[Speed]

Seems like it should be as simple as dropping a 160 spring into a 180 vanilla, but I asked Fox and they said it can't be done. Is that Fox just forcing us to do what they want, or will it really not work?

I'd like to have the fork mostly at 160, but have the option to go to 180 on the big days.

TIA!

 

[Tetreault]

as far as i know the 180mm and 160mm are completely different and it cant be done like that. maybe modifying the stock spring in some way it will work. http://www.pinkbike.com/news/fox-36-180-inside-eurobike-2010.html this video explained whats different i cant remember off the top of my head and dont feel like watching it again

 

[HAB]

It's more complected than just swapping springs, but you can. Basically you need:

1) A spring that's 20mm shorter than the stock one, but with otherwise similar dimensions.
2) A 20mm spacer on the spring shaft. That one you'll have to make yourself.

I don't know if the 160mm springs are just 20mm shorter. I actually doubt it, but can neither confirm or deny with total certainty.

Edit: You can cut the stock spring, but you're then need another spring to go back to 180.

 

[4130biker]

Just curious, does cutting a spring cause any problems by not having that terminal (flat) coil? I've always been tempted to lower my boxxer team to 7" travel... but I'm a little skeerd.
If cutting isn't a big problem, the OP could potentially use one of his extra springs (of lower spring rate than he normally runs) to cut, since the spring rate increases when you remove coils.

 

[armada]

no offense.... but do you realy feel the diference betwen 160 and 180mm of travel? if its the same atc its not realy a diference is it?

 

[HAB]

Just curious, does cutting a spring cause any problems by not having that terminal (flat) coil? I've always been tempted to lower my boxxer team to 7" travel... but I'm a little skeerd.
If cutting isn't a big problem, the OP could potentially use one of his extra springs (of lower spring rate than he normally runs) to cut, since the spring rate increases when you remove coils.

I've done it to a couple forks with no ill effects. With a little effort you can bend the tip flat fairly successfully.

 

[HAB]

no offense.... but do you realy feel the diference betwen 160 and 180mm of travel? if its the same atc its not realy a diference is it?

The axle to crown does get lower. So yes, it's a substantial difference.

 

[4130biker]

I've done it to a couple forks with no ill effects. With a little effort you can bend the tip flat fairly successfully.

cool, thanks!

 

[dropmachine]

The axle to crown does get lower. So yes, it's a substantial difference.

If you're cutting the spring and replacing the top of it with a spacer, then how would that change the axle to crown exactly? Seems to me that you'r ejust replaciong a bit of spring with a bit of solid. Am I missing something?

 

[4130biker]

I believe you are effectivetly shortening the spring shaft by adding the spacer under the head of the spring shaft. This stops the fork from extending to full length. This would shorten your travel w/o the spring hack, but then you'd have some crazy ass preload!

Here's an un-related question: would it be possible to fit boxxer ride spring internals into my '09 boxxer team?

 

[HAB]

If you're cutting the spring and replacing the top of it with a spacer, then how would that change the axle to crown exactly? Seems to me that you'r ejust replaciong a bit of spring with a bit of solid. Am I missing something?

Yeah. The spacer goes under the top out assembly so it engages sooner. You're not putting the spacer where the 20mm of removed spring were.

 

[armada]

I believe you are effectivetly shortening the spring shaft by adding the spacer under the head of the spring shaft. This stops the fork from extending to full length. This would shorten your travel w/o the spring hack, but then you'd have some crazy ass preload!

Here's an un-related question: would it be possible to fit boxxer ride spring internals into my '09 boxxer team?

the left spring side is the same on the ride and the team

 

[roel_koel]

are the stanchions longer on the 36 180mm than on the 36 160mm forks?

it would seem so, judging by the different lowers which protrudes below the wheel axle?

does this mean that you would just bottom out the stanchions inside the lowers if swapping the 180mm spring for 160mm spring, and not get the reduced travel effect?

 

[joelsman]

WHILE the stanchions are longer the travel would be fine 180-20 = 160 so the fork would not bottom from the stanchions hitting too soon, unless you used the 160 lowers.

 

[quickneonrt]

Sell the 180 and why not just get a 160????

 

[freeridefool]

Sell the 180 and why not just get a 160????

He said he wanted to still have the option to go back to 180...