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Frequently Asked Questions

utv machines with distressed edging

All prices on our website are listed in U.S. dollars (USD).


If you are ordering from outside the United States—including Canada—your bank or credit card provider will automatically convert the total to your local currency at the current exchange rate at the time of purchase.


We ship worldwide and proudly offer free shipping to both the U.S. and Canada.


Please note that your final amount may vary slightly depending on your bank’s exchange rate and any applicable foreign transaction fees.

What currency are your prices listed in?

Keeping your UTV shocks clean is one of the most important parts of UTV suspension maintenance. Clean shock absorbers last longer, perform better, and help your machine ride smoother across all types of terrain.


Dirt, mud, sand, and debris can build up on your shocks over time. If not cleaned properly, this buildup can:

  • Wear out seals prematurely

  • Damage adjustment knobs

  • Reduce suspension performance

  • Lead to costly repairs or rebuilds


Regular shock cleaning and maintenance helps your suspension stay consistent, responsive, and reliable.


How to Protect Your UTV Shocks from Dirt and Debris

The best way to reduce wear is to prevent debris from reaching critical areas in the first place.

We recommend using shock covers (seal savers) to protect your suspension components.

Recommended options:

  • Mom’s Kustoms (Facebook)

  • Seal Savers

Shock covers help block mud, sand, and debris from damaging seals and shafts—especially in harsh riding conditions.


How to Clean UTV Shock Absorbers (Step-by-Step)

Follow these steps to safely clean your shocks without causing damage:


1. Use a Gentle Cleaner

  • Use mild soap or detergent

  • Avoid harsh or abrasive chemicals

2. Clean Around the Seal Head

  • Remove dirt buildup carefully

  • This is one of the most sensitive areas of the shock

3. Clean the Shock Body and Shaft

  • Wipe down the shock body

  • Remove any debris stuck to the shaft

4. Clean Preload Threads

  • Use a soft brush to clean threads under the preload rings

  • This keeps adjustments smooth and prevents damage

5. Clean Adjustment Knobs

  • Make sure rebound/compression adjusters are free of dirt

  • Prevents internal damage to adjustment mechanisms

6. Clean Under the Bottom-Out Bumper

  • Light compressed air can be used here only


What NOT to Do When Cleaning UTV Shocks

Avoid these common mistakes:

  • ❌ Do NOT use compressed air on the seal head
    (This can force debris into seals and cause leaks)

  • ❌ Do NOT use abrasive cleaners or brushes
    (They can scratch surfaces and damage seals)

  • ❌ Do NOT ignore buildup around adjusters
    (This can affect shock tuning and performance)


How Often Should You Clean UTV Shocks?

There’s no exact schedule—it depends on how and where you ride.

You should clean your shocks more often if you ride in:

  • Mud or water

  • Sand or dusty conditions

  • Rocky or aggressive terrain

  • High-speed or heavy-load situations

In harsh conditions, frequent UTV shock maintenance is critical to protecting your suspension.


Why UTV Shock Maintenance Is So Important

Your shocks control how your UTV handles, absorbs impacts, and maintains traction.

Proper maintenance:

  • Improves ride quality

  • Increases control and stability

  • Extends shock lifespan

  • Prevents expensive repairs

A clean shock absorber simply performs better.


Learn More About UTV Suspension & Performance

If you want to better understand how your suspension works and how to get the most out of it, check out these guides:

These articles go deeper into suspension setup, tuning, and long-term maintenance so you can get the best performance out of your ride.


Final Tip: Keep It Simple

You don’t need a full teardown to maintain your shocks.

Just regularly:

  • Clean them

  • Inspect them

  • Protect them

Doing this consistently will keep your UTV suspension performing at its best.

How to Clean UTV Shocks (And Why Shock Maintenance Matters)

Shock covers are one of the simplest and most effective ways to protect your UTV shocks, shafts, and seals from damage.

When you ride in trail, mud, or rocky conditions, your shocks are constantly exposed to:

  • Mud and debris

  • Small stones and gravel

  • Larger rocks kicked up from tires

Over time, this can lead to damage that shortens the life of your shocks.


