[sykal]

Hi Guys,

So I grabbed a 2" lift kit from high lifter for my zforce 800 trail.
I really had intentions of softening up/expanding spring while installing the lift kit in order to really make it a softer ride. I wasn't terribly concerned with actual ground clearance...

I see how I have plenty to play with in the rear of the machine, but the front looks like its almost maxed already (maybe 0.5" left to go) which means even if I maxed out the spring on the front, id have 1.5" lift on the front and rear...which concerns me cause the ride is so hard in the rear to begin with.

what do you all recommend? anyone deal with this kit on a trail?

thanks in advance,

[NMKawierider]

Hi Guys,

So I grabbed a 2" lift kit from high lifter for my zforce 800 trail.
I really had intentions of softening up/expanding spring while installing the lift kit in order to really make it a softer ride. I wasn't terribly concerned with actual ground clearance...

I see how I have plenty to play with in the rear of the machine, but the front looks like its almost maxed already (maybe 0.5" left to go) which means even if I maxed out the spring on the front, id have 1.5" lift on the front and rear...which concerns me cause the ride is so hard in the rear to begin with.

what do you all recommend? anyone deal with this kit on a trail?

thanks in advance,

Although most of us don't recommend putting any kind of lift kit on a trail because of the limited travel, people do all the time. Of those that do I can't say I know anyone that has been successful in improving the ride quality using any kind of lift..partly because like you say, you can only back-off the front preload so much and you have to maintain enough preload on the back to make it either level or with 1/2" lower in front then in back loaded with passengers and gear. And partly because the CFM dual-rate springs are pure junk. You can get a more compliant ride with the Bandit spring set-up but overall, with a lift, you may well be stiffer then before. Now with just the bandit springs or if you have the coin, the full shock set for the trail, it is a night and day difference in ride. From milk crate on a buckboard to Lexis....well...almost.

[sykal]

ah so the bandit springs allow for better preload/no sag and also give some extra ground clearance? any idea how much ground clearance they add?

[NMKawierider]

ah so the bandit springs allow for better preload/no sag and also give some extra ground clearance? any idea how much ground clearance they add?

That's not what I said...or meant. I meant the springs are more "compliant" meaning they react more smoothly, predictable and without any spring-binding throughout their full range of motion or compression. As such even under the extra loading they have with lifts maintaining the correct ride profile, they will react..or move more on impacts then the OEs will giving you a better ride...not perfect..but somewhat less "bone-jaring" then the OEs will. Of course everyone has their own perception of what is OK or feels like a good ride. For me at 65 and with my dirt bike and ATV days behind me, I want that X3 or trophy-truck suspension compliance and feel...or as close to it as my wallet can make it....lol.     

[sykal]

So I returned the lift kit and went with the Bandit Springs (medium)
wow...I'm so glad I did.

The entire machine feels so much softer and also gave me about 1-1.5" extra clearance.

I still have room to soften it up even more if I want but already insanely happy with the improvement.

[NMKawierider]

Good. Yes, I too was.."Insanely Happy" with the Bandit springs over the factory's. Even my wife will ride with me now...lol. And the dog doesn't want out the entire ride now either.