bros Fox Zero's ($600+). The guy at Hygear was very helpful and knowledgable and I can see these shocks being better (than stock) but I am just not sure about shelling out over a grand. When it comes to the Fox Zero's...the guy at Schmidt's said save your money b/c he feels the stock shocks are just as good as the Zero's and seems to think instead of buying shocks I should try their center shock/spring upgrade ($169) and also send them my shocks to have Schmidts revalve them. He said they have their revalve spot-on for the XTX. He also said that center schock spring is a major key in the equation.

I bought a complete 2012 takeoff cat suspension for 400 shipped to bush alaska... with the measurements towards the end of the cat float suspension thread there are really only a few measurements need to be made, 2 holes drilled for the front suspension mounting holes. bunch of rivits taken out and put back in to relocate your suspension drop brackets... so it isnt that much of a project to undertake. just moving suspensions around and running them thru strokes on the workbench it becomes clear that the a/c suspension is just a better (way lighter also) design.

 

[MCApex44]

Figured I'd post an update to my recent changes/money put into my XTX. This is what I did. I sent both rear shocks to HYGEAR to have them rebuilt and revalved. They also added the Dual Rate Pro Spring to the center shock and added the Hyflo Hose to the rear shock.

When I first got back on the sled (with the Hygear set up) I was like WTF...I just blew some more money which resulted in a minor improvement. A friend of mine also agreed something just isnt right. It's too stiff and it feels the rear suspension just doesnt move/work enough. Then we got to thinking that after installing the Star Suspension we had pulled up the limiter straps one hole. I think pulling up that limiter one hole is what was not allowing the suspension to work its best and it also made the steering a bit heavier. The confusion here was that I had also switched to the tuner skis and figured the Tuners were tougher to turn than the Pilots I used to have on. So...first we then added some preload to the center shock and rode it again. It got a bit better. With the Star Suspension they suggest or state that most people end up pulling up the limiter straps one hole. So that is where we put it. We figured with the limiters out all the way the sled would be a wheelie machine or allow it to transfer too much. Not the case. We put the limiters back to the longest settings and bam...transformed the whole sled. Absolutly no sag and when you get off the sled the rear end actually pops back up on its own. It transfers perfectly now (for my liking...I have always had my Apex and Nytro set for full transfer). The rear suspsension works great now in all conditions. I still bottom once in a while (still might add more preload to center and go up a click or two on the compression knob). I am very happy now with the set-up. I would suggest to anyone 200+lbs to add a stiffer spring or dual rate spring to the center shock and go with the Star Suspension.

 

[sgilbert]

That is exactly what I found, I got set up so I can run with the front limiters an inch or better than stock max. even with my $50 spi xlt rear shock, it is by far the best it has ever been, with 7200 miles on it. 1300 with the star kit. I discoverded the secret when I rode it with broken limiters. this thing rides softer than my apex gt now, yet is able to make corners and if something is rough, full throttle over anything, smooth as molases

 

[vsmpowered]

I run full axis custom shocks and zbroz front end my sled takes moguls in tug hill like a champ. Russ from hygear did awesome job

 

[Beenba]

Figured I'd post an update to my recent changes/money put into my XTX. This is what I did. I sent both rear shocks to HYGEAR to have them rebuilt and revalved. They also added the Dual Rate Pro Spring to the center shock and added the Hyflo Hose to the rear shock.

When I first got back on the sled (with the Hygear set up) I was like WTF...I just blew some more money which resulted in a minor improvement. A friend of mine also agreed something just isnt right. It's too stiff and it feels the rear suspension just doesnt move/work enough. Then we got to thinking that after installing the Star Suspension we had pulled up the limiter straps one hole. I think pulling up that limiter one hole is what was not allowing the suspension to work its best and it also made the steering a bit heavier. The confusion here was that I had also switched to the tuner skis and figured the Tuners were tougher to turn than the Pilots I used to have on. So...first we then added some preload to the center shock and rode it again. It got a bit better. With the Star Suspension they suggest or state that most people end up pulling up the limiter straps one hole. So that is where we put it. We figured with the limiters out all the way the sled would be a wheelie machine or allow it to transfer too much. Not the case. We put the limiters back to the longest settings and bam...transformed the whole sled. Absolutly no sag and when you get off the sled the rear end actually pops back up on its own. It transfers perfectly now (for my liking...I have always had my Apex and Nytro set for full transfer). The rear suspsension works great now in all conditions. I still bottom once in a while (still might add more preload to center and go up a click or two on the compression knob). I am very happy now with the set-up. I would suggest to anyone 200+lbs to add a stiffer spring or dual rate spring to the center shock and go with the Star Suspension.

This is interesting....

I have the star suspension kit, and got them to re valve only the rear shock. My center shock is full spring preload, and I weigh 220 with gear likely. 95% trail rider.
I just got back from doing the RAP tour here in Ontario, and with my new tuner skis the sled is absolutely amazing now for handling.
However, we switched up sleds for fun today and I rode my friends apex and the steering is sooooo light and easy to turn. I had no idea my steering was so heavy. My carbides on the tuners are 6square inner and 2round outer.
I am also pulled up one hole. I was thinking about dropping it down to the longest setting and see what happens...your post just gave me even more reason to try it. Thanks!

 

[jminor1]

I think I saw you near burks falls! I have an 08 f1000 night fire and am thinking of switching, what are your thoughts? I do like the f1000 but am a yammieguy at heart

 

[sgilbert]

[quote=" I was thinking about dropping it down to the longest setting and see what happens...your post just gave me even more reason to try it. Thanks![/quote]
be cautious, you are lucky it hasn't snapped the limiters yet, but yes, the front shock needs to get pressure off the skis.
the only time a nytro will steer as easy as an apex, is when its in the air