How Shock Covers Protect Your Suspension

Shock covers act as a barrier between your shocks and the terrain.

Without protection:

  • Rocks can dent the shock shaft

  • Dented shafts can drag debris into the seals

  • This can lead to premature seal failure and leaks


✔️ This can happen with any brand of shocks


With shock covers installed:

  • Debris is kept off the shaft

  • Seals stay cleaner

  • Shock lifespan is extended

👉 Simply put: shock covers help your shocks last longer and perform better


Do Shock Covers Cause Overheating or Damage?

No.

Shock covers are made from breathable nylon material that allows heat to pass through.

✔️ They do not trap excessive heat
✔️ They do not damage shocks

This is a common misconception, but properly designed shock covers are safe to use.


Do You Need Shock Covers for Every Type of Riding?

Not always.

  • Sand dunes: Usually not necessary (minimal rock impact)

  • Trail riding: Highly recommended

  • Mud riding: Highly recommended

  • Rocky terrain: Strongly recommended

If you ride anywhere with debris, shock covers are a smart upgrade.


How to Measure for UTV Shock Covers

To get the correct size:

  1. Extend the shock fully

  2. Measure the length of the spring stack

  3. Measure the outer circumference of the springs


This gives you the proper:

  • Length

  • Diameter (circumference)


Shock Cover Maintenance Tips

To keep everything working properly:

  • Remove shock covers after dirty rides

  • Wash them regularly

  • Clean any dirt off your shocks before reinstalling

✔️ Keeping both the covers and shocks clean is key to long-term performance


Where to Buy Shock Covers

Shock covers are widely available from:

  • Mom’s Kustoms (Facebook)

  • Seal Savers

  • Amazon

  • eBay


Final Takeaway

Shock covers are a simple, affordable way to:

  • Protect your shock shafts

  • Prevent seal damage

  • Extend the life of your suspension

At Bandit, we recommend them because they help you get the most life and performance out of your shocks.

Why Does Bandit Recommend Shock Covers for UTV Shocks?

Limit straps are not required, but at Bandit, we strongly recommend them—especially if your machine has been modified or ridden aggressively.

They are one of the most effective ways to protect your UTV suspension, shocks, axles, and ball joints from unnecessary wear and damage.


What Do Limit Straps Do?

Limit straps control how far your suspension can extend (full droop).

Without limit straps:

  • Shocks can be over-extended

  • Internal shock components can be stressed or damaged

  • Axles and ball joints take on extra strain

With limit straps:

  • Suspension extension is controlled

  • Shock internals are protected

  • Other components last longer

👉 In simple terms: limit straps prevent your suspension from overextending and wearing out prematurely


When Should You Run Limit Straps?

We highly recommend limit straps if your UTV has:

  • Portal lifts

  • Wheel spacers

  • Larger or heavier tires (higher ply ratings)

  • Beadlock or offset wheels

  • Lift kits

  • Extended A-arms or trailing arms

  • Arched A-arms

These upgrades add stress to your suspension and increase the risk of overextension.


Why Bandit Recommends Limit Straps

With over 40 years in off-road racing and suspension experience, we’ve seen it firsthand:

  • Shocks from many brands can be pulled apart or damaged at full extension

  • Axles and ball joints can wear out faster without proper control


Limit straps help prevent this.

✔️ They protect:

  • Shock internals

  • Axles

  • Ball joints

  • Suspension geometry


Are Limit Straps Worth It?

Yes—especially for aggressive riders.

They are:

  • A low-cost upgrade

  • Easy to install

  • Highly effective at preventing expensive damage

👉 For the price, they can save you from major suspension repairs down the road.


How to Measure for UTV Limit Straps

To size your limit straps correctly:

  1. Measure your shock at full extension
    (eye-to-eye or bolt hole to bolt hole)

  2. Subtract:1.5" to 2" shorter than full extension

This ensures the strap stops the suspension before the shock reaches full droop.


