Fox 1.5 Podium RC2 Factory Series ATV Shock Absorber Owner's Manual
Congratulations on choosing Fox 1.5 Podium RC2 Factory Series shock absorbers for your ATV. These shocks are designed, tested, and manufactured in the USA and represent the finest suspension products available.
Consumer Safety
WARNING: Riding an ATV can be dangerous and can result in DEATH OR SERIOUS INJURY. Always wear protective clothing, eye protection, and a helmet. Know your limits and ride within them.
Keep your vehicle and suspension systems in optimal working condition.
The Fox 1.5 Podium RC2 shock contains a high-pressure nitrogen charge. It should only be opened by a Fox technician.
Improperly orienting the shocks can cause interference with the vehicle's suspension, potentially leading to loss of control, injury, or death. If you lack the necessary tools or technical knowledge, have installation performed by an authorized dealer.
WARNING: NEVER attempt to disassemble the damper of your 1.5 Podium RC2 shock. Do not puncture or incinerate the shock absorber damper portion. Always wear eye protection when installing and adjusting your shock absorber.
Understanding the 1.5 Podium RC2
The Fox 1.5 Podium RC2 shock absorbers set the industry standard for performance and durability. They feature external Dual Speed Compression (DSC) and a rebound adjuster, with a high-performance, velocity-sensitive, shimmed damping system inside. The damper contains high-pressure nitrogen gas and high-viscosity index shock oil, separated by an Internal Floating Piston (IFP) system, ensuring consistent, fade-free damping.
These shocks are constructed from 6061-T6 aluminum for lightweight strength. The heat-treated steel, chrome-plated damper shaft is super-finished for low friction and long seal life. All seals and wipers are specifically engineered for the ATV 1.5 Podium RC2. The body and reservoir feature Genuine Kashima coating for reduced friction and extended seal life.
Dual-Speed Compression (DSC) Adjust
The Fox DSC valve, standard on the 1.5 Podium RC2 shocks, allows external damping adjustment. It offers approximately 24 clicks of low-speed adjustment and 22 clicks of high-speed adjustment. The factory setting is 12 clicks for both, providing a good all-around performance close to non-adjustable shocks. The DSC allows riders to tune the shock for different terrains and personal preferences.
Low-Speed Compression (LSC) Adjust
The LSC primarily affects compression damping during slow suspension movements, such as G-outs or smooth jump landings. It also influences wheel traction and ride comfort. Choose an LSC setting that provides good body control (cornering roll, braking dive, acceleration squat) without causing excessive harshness or loss of traction.
High-Speed Compression (HSC) Adjust
The HSC adjuster is used with a 17mm socket. More damping is achieved by turning clockwise (stiffer). HSC affects compression damping during medium-to-fast suspension movements like steep jump faces, harsh flat landings, and aggressive whoops. The goal is to use the minimum high-speed compression damping necessary to prevent bottoming out.
Rebound Adjuster
The Rebound Adjuster has a total of 24 clicks, counting from the clockwise limit. This feature allows external adjustment of the shock's rebound damping. Adjustments are made by turning the red knob or using a screwdriver slot on the eyelet at the end of the shock absorber. The factory setting is 12 clicks out. Rebound damping controls how quickly the shock extends. Proper adjustment affects how quickly the wheel rebounds after large bumps and how the suspension responds in corners.
The optimal rebound setting typically uses the minimum damping required for acceptable control. Excessive rebound damping can lead to "suspension packing," where the shock doesn't rebound quickly enough between successive bumps, causing it to bottom out.
Reading the Spring Rate
Fox 1.5 coil-over shocks use high-stress race springs made from shot-peened, heat-treated chrome-silicon material for maximum travel and minimum weight. Springs are preset to prevent sagging.
Spring labels typically follow this format: 1200-188-0225.
- 1200: Spring free length (12.00 inches)
- 188: Spring internal diameter (1.88 inches)
- 0225: Spring rate (225 lb-in)
Spring Preload
All Fox 1.5 coil-over piggyback shocks have adjustable spring preload. The recommended preload is preset.
To adjust spring preload, place the vehicle on jack stands to unload the suspension. Loosen the preload adjuster screw and rotate the preload adjuster ring.
WARNING: Do not add excessive spring preload, as this can lead to coil-bind, spring failure, and potential injury or death. With the vehicle supported and shocks fully extended, spring preload should not exceed approximately 3/4 inch. Check for coil-bind by placing zip-ties around coils; if they break or show contact, preload is excessive. If more ride height is needed at maximum preload, contact your local Fox Dealer for a stiffer spring.
