SXS Suspension 101: Setting Ride Height with Shock Therapy

Published on: Oct 11, 2023

If your side-by-side feels too low when fully loaded, you’re not alone. Many side-by-side owners struggle with sagging stock suspension. Fortunately, Shock Therapy has the answers to help you restore the proper ride height and improve suspension performance.

Why Does My UTV Sit Low?

A common issue with stock UTV suspension is sagging springs, which causes the vehicle to sit lower than expected. This is often due to stock settings that are based on a general weight assumption, typically around 340 pounds of payload (for two 170-pound riders). Unfortunately, stock suspension is rarely optimized for the owner’s actual driving style or the specific terrain. The solution is to adjust your suspension to match your unique load and driving preferences.

Jon Crowley, from Shock Therapy, explains, “The biggest question we get is, ‘Why does my UTV sit so low after I load it down?’ The main reasons are added weight and worn-out stock springs. Adjusting ride height can help solve this.”

Checking Ride Height

To set your ride height, start by measuring ground clearance when the vehicle is unloaded. With the car in a parked, relaxed position, measure the distance between the frame and the ground. For example, on our test vehicle, a Can-Am X3 Max, we found the rear clearance was 16.5 inches, while the front was 15.5 inches. After adding your usual payload (such as passengers, spare tire, and cargo), these numbers will likely drop.

For example, when we loaded the X3 with four passengers, the rear dropped by 2.5 inches, and the front dropped by 3.5 inches. If you typically ride with a full load, you’ll need to adjust preload to bring the ride height back up to optimal levels.

Adjusting Preload

To restore proper ride height, you need to add preload to the shocks. Preload affects the amount of tension in the spring, and adding it will raise the suspension. Start by adding preload to the front shocks—about 2 inches—and 4 inches to the rear shocks, as the rear supports more weight (engine and cargo). Loosen the preload collar and adjust the spring compression using a spanner wrench.

Tip: Using a spring compressor tool will make this adjustment easier and safer, as shocks are under significant pressure. Once you’ve made the adjustments, recheck ride height with your vehicle fully loaded, and make any small adjustments as needed.

Adjusting Cross-Over Rings

If your shocks have a cross-over ring, you’ll need to adjust it as well. The cross-over ring is where the spring transitions from a smaller tender spring to a larger main spring. This adjustment helps with shock tuning and provides a smoother ride over varied terrain.

For most side-by-sides, the gap between the cross-over ring and the spring divider should be about 1 to 1.5 inches at the front, and 2 to 2.5 inches at the rear. Shock Therapy provides model-specific recommendations on their website, so be sure to consult those before making changes.

Fine-Tuning Compression and Rebound

After adjusting ride height and preload, it's time to dial in compression and rebound settings. Compression determines how your shocks respond to pressure, while rebound controls how quickly they return to their original position after a hit. Both adjustments affect ride quality.

For high-speed riding, you'll want more compression to handle big impacts, while rock crawling or trail riding may require softer settings. Rebound adjustments ensure that the shocks reset properly after a hit, which is especially important for keeping the tires in contact with the terrain.

Upgrading Your Springs

If you’re still having issues with sagging suspension after adjusting preload and other settings, it may be time to upgrade your springs. Shock Therapy offers spring kits designed to handle heavier payloads, improving ride quality and suspension performance. Upgrading your springs can make a world of difference, especially if your vehicle is heavily loaded with aftermarket accessories.

For example, the Can-Am X3 we tested needed a spring upgrade because the rear suspension had become coil-bound due to additional weight. Shock Therapy’s dual-rate spring kits range from $600 to $940, and they can significantly improve your UTV’s suspension performance.

Conclusion

Proper suspension setup is critical for getting the most out of your side-by-side. By measuring and adjusting ride height, preload, cross-over rings, and shock settings, you can improve your vehicle’s handling and ride comfort. If you're still experiencing sag or poor performance, upgrading your springs is always a great option.

For more detailed instructions and vehicle-specific recommendations, check out www.sidebysidesports.com for videos, guides, and additional support.