Important Note About Stretch
  • Limit straps will stretch about 1 inch after a few rides

  • This typically leaves:1/4"–1/2" of safety margin

✔️ This is normal and should be accounted for when sizing


Final Takeaway

Limit straps are not mandatory—but they are one of the smartest upgrades you can make to protect your suspension.

At Bandit, we recommend them because they:

  • Extend the life of your shocks

  • Reduce wear on key components

  • Help your UTV handle abuse more reliably

Does Bandit Recommend Running Limit Straps on a UTV?

No. UTV shocks do not use regular air—they are filled with high-pressure nitrogen by the manufacturer.

This nitrogen charge is set during the build process and is critical to how your shocks perform.


Why You Should NOT Adjust Shock Pressure Yourself
  • UTV shocks are not filled with air like tires

  • You cannot check pressure with a tire gauge

  • You cannot refill them with compressed air

Attempting to do so can:

  • Damage internal components

  • Cause improper performance

  • Lead to costly repairs

What Does Nitrogen Do in a Shock?

Nitrogen pressure inside the shock helps:

  • Prevent oil foaming (cavitation)

  • Maintain consistent damping performance

  • Keep internal components working correctly

👉 Proper nitrogen pressure is essential for ride quality, control, and shock longevity


Can You Check or Adjust Nitrogen Pressure?

Yes—but only with the proper tools.

Nitrogen pressure must be checked and adjusted using:

  • Specialized high-pressure gauges

  • Proper nitrogen filling equipment

This is not something that can be done at home with standard tools.


What Should You Do If You Think There’s an Issue?

If you suspect a problem with your shocks:

✔️ Contact a local shock technician
✔️ Have them check and service the nitrogen properly

This is usually faster and more cost-effective than sending shocks back for inspection.


Final Takeaway
  • Do not attempt to adjust or check shock pressure yourself
  • Nitrogen is pre-set by the manufacturer

  • Always use a qualified technician for service

At Bandit, we recommend leaving nitrogen service to professionals to ensure your shocks continue performing exactly as designed.

Should I Adjust the Air Pressure in My UTV Shocks?

Preload (spring tension) will vary from machine to machine. There is no universal setting, because your setup depends on things like rider weight, accessories, terrain, and riding style.

That said, there is a proven starting method you can follow.


Step 1: Set “Zero Preload” (Your Baseline)
  1. Jack the UTV up so the suspension is fully extended

  2. Turn the preload adjuster (spanner nuts) down until they just touch the spring

  3. The spring should no longer move or rattle

✔️ This is Zero Preload

Important:
A common mistake is measuring preload from the top of the shock body down to the adjuster nuts.

This is NOT correct.

Zero preload is simply when the spring is just held in place with no extra compression.


Step 2: Set Your Starting Point
  • From zero preload, tighten the adjuster +1/4 inch

  • Use the exposed threads on the shock body as your reference

  • Count threads or measure so both sides match

✔️ Make sure:

  • Both front shocks are set evenly

  • Both rear shocks are set evenly


Step 3: Settle the Suspension

After setting your preload:

  1. Put the machine back on the ground

  2. Take it for a short drive

❗ The suspension must cycle to settle properly
Jumping on the bumper will not achieve the same result


Step 4: Measure Ride Height
  • Measure from the bottom of the chassis (front and rear)

As a general guideline:

  • Some UTVs perform well with the front 0.5"–1" higher than the rear

⚠️ However, there is no single “correct” setup
Your ideal setup depends on your machine, terrain, and usage


Step 5: Fine Tune Your Setup

Make adjustments in 1/4 inch increments only

  • Too low / sagging? → Add preload

  • Too stiff / harsh? → Reduce preload

👉 What preload does:

  • More preload = more ride height + slightly firmer ride

  • Less preload = softer ride + more suspension movement


Important Tips
  • Always lift the machine when adjusting preload

  • Keep shock threads clean (light lubricant helps)

  • Use threads only as a reference, not a measurement of “correct” preload

  • Small adjustments make a big difference


What to Expect After Installation
  • New springs are higher quality and higher rate than OEM

  • It’s normal to gain 1–2 inches of ground clearance

  • Springs will settle after a few hundred miles

✔️ Recheck and adjust preload after break-in


Final Notes
  • There is no “perfect number” for preload

  • The correct setup is whatever works best for your machine and riding style

  • Additional ride height does not change shock length or push components beyond design limits

  • With some spring kits or shock packages, even with the spanner collars adjusted all the way up, you may still need to compress the springs slightly to install the lower retainer. This is normal and means the springs will already have a small amount of preload once installed.

