Fox Float 3 EVOL Series Owner's Manual

Congratulations

Thank you for choosing FOX FLOAT 3 EVOL SERIES shock absorbers for your snowmobile. FOX shocks have been designed, tested, and manufactured in the USA for over 35 years. This manual provides step-by-step instructions on how to set up and maintain your shocks. Keep your proof of purchase with this manual for service and warranty issues. This manual does not cover shock rebuilds; this should be done by an authorized FOX service technician.

Consumer Safety

WARNING: Riding a snowmobile can be dangerous and may result in death or serious injury. Take responsibility for yourself and others. Always wear protective clothing, eye protection, and a helmet. Keep your vehicle and suspension systems in optimal working condition. Know your limits and ride within them!

The FOX FLOAT 3 EVOL SERIES shock contains a high-pressure nitrogen charge and should only be opened by a FOX technician.

WARNING: Opening a nitrogen-pressurized shock can be dangerous and may result in serious injury or death. Never attempt to disassemble the damper. Do not puncture or incinerate the shock absorber damper portion. Always wear eye protection when installing or adjusting your shock absorber.

Understanding the Float 3 EVOL Series

FOX FLOAT (FOX Load Optimizing Air Technology) 3 EVOL SERIES air shocks use air as springs, offering high performance without heavy steel coil springs. The damping system is velocity-sensitive and shimmed. FLOAT 3 EVOL SERIES shock dampers contain high-pressure nitrogen gas and FOX high viscosity index shock oil, separated by an Internal Floating Piston (IFP) system, ensuring consistent, fade-free damping.

The FLOAT 3 EVOL SERIES shocks are constructed from 6061-T6 aluminum for lightweight and strength. The chromed damper shaft is super-finished for low friction and long seal life. Seals and wipers are specifically engineered for FLOAT 3 EVOL SERIES and are protected from dirt, water, and ice within the air sleeve.

Key Components:

• FLOAT 3 EVOL: Features EVOL Air Chamber, Main Air Spring Filler Valve, Negative Spring, Internal Floating Piston.
• FLOAT 3 EVOL R: Includes Nitrogen Chamber, Body, EVOL Air Spring Filler Valve, Internal Floating Piston.
• FLOAT 3 EVOL RC2: Features Dual Speed Compression Adjuster, Nitrogen Chamber, Internal Floating Piston, Damping Piston & Valving, Main Air Chamber, Air Sleeve, and Rebound Adjuster.

Fox Pump

Your FLOAT 3 EVOL SERIES shock absorbers are shipped with a FOX dual scale air pump (P/N 027-00-008). An optional 0-300psi Digital Pump (P/N 027-00-010) is also available. A Body Guard Kit is available in various colors.

Adjustable Progressive Dual-Stage Air Spring

Air springs are progressive, meaning the spring force builds rapidly during the latter half of shock travel, preventing harsh bottoming and providing a "bottomless" feel. Adjusting the MAIN and EVOL air chambers allows for infinite spring rate tuning.

Main Chamber: Adjusting this pressure is similar to changing the tender and/or secondary springs on a coil-over shock. It affects ride height and overall spring stiffness.

EVOL Chamber: Adjusting this pressure is similar to changing the main spring on a coil-over shock. It controls the vehicle's corner roll and bottom-out characteristics.

Reference Air Pressures:

Graphs illustrate the effect of EVOL and MAIN air chamber pressure on the progressive spring curves.

Temperature Dependency

Air pressures can change by approximately 10psi for every 100°F (56°C) temperature change. If temperatures change by more than 30°F (17°C), it is recommended to reset the pressure settings. Ensure pressures are set at ambient temperature for optimal performance.

Installing Your Shocks

If you lack the proper tools or expertise, have shocks installed by a professional technician. Ensure the correct reducers are used for mounting. WARNING: Contact FOX if reducers do not fit correctly, as proper shock mounting is critical for operation and safety.

WARNING: Do not remove the reservoir nitrogen filler cap or attempt to change nitrogen pressure, as this can damage the shock absorber.

Shock absorbers come preset with rebound and compression adjustments. It is recommended to count the full clicks clockwise until the adjuster stops, then back them out the same amount. Note these settings in the TUNING NOTES section.

Measure Stock Settings

Step 1: With the vehicle on a flat surface, push down on the front bumper 3 times to set the front end. Measure the ground clearance from the low point of the chassis to the ground. This is Measurement A (Ride Height). Measurement should be taken with the intended rider and gear on board.

Step 2: Raise the front end until the shocks fully extend or the skis are just off the ground. Re-measure from the same chassis point to the ground. This is Measurement B (Full Extension).

Step 3: Calculate Sag: B - A = Sag. For example, 9.750” - 7.375” = 2.375” of Sag. Sag requirements vary based on vehicle, rider weight, and usage.

Float 3 EVOL Series Installation

Step 1: Ensure the snowmobile is safely supported with a floor jack or jack stand, with skis off the ground. The suspension should be fully extended before removing stock shocks. Install FLOAT 3 EVOL series shock absorbers with the air sleeve oriented as pictured.

Step 2: Torque original hardware to manufacturer's specifications. While FOX FLOAT 3 shocks are pre-pressurized, it is recommended to check air pressure before riding.

