What are the best shocks for winder?

[cannondale27]

So both the Qs3 and Qs3r have 5/8 shafts(rear) but when it comes to the fronts, the Qs3 is 1/2"??

Is that correct?

Dan

Correct

 

[hellflyer]

Correct

Have you ever compared the valving between the qs3 and the qs3r on the rear shock? Just wondering if there is much difference besides rebound adjustment.

 

[mainedrummer]

I usually subscribe to the "Bigger is Better" mindset, but in this case what does a thicker shock shaft actually get us?

 

[Motorhead]

I usually subscribe to the "Bigger is Better" mindset, but in this case what does a thicker shock shaft actually get us?

I would guess that a 5/8” shaft should be less prone to bending or snapping off when compared to the 1/2” shaft.

I have damaged rear shocks on my other later year sleds.

 

[ROCKERDAN]

If you do some looking around at shocks, you will see 7/16" , 1/2" and 5/8" shaft shocks, and the best shocks are typically the heaviest thickness shafts....more durable for sure, less likely to bend. Let's face it these Winders are pig heavy sleds and IMO the thicker the better. Especially in front locations and rear. Center is 1/2" or less typically.

Dan

 

[mainedrummer]

Thanks! I "use" my sleds, but don't consider myself "hard" on them, so that may be why I haven't bent a shock shaft,... nor recall hearing much about this problem.
Is it a more common occurrence than I realized?

 

[hellflyer]

5/8" shaft is hollow and allows for the rebound adjuster 1/2 is solid!

 

[mainedrummer]

Hmmmm, not a mechanical engineer, but I'd think 1/2" solid beats 5/8" hollow for strength any day...

 

[Motorhead]

5/8" shaft is hollow and allows for the rebound adjuster 1/2 is solid!

Did not realize that. I have a local guy who has been rebuilding and calibrating shocks on my sleds since the days of my 97 SX. He was a machinist by trade and had his shop as a side business, and now in his retirement his garage stays quite busy. He will fix shocks with broken or bent shafts and I have seen his shaft stock. Do not remember any with hollow shafts. Must be something relatively new? I am not impressed if that is so!!

 

[hellflyer]

I'd say there pretty close in strength. Never seen a shock bend in normal use

 

[swampcat]

Did not realize that. I have a local guy who has been rebuilding and calibrating shocks on my sleds since the days of my 97 SX. He was a machinist by trade and had his shop as a side business, and now in his retirement his garage stays quite busy. He will fix shocks with broken or bent shafts and I have seen his shaft stock. Do not remember any with hollow shafts. Must be something relatively new? I am not impressed if that is so!!

Ohlins shocks have had this setup over 25 years ago.

 

[hellflyer]

Did not realize that. I have a local guy who has been rebuilding and calibrating shocks on my sleds since the days of my 97 SX. He was a machinist by trade and had his shop as a side business, and now in his retirement his garage stays quite busy. He will fix shocks with broken or bent shafts and I have seen his shaft stock. Do not remember any with hollow shafts. Must be something relatively new? I am not impressed if that is so!!

That's why the rebound ajuster is at the end of the shaft. Has a needle valve that moves in the shaft for adjusting flow near the Piston.

 

[Motorhead]

Thanks for that bit of info.
Always thought all shock shafts were solid, but with the rebound adjustment on the QR3S near the end of shaft, that makes sense. Haven’t damaged a rear shock since the days of my RX1, but this Winder is a heavy sled also so I do check on the rear suspension many times during the season. In the past the suspension components failed and caused lot’s of extra stress on the shock shaft causing damage all around.. Have damaged front steering shocks on some past sleds, but those were my fault 100%, trees etc. I was very rough on my sleds !!!

Thank god for my local shock guru who has been taking care of my shock needs for many years now. Hope he sticks around as long as I do in this sport. Good shock guys are hard to find in these parts.

 

[hellflyer]

No problem! Thats why I bought the equipment and started experimenting on shock valving with my 03 viper 136 I built. Best riding proactive ever . Plush and wouldn't bottom easy, became my wife's sled until she had enough of riding and I sold in 2010

 

[Motorhead]

No problem! Thats why I bought the equipment and started experimenting on shock valving with my 03 viper 136 I built. Best riding proactive ever . Plush and wouldn't bottom easy, became my wife's sled until she had enough of riding and I sold in 2010

Coincidentally I have had 4 Vipers of that era in the 121 length. 02 Red ER with upgraded GYT shocks/springs, my Daughters sled.
Wife had a brand new Red ER 03. Sold both of those plus an 03 RX1 and a 4 place enclosed trailer when my daughter was a freshman in college.. years later once back on track financially, we bought my wife another Red 03 ER and I bought a Blue 02 with reverse only. Well , I had known about the ride problem associated with the Blue 02 Vipers (they came with stiffer suspensions) and once I tried it out, I took all shocks and brought them over to John (My shock Guru) who had experimented with this model back in 02 and 03. He used his magic to transform that Viper into the sweetest riding of all 4. I was amazed at the before and after difference.

That was then, and now on this 17 LTX-LE, WOW!!
They still feel great with over 5 K on them, but may inquire about having him service them this coming fall.