How Do I Adjust Preload on My UTV Shocks?

Compression adjustment controls how your shocks react when hitting bumps, rocks, and rough terrain.

In simple terms, compression damping controls how fast your shock compresses when force is applied.


What Does Compression Adjustment Do?

Compression damping is created by oil flowing through internal circuits inside the shock.

By restricting that oil flow:

  • More restriction = firmer ride

  • Less restriction = softer ride

👉 This allows you to fine-tune how your UTV handles different terrain.


Low-Speed vs High-Speed Compression

Most adjustable shocks have two types of compression:


Low-Speed Compression (LSC)

Controls slower suspension movements like:

  • Body roll

  • Braking dive

  • Acceleration squat

✔️ Adjusted with a flathead screwdriver


High-Speed Compression (HSC)

Controls faster, harder impacts like:

  • Rocks

  • Roots

  • Sharp bumps

  • Hard hits

✔️ Adjusted with a 14mm wrench


Factory Starting Settings

All shocks are shipped at:

  • Low-Speed Compression: Click #1 (softest setting)

  • High-Speed Compression: 1 full turn out

This gives you a soft baseline to start from.


How to Adjust Compression

You can adjust low-speed and high-speed compression independently.


To Adjust:
  • Turn clockwise → Firmer (more resistance)

  • Turn counterclockwise → Softer (less resistance)


How to Count Clicks
  • Each adjustment has a small detent (click)

  • These clicks let you track your settings

✔️ Always count clicks from your starting position so you can return if needed


How to Tune Your Ride

Start from the factory setting and make small changes:


If your ride feels:
  • Too soft / bottoming out → Add compression (firmer)

  • Too stiff / harsh → Reduce compression (softer)

👉 Make adjustments in small increments and test ride after each change.


Important Tips
  • Adjust one setting at a time (LSC or HSC)

  • Keep track of your clicks

  • Small changes make a big difference

  • Test in the same terrain for consistency


Final Takeaway

Compression adjustment is one of the most powerful tools you have to tune your suspension.

  • Softer = more comfort and compliance

  • Firmer = more control and bottoming resistance

The goal is to find the balance that works best for your machine and riding style.

How Do I Adjust the Compression on My UTV Shocks?

It depends on where and how you ride.

We ship all shocks with dry spherical bearings (no grease) on purpose.


Why Don’t Shocks Come Pre-Greased?

In certain riding conditions—especially sand—grease can actually do more harm than good.

  • Grease attracts sand, dirt, and debris

  • Contaminants stick to the bearing surface

  • This can accelerate wear instead of preventing it


👉 In sandy environments, running bearings dry is often the better option.


When Should You Grease Spherical Bearings?

If you ride in:

  • Trail conditions

  • Mud

  • General off-road terrain


You can clean and lightly grease your spherical bearings to help extend their life.

✔️ Greasing can:

  • Reduce friction

  • Help prevent corrosion

  • Improve longevity in normal riding conditions


When Should You NOT Grease Them?

Avoid greasing if you primarily ride in:

  • Sand dunes

  • Extremely dusty conditions

❌ Grease will act like a magnet for fine particles and can wear out the bearings faster.


Best Practice for Bearing Maintenance

For most riders:

  1. Clean bearings regularly

  2. Apply a light amount of grease if appropriate for your terrain

  3. Recheck after dirty rides

✔️ The key is keeping them clean, whether you run them dry or greased


Final Takeaway
  • Bearings are shipped dry for a reason

  • Grease is optional and depends on riding conditions

  • Cleanliness matters more than anything


At Bandit, we recommend adjusting your maintenance based on your environment to get the longest life out of your spherical bearings.s.