Float 3 EVOL Series Setup

Step 1: Ensure the snowmobile is safely supported with a floor jack or jack stand, with skis off the ground. Remove the EVOL air spring filler cap.

NOTE: ALWAYS SET EVOL CHAMBER AIR PRESSURE BEFORE SETTING MAIN CHAMBER AIR PRESSURE.

Step 2: Thread the pump onto the EVOL air filler valve until fully seated. Air pressure will register on the pump's high-pressure scale. Note: Air filling the pump hose and gauge will cause a lower initial reading; this is normal.

Step 3: Pump the shock to the desired air pressure. To decrease pressure, use the BLACK-BLEED valve on the pump. WARNING: DO NOT EXCEED 300PSI in the EVOL CHAMBER. Pushing the bleed valve halfway down allows continuous air escape. Pushing it all the way down and releasing allows micro-adjustments.

Step 4: Thread the pump onto the MAIN air filler valve until fully seated. Air pressure will register on the pump's low-pressure scale.

Step 5: Pump the shock to the desired air pressure. WARNING: DO NOT EXCEED 150PSI in the MAIN CHAMBER.

Step 6: Lower the vehicle, remove the jack. Push down on the front bumper 3 times. Measure ground clearance from the chassis point used previously. This is Measurement C (Ride Height).

Step 7: Calculate new Sag: B - C = new Sag. For example, 9.750” - 7.0” = 2.750” of sag.

Step 8: To increase ride height and reduce sag, increase air chamber pressure. To decrease ride height and increase sag, decrease air chamber pressure.

Step 9: Reinstall the air spring filler valve caps.

Tuning the Float 3 EVOL Series

Spring Force

After setting sag, if the front of the vehicle feels too low, increase air chamber pressure by 5psi. If it feels too high, decrease by 5psi.

If you are using full travel too quickly on bumps or experience excessive body roll in corners, increase EVOL air chamber pressure by 10 PSI. If the sled does not roll easily in corners or you are not using full travel, decrease EVOL air chamber pressure by 10 PSI.

Tuning Steps:

1. Lift the vehicle's front end off the ground.
2. Release air pressure from the MAIN air chamber.
3. Re-set EVOL air chamber pressure (max 300 psi).
4. Re-set MAIN air chamber pressure (max 150 psi).
5. Reinstall air spring filler caps.

Rebound Adjust

The Rebound Adjust feature on FLOAT 3 EVOL RC2 shocks allows external adjustment of rebound damping using the red knob or a flat-bladed screwdriver on the Air Sleeve Body Cap.

Turn clockwise for slower rebound. The adjuster has approximately 20 clicks. The factory setting is 12 clicks out, offering good all-around performance.

Rebound damping affects how quickly the shock extends. Proper adjustment helps control ski rebound over bumps and front-end response in corners. Excessive rebound damping can lead to suspension "packing," where the shock doesn't rebound quickly enough, causing it to bottom out on successive impacts.

Dual-Speed Compression (DSC) Adjust

The FOX DSC valve, standard on FLOAT 3 EVOL RC2 shocks, allows external adjustment of damping. It offers approximately 24 clicks of low-speed and 22 clicks of high-speed adjustment. The factory setting is 12/12.

Low-Speed Compression (LSC) Adjust

LSC is adjusted with a flat-blade screwdriver. More damping = stiffer = clockwise. LSC primarily affects compression damping during slow suspension movements like G-outs or smooth landings, and influences ride comfort.

Choose an LSC setting that provides good body control and anti-roll in corners without harshness or loss of front-end traction. The provided graph illustrates the LSC adjustability range.

High-Speed Compression (HSC) Adjust

HSC is adjusted using a 17mm socket. More damping = stiffer = clockwise. HSC affects compression damping during medium-to-fast suspension movements like jump faces, landings, and whoops. Aim for minimal HSC damping without bottoming. The provided graph illustrates the HSC adjustability range.

Tuning Notes

A table is provided to record tuning adjustments, including Date, Comments, Full Extension, Ride Height, Sag, EVOL Air PSI, Main Air PSI, LSC Adjust, HSC Adjust, and Rebound Adjust.

Maintenance

Proper inspection and maintenance are essential for shock absorber performance and reliability. Keep shocks clean and free of dirt, ice, and snow. The Samurai Sealing System in the air sleeve cleans deposits and reduces debris entry, extending seal life. Avoid using high-pressure washers near seals.

Clean adjusters with contact cleaner or brake cleaner before making adjustments. Service intervals depend on usage. For frequent use (e.g., racing every weekend), consider changing the oil at least once per season. Generally, service air sleeves annually and perform complete shock service every 3000-5000 miles. FOX or an authorized service center can perform these procedures.

Service

Contact FOX Service Center at 1.813.740.4619 or psservicemw@ridefox.com to receive a return authorization number before shipping shocks to a service center.

Warranty

All FOX products have a one-year warranty against defects in materials or workmanship. View full warranty terms at www.ridefox.com/help-center/powersports/warranty or contact a representative at 1.800.FOX.SHOX (1.800.369.7469). A service RMA will be issued.

Ship shocks to one of the following service centers:

• FOX Powersports Service
  130 Hangar Way
  Watsonville, CA 95076
• FOX Midwest Service Center
  13461 Dogwood Drive
  Baxter, MN 56425