
The term “speed” in damping (i.e., Low, Medium and High) relates to shaft velocity of the shock shaft,
FOX 3 STACKS CODE
As mentioned previously, the valving combinations areĪfter changing springs and oil seals, your results are documented with valve coding, to:Ī valve code is the sequence and the count of shims in a valve shim stack, or in other words, "recording the damping valve shim setup". Happens is the thicker (small diameter) gap shim lets the large shims deflectįurther before hitting the next line of progressive shims in the second stageĪnother alternative is to go to a differentĭiameter gap shim. Would think that a thicker shim would make the shock stiffer, yet what really Shim in place, by making the gap shim thicker, the shock becomes softer. If you are using a progressive stack with a gap 012" thick shim, as the two thinner shims would deflect more (be softer) It is better to use more thin shims than a few thicker shims as the thin shims will provide better, smoother damping. Rate, a corresponding increase in valve resistance is recommended. In general, the rebound damping does not need to be changed unless the spring rate is changed. If your compression damping adjustment isįull out (“open”), and your suspension is still feeling over-damped, you shouldīe thinking about removing compression valve shims.
FOX 3 STACKS FULL
If the compression damping adjustments are full in (“closed”), you should be thinking about adding compression valve shims. Make sure that everything in your suspension is well lubricated and is moving freely. You should consider working on shock valving onlyĪfter you have determined the correct rear shock sag setting for the application. The end result is what ultimately matters you either like it or you don't! This is not much different than shock tuners, in a metaphorical sense. Great guitar or bass soloing musicians have different styles and approaches to making their music. As long as the rider is happy with theĬhanges, this is what matters most, not how one achieved the results.
FOX 3 STACKS HOW TO
Regarding how to increase or decrease damping with valve shims. Many suspension technicians that routinely tune suspensions will have different ideas

There is an unlimited amount of valving combinations, so many different variations willĪchieve very similar results. This free-bleed hole controls the rebound speed of the damper by changing the size of the hole, which directly affects rebound speed (i.e., smaller equals slower, larger equals faster). In the case of the Vanilla and Float shocks, the damper piston will have a free-bleed hole drilled into the damper piston. This is due to rebound damping having to resist the force of the spring, and because piston speeds are much slower during rebound. The rebound valve shim stack, in most cases, will have a smaller outside diameter (OD) than compression valve shims do and the valve shims will usually have a thicker cross section when compared to the compression valve shims.

One side of the piston controls compression damping, and the other side controls rebound damping. There is a valve stack on both sides of the damper piston. By changing the quantity, thickness, and arrangement of the valve shims, you can tune the shock for different operating characteristics. The following method is a common way to increase or decrease the overall damping of the shock. Note:The goal of this brief document is to help you understand the simple basics of shim-valved systems.Īt FOX Racing Shox we use several methods to control the damping in our suspension products. General Rules Of Thumb For Damper Shim Valve Tuning << Click this icon to open a Valve Code drawing.