Do I Need to Grease the Spherical Bearings on My UTV Shocks?

Torque specifications for shock bolts vary by make, model, and year of your UTV.

Because of this, there is no universal torque spec we can provide.


Where Can I Find the Correct Torque Specs?

To ensure proper installation, always refer to:

  • Your vehicle owner’s manual

  • Your manufacturer’s service manual

  • Your local UTV dealer or service technician

These sources will provide the exact torque specifications for your specific machine.


Why Torque Specs Matter

Proper torque is critical for both safety and performance.

Incorrect torque can lead to:

  • Loose bolts and component movement

  • Damaged mounting points

  • Premature wear on bushings and hardware

  • Potential safety risks while riding


Important Installation Tips
  • Always use a quality torque wrench

  • Make sure bolts and threads are clean before installation

  • Torque bolts to manufacturer specifications only

  • Recheck torque after your first few rides


Final Takeaway

There is no one-size-fits-all torque spec for UTV shocks.

✔️ Always follow your manufacturer’s specifications
✔️ When in doubt, contact your local dealer

Proper torque ensures your shocks are installed safely and correctly.

What Are the Torque Specs for UTV Shock Bolts?

For most riders, we recommend changing your shock oil once per year.

This guideline is consistent across nearly all off-road shock brands, including our own recommendations at Bandit.


Why Shock Oil Maintenance Matters

Shock oil plays a critical role in how your suspension performs. Over time, it breaks down due to:

  • Heat

  • Repeated impacts

  • Contamination from normal use


When oil degrades, you may notice:

  • Reduced ride quality

  • Less consistent damping

  • Increased wear on internal components

👉 Fresh oil helps maintain smooth, controlled, and reliable suspension performance


When Should You Service Your Shocks More Often?

If you ride aggressively or in harsh conditions, you should service your shocks more frequently.

This includes:

  • Racing or high-speed riding

  • Frequent hard impacts

  • Heavy loads or added accessories

  • Mud, water, or dusty environments


In these cases, shock oil may need to be changed multiple times per year.


Signs Your Shocks May Need Service
  • Ride feels rough or inconsistent

  • Increased bottoming out

  • Loss of control or stability

  • Visible oil leaks


If you notice any of these, it’s a good idea to have your shocks inspected.

Final Takeaway
  • Standard use → Service shocks annually

  • Aggressive use → Service more frequently


Regular shock maintenance is one of the best ways to:

  • Extend shock lifespan

  • Maintain ride quality

  • Prevent costly repairs

How Often Should I Change the Oil in My UTV Shocks?

Yes—this is normal in off-road suspension.

It is very common for UTV springs to lightly rub the shock body or crossover rings, especially in real-world riding conditions.


Why Do Springs Rub on Shocks?

Off-road suspension is constantly moving, flexing, and loading under different conditions.

Because of this:

  • Springs can shift slightly during travel

  • Tight clearances can cause light contact

  • Load and preload changes can increase contact


👉 This is a normal part of how high-performance off-road shocks operate.


Is Spring Rubbing a Problem?

In most cases, no.

✔️ Light rubbing:

  • Is expected

  • Does not affect performance

  • Does not damage the shock when within normal limits


Some manufacturers even add protective sleeves on the shock body to help reduce wear in contact areas.


What Causes More Spring Rubbing?

You may notice increased contact if:

  • Running higher preload settings

  • Using a longer single spring setup

  • Riding aggressively or in rough terrain


These conditions can slightly change spring alignment during travel.


What About Crossover Rings (Dual Spring Setups)?

