[sumo]

The test shocks had 400 lb springs on the rear and they were waaaaay too soft for my car. It went faster than stock thru small to medium sized whoops (under 14 inch whoops), very plush, but I couldn't really push it the way I wanted too, because my car wieghs too much for those springs. I have a heavy chromolly 4 seater and I run a spare and tool bag (60 lbs). Once I took the spare and tool bags off it was way better but I still need way stiffer springs for my set up. I'm going to try 425 or 450 lb springs on thanksgiving weekend. Once I get the right spring rate on the back I imagine they will be great. Steve from Makin Trax seems determined to make sure they work right. I was doing the try it before you buy it deal, So on thanksgiving I will have my final shocks with the right springs, I'm pretty sure I will hang with, or beat, my friends with long travel.

[Makin' Trax]

Sumo's T-Rex is certainly not the norm. It is really nice and well thought out for additional leg room in the rear passenger area. He incorporated the tailgate into the cage area so he is able to move his seat back a little more than normal. Also there is an additional area behind the seat where he carries tools and such. Then hanging off the rear is his spare tire. So with the 43" of cantilevered weight behind the rear axel along with the weight of the 4130 chromoly cage it is quite rear heavy. Way different than the standard 4 seater with the weight not more than 22" behind the axel. We'll get her figured out though and put big smile on his face on Thankgiving..

[waytay]

I this weekend picked shocks up from steve and saw the above mentioned teryx with shock woes. Nice rig by the way!!! It was Long on the backend and I can see how the cantilevered weight could really change the way it rides. I almost would think in sand the front end would push at times because of this weight. I am sure seve will get the spring rate issue resolved and any dampening issues also.

I however picked up my set for a teryx with a bed delete and a two seat cage. I am excited to see how it rides and flys this weekend in glamis. I will hopefully be able to post pictures.

[TCSF]

Here's a product review that does some serious head to head testing of various well known brands of shocks. Although this was for Rhino shocks, the same technology is probably present in the Teryx shocks. Bilstein (non adjustable) and Walker Evans (adjsutable) do well. AFCO didn't have a product when this test was done.

http://www.sidebysideracingproducts...._shoot_out.pdf

more info on the Bilsteins: UTV Guide - Kawasaki Teryx Shocks

[Makin' Trax]

Unfortunately the test was performed in 2006 and the article came out in Jan. 2007. At that time the aftermarket shocks for Rhinos were fairly new. There was not a RZR or a Teryx. So much has changed since then. New companies have come on the scene and others have stepped up and tested and improved. Those shocks that were crowned the winners of the shootout aren't found as winners on the race tracks today. We had just begun negotiating and testing with AFCO. AFCO's by Makin' Trax racked up 12 event wins and 3 championships in 2008. That does not include other well placed finishes. Wonder how WER and Bilstein did? Wish they would have another shoot out!!