Shock Installation
If you do not have the proper equipment, tools, or technical ability, have the shock absorbers installed by a professional technician. Your shock absorbers should include the correct bushings and reducers pre-installed for mounting.
WARNING: CONTACT FOX IF THESE BUSHINGS/REDUCERS DO NOT FIT CORRECTLY. CORRECT SHOCK MOUNTING IS CRITICAL FOR CORRECT OPERATION AND FOR YOUR SAFETY.
WARNING: DO NOT REMOVE RESERVOIR NITROGEN FILLER CAP OR ATTEMPT TO CHANGE NITROGEN PRESSURE. DAMAGE TO THE SHOCK ABSORBER CAN OCCUR.
Note: An additional set-up sheet may be included for vehicles requiring specific installation instructions.
- Raise the vehicle using a jack and support it with jack stands. Remove the stock shock absorbers.
- Install the upper mounting bolt through the upper suspension mount and shock eyelet.
- Install the lower mounting bolt through the lower suspension mount and shock eyelet.
- Tighten the upper and lower bolts to the manufacturer's torque specifications.
- Lower the vehicle to the ground after tightening the bolts.
- Drive the vehicle at least 10 feet forwards and backwards to remove "scrub" from the tires and allow the ride height to settle.
Front Shock
The image shows the front shock mounting points.
Rear Shock
The image shows the rear shock mounting points.
The shocks shown may have significant variations to meet specific vehicle manufacturer requirements, including rebound knob types and locations, reservoir placement, internal valve codes, pistons, and external springs. Refer to your vehicle's manual and the Fox set-up sheet for initial settings.
Keys to Set-up:
- All vehicles require proper (SAG) – the amount the suspension compresses with and without the rider.
- Not enough SAG results in a harsh ride over bumps. (Decrease spring preload)
- Too much SAG causes the suspension to bottom out easily and increases corner roll. (Increase spring preload)
- When setting up, evaluate your adjustments from the factory settings and continue in that direction or reverse it.
- Adjustments allow you to fine-tune the vehicle's suspension to your riding preferences.
Vehicles with long-travel suspensions typically ride higher to maximize travel. The optimal ride height depends on the vehicle configuration and usage. Since individual vehicle weights vary, check ride height after installing the shocks.
Tuning
| Adjustment | Front Preload | Rear Preload | LSC Adjuster | DSC Adjuster | Rebound Adjuster | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Initial Setting | 12 Clicks | 12 Clicks | 12 Clicks | Factory Recommended | ||
| Softer Compression | Counter-Clockwise | Counter-Clockwise | ||||
| Stiffer Compression | Clockwise | Clockwise | ||||
| Faster Rebound | Counter-Clockwise | |||||
| Slower Rebound | Clockwise |
Maintenance
Proper inspection and maintenance are essential for maintaining the performance and reliability of your shock absorbers.
Keep the shock and spring clean and free of dirt or water to prevent corrosion. Ensure the shock shaft is clean and free of mud. The wiper seal cleans deposits from the shaft, but the shock may not fully compress every time, potentially accumulating dirt at the bottom of the shaft and under the jounce bumper. Clean these areas thoroughly to prevent shaft corrosion.
Avoid using a high-pressure washer near the shaft seals or adjusters, as this can force dirt inside the shock.
Ensure the ends of the spring and shock threads are clean before adjusting the preload ring to facilitate easier adjustment and reduce wear.
Ideally, clean the area around the adjusters before changing damping settings. A small spray of contact cleaner or brake cleaner can help keep these parts clean and operating smoothly.
Rebuild / Service Intervals
Like engine oil, shock absorber oil degrades over time and requires replacement. The service interval depends on usage frequency and severity. For optimal performance in racing applications, shocks may need rebuilding every 10-20 hours of use. In non-racing environments, a rebuild every 100-200 hours of use is recommended for optimal performance.
WARNING: Shock rebuilds require specialized knowledge and tools. It is essential that this service is performed by an authorized Fox technician or service center.
Warranty
All Fox products carry a one-year warranty against defects in materials or workmanship. For full warranty terms and conditions, visit www.ridefox.com/ps-warranty. Contact a Fox Warranty representative at 1.800.FOX.SHOX (1.800.369.7469).
Service
For suspension service information and to submit an RA Request Form online, visit http://www.ridefox.com/service. Contact a Fox Service Center at 1.831.740.4619 or psservicemw@ridefox.com. Obtain a return authorization number before shipping shocks to a service center:
FOX Powersports Service
130 Hanger Way
Watsonville, CA 95076
FOX Midwest Service Center
13461 Dogwood Drive
Baxter, MN 56425
