ZL Rear Shock Replacement

[garyl62]

Sure something like this has been posted before, but in a quick search didn't see an answer to this question:

I need to replace the rear shocks on my 2000 ZL 500 EFI. They are not rebuildable (according the the guys at Goodwin Performance). I just went to a 136 track with rail extensions so while I want something decent, I don't want to put a ton of money into it as I just invested into a track, extenstions and other things and this wasn't part of the budget. The couple of guys I've talked with have said look for some used ZR or Sno Pro shocks. Any ideas? How interchangable are these? I'd like to get something ready to go, rather than worn and needing to be re-built. We do mainly trail riding in the UP but now looking at a little more fire road and powder riding with the longer track.

 

[ezra]

any 00 up zr will work

 

[garyl62]

any 00 up zr will work

Thanks ezra, ended up getting new Ryde fx 8200's. Not the best I know but the price was right and this way I knew I wasn't buying someone elses junk that I would end up rebuilding right away. Now I'm on to new springs since everything else on the skid is new I figured I might as well finish it out.

So, anyone have any suggestions on springs? I'd like to set it up for a rider around 210 with gear on. Been looking around and it seems like there are a lot of different part numbers for springs, but I really thought the only difference in springs for the 121 skids would be stiffness. Don't want to end up buying something and find out it is actually a different size. Or, think I'd be better off just going back to OEM? Once again, I'm leaning toward something new as it really isn't that much cash we're talking about and that way I'll know what I'm starting with isn't worn already.

 

[mezz]

You can get a set of heavy duty springs for that sled, check with the dealer, they aren't pricey. The stock springs are rated for lightweights.-Mezz

 

[markf419]

I used the Ride FX shocks in a few of my sleds in the past. They're a good shock for the $ and a nice ride too. The problem is, they don't seem to last too long. I got at best, two seasons from mine and then it was like riding a pogo stick. I would later on opt for the ZR shocks. Since they're rebuildable, they'll save you in the long run. You'll want to use a lighter oil than stock tho since the ZL has a softer spring rate than the ZR.

 

[garyl62]

Must say I've learned a lot in the last week and a half about shocks and springs. Best thing that I found was a A/C tech chart that lists all the specs of most of the springs they sell. For rear springs I ended up buying part numbers 1704-290/291. These are a little larger gauge wire and a steeper angle between the two arms than my stock springs. I'm expecting this will help the sled both sit up slightly higher, and provide a stiffer ride with less chance of bottoming out.

Hope to have it all put back together in a week or so and the first trip is planned for 1/2-1/6 so we'll see how it all rides.