With dual-rate springs:

  • Springs may also contact crossover rings

  • Some light rubbing can still occur


✔️ This is also considered normal in many setups


How to Reduce Spring Rubbing

While some contact is unavoidable, you can help minimize it:

1. Clock Your Springs Properly
  • Position spring ends (tails) 180° apart at the divider

  • This helps improve alignment


2. Check Preload Settings
  • Avoid excessive preload when possible

  • More preload can increase spring bowing


3. Rotate (Clock) the Spring
  • Slightly rotating the spring can sometimes reduce contact points


Final Takeaway
  • Light spring rubbing on shock bodies or crossover rings is normal in off-road suspension

  • It is not typically a cause for concern

  • Proper setup can help minimize it, but not always eliminate it


At Bandit, we design and tune suspension systems with real-world riding in mind—some contact is simply part of how off-road suspension works.

Will UTV Springs Rub the Shock Body or Crossover Rings?

This is normal.

Spring dividers are designed to move up and down on the shock body as your suspension cycles. Because of this movement, some light contact or rubbing can occur.


What Does a Spring Divider Do?

A spring divider (also called a crossover divider) is used in dual-rate spring setups.

It:

  • Connects the upper and lower springs

  • Allows the suspension to transition between spring rates

  • Moves along the shock body during suspension travel

👉 Movement is part of its normal function.


Is Spring Divider Rubbing a Problem?

In most cases, no.

✔️ Light rubbing:

  • Is expected

  • Does not affect performance

  • Is common in off-road suspension systems


What Causes More Rubbing?

You may notice increased contact if:

  • Dirt or debris builds up in the divider area

  • Riding conditions are muddy or dusty

  • Suspension is cycling heavily in rough terrain


How to Reduce Wear

The best way to minimize wear is simple:

  • Clean your shocks regularly

  • Rinse dirt and debris from around the spring divider

  • Inspect the area during routine maintenance


✔️ Keeping this area clean helps prevent unnecessary wear over time


Final Takeaway
  • Spring dividers are meant to move on the shock body

  • Some rubbing is completely normal

  • Regular cleaning is the best way to maintain performance

My spring divider is rubbing on the shock body, Why?

We source our springs from top-tier spring manufacturers in the United States.


Why We Use Multiple Manufacturers

At Bandit, we work with leading U.S. spring manufacturers to ensure we’re always delivering:

  • High-quality materials

  • Consistent spring rates

  • Reliable performance

  • Proper fitment for each application

Using multiple trusted suppliers allows us to match the best spring for each specific setup.


What Matters Most in a UTV Spring

The performance of a spring comes down to:

  • Proper spring rate

  • Material quality

  • Manufacturing consistency

  • Correct setup for your machine


👉 At Bandit, every spring is selected and paired to match your vehicle, weight, and riding style.


Are Your Springs High Quality?

Yes.

All of our springs are:

  • Built to meet or exceed OEM standards

  • Designed for off-road durability

  • Selected for long-term performance and reliability


Final Takeaway

We partner with top U.S. spring manufacturers to ensure every setup delivers the performance and durability our customers expect.

At the end of the day, it’s not about one name—it’s about getting the right spring for your ride.

Who Manufactures Your UTV Springs?

We do not recommend powder coating UTV springs.

While it may seem like a simple way to change the look, the process can actually weaken the spring and affect performance.


Why You Should NOT Powder Coat Springs

Powder coating typically involves:

  • Sandblasting the surface

  • Reheating the spring to cure the coating


These steps can:

  • Alter the molecular structure of the steel

  • Reduce spring strength

  • Affect spring rate and durability

  • Increase the risk of premature failure


👉 Springs are engineered and heat-treated very precisely—changing that process can compromise their integrity.


Do You Offer Springs in Different Colors?

We periodically offer:

  • Silver springs (limited availability)

However, our standard and most common option is:

  • Black (Bandit’s signature color)


Can I Change the Color Safely?

If you want to customize the look of your suspension:

  • Avoid powder coating or high-heat processes

  • Consider alternatives like:Wraps
    Covers

These options won’t affect the structure of the spring.


Final Takeaway
  • ❌ Do not powder coat springs

  • ✔️ It can weaken the steel and reduce lifespan

  • ✔️ Stick with factory finishes for performance and reliability

At Bandit, our priority is making sure your suspension performs as designed and lasts as long as possible.

Can I Powder Coat My UTV Springs? Do You Offer Different Colors?

Rebound adjustment controls how fast your suspension returns (extends) after it compresses from a bump or impact.

👉 In simple terms:
Rebound controls how your UTV settles after a hit.


What Does Rebound Damping Do?

After your shock compresses, rebound damping controls how quickly it extends back to full length.

Proper rebound helps:

  • Keep your tires planted

  • Maintain control and stability

  • Prevent bouncing or harsh ride feel


What Happens If Rebound Is Not Set Correctly?
Too Little Rebound (Too Fast)
  • Suspension extends too quickly

  • Causes a pogo / bouncing effect

  • Can feel unstable after big hits


Too Much Rebound (Too Slow)
  • Suspension cannot extend fast enough

  • Causes the shock to “pack down”

  • Results in a harsh, stiff ride over repeated bumps


Where Is the Rebound Adjuster Located?
  • Typically found at the lower end of the shock

  • Marked with:S = Soft (faster rebound)
    H = Hard (slower rebound)


Factory Starting Point

We ship all shocks with rebound set at the midpoint.

✔️ This is the best all-around starting setting for most riders.


How to Adjust Rebound
  • Turn toward S (counterclockwise) → Faster rebound (softer feel)

  • Turn toward H (clockwise) → Slower rebound (firmer feel)

Make adjustments in small increments (1 click at a time).


How to Tune Your Rebound Settings

Start at the midpoint and adjust based on how your UTV feels:

  • Bouncy / kicking after bumps? → Add rebound (turn toward H)

  • Harsh / feels stuck down in bumps? → Reduce rebound (turn toward S)


Important Tips
  • Adjust one setting at a time

  • Keep track of your clicks

  • Test ride after each adjustment

  • Use the same terrain for consistent results


Final Takeaway
  • Rebound controls how fast your suspension resets after a hit

  • Start at the midpoint

  • Adjust one click at a time

There is no “perfect” setting—your ideal rebound depends on terrain, speed, tire setup, and driving style.

How Do I Adjust Rebound on My UTV Shocks?

There is no single “correct” setting for crossover rings.

Crossover rings are designed to let you fine-tune how your suspension feels based on your riding style, terrain, and preference.


What Do Crossover Rings Do?

Crossover rings control when your secondary (tender) spring transitions to your main spring.

In a dual-rate setup:

  • You start riding on a combined (softer) spring rate

  • Then transition into the main (heavier) spring rate

👉 The crossover ring determines when that transition happens


How Crossover Ring Position Affects Ride Feel
Lower Position (Closer to Bottom Threads)
  • Engages the main spring sooner

  • Results in a firmer ride earlier in the travel

  • Better for:Aggressive riding
    Heavy loads
    Preventing bottoming out

Higher Position (Closer to Top Threads)
  • Delays engagement of the main spring
  • Keeps both springs working together longer

  • Results in a softer, more comfortable ride

Middle Position
  • Balanced transition between soft and firm

  • Most common starting point for general trail riding

How to Adjust Crossover Rings
  • Turn the crossover rings up or down on the threaded body

  • Adjust in small increments

  • Test ride after each adjustment

✔️ There is no fixed measurement—this is all about feel


How to Tune Your Setup

Start in a middle position, then adjust based on how the machine feels:

  • Too soft / bottoming out? → Move rings lower (engage main spring sooner)

  • Too stiff / harsh? → Move rings higher (stay in dual-rate longer)


Important Tips
  • Make adjustments with the suspension unloaded (lifted)

  • Keep both sides even

  • Small changes make a noticeable difference

  • Always test in the same terrain for consistency


Final Takeaway

Crossover rings are a fine-tuning tool, not a fixed setting.

  • Lower = firmer sooner

  • Higher = softer longer

The best setup is the one that feels right for your machine and how you ride.

How Do I Adjust My Crossover Rings on UTV Shocks?

mud with utv track marks

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Bandit UTV makes the high-quality shocks you need to take control of the trail and make your next ride your best ride yet.

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