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 Table of Contents
congratulations! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Consumer Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
understanding the float x evol . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Adjustable Progressive dual-stage Air Spring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
temperature dependency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Using the fox pumps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Mounting the float x evol . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
setting up the float x evol . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
measuring and setting rider sag . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
TUNING the float x evol . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
general guidelines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
tuning recommendations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
spring force . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
REBOUND DAMPING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
COMPRESSION DAMPING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Maintaining the float x evol . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Shock rebuild . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
quick setup checklist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
tuning notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
QUICK REFERENCE guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

notice: the ATV’s pictured in this manual may not resemble your
actual ATV. in any case, the procedures outlined in this manual
and the enclosed supplemental setup sheet will correctly
enable you to mount, setup, and tune the fox FLOAT x evol on
your particular atv model.

denotes information that, if not followed, can cause damage to

your shock or lead to serious injury or death.

denotes information that may not be obvious, or that can help

the rider out with a difficult situation.

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 FLOAT X EVOL

features > Infinitely adjustable dual-stage air spring

> External compression and rebound damping adjust
> Race-proven oil damping system
> 100% rebuildable and revalveable
> 1-Year factory limited warranty
> 90-day valving guarantee

upper eyelet
piggyback body cap
compression adjuster

shock body

oil reservoir

oil reservoir end cap

air sleeve & MAIN air chamber

evol air chamber cap &

schrader valve (#1 on decal)

evol air chamber

MAIN air chamber cap &

schrader valve (#2 on decal)

air sleeve body cap

rebound adjuster
lower eyelet

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 congratulations!
Thank you for choosing FOX FLOAT X EVOL AIRSHOX for your ATV. In doing so, you have chosen
the finest suspension shocks in the world. FOX Racing Shox products are designed, tested and
manufactured by the finest professionals in the industry in Santa Cruz County, California, USA.
As a consumer and supporter of FOX Racing Shox products, you need to be aware of the impor-
tance of setting up your shock correctly to ensure maximum performance. This manual provides
step-by-step instructions of how to setup and maintain your shock. It is a good idea to keep your
receipts with this manual, and refer to it for service and warranty issues.
This manual does not contain step-by-step detailed service instructions for a reason: FOX recom-
mends that detailed service be performed by FOX Racing Shox or qualified service center.
For service and warranty information, refer to the Quick Reference Guide on page 26.

Consumer Safety

Riding an ATV can be dangerous and can result in death or

serious injury.

Take your responsibility to yourself and others seriously, and heed the following safety tips:
> Keep your ATV and suspension system in optimal working condition.
> Wear protective clothing, eye protection and always fasten your helmet before you ride.
> Know and ride within your limits.
The FLOAT X EVOL shock contains a nitrogen charge. The charged portion of the shock should only
be opened by a FOX Racing Shox technician or a qualified suspension professional.

Opening a nitrogen pressurized shock can be dangerous and

can result in serious injury or death.

P/N: 605-00-060, REV. D | 2006 FLOAT x EVOL owner’s manual 

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 understanding the float x evol
Your FOX FLOAT (FOX Load Optimizing Air Technology) X EVOL Airshox are high performance shock
absorbers that use air as springs, instead of heavy steel coil springs or expensive titanium coil
springs. Hey, there’s not too many things that are lighter than air, right? Underneath that air
sleeve is the same high performance, velocity sensitive, shimmed damping system that you’d
expect in a FOX Shox. FLOAT X EVOL AirShox dampers contain high pressure nitrogen gas and
FOX synthetic shock oil separated by an internal floating piston system. This ensures consistent,
fade-free damping in all riding conditions.
Compression
Adjuster IFP

Negative Main Air Jounce Rebound

Spring Chamber Bumper Adjuster

Oil Chamber Damping Piston

& Valving

EVOL Air Chamber

cross-section of float x evol

FLOAT X EVOL Airshox are built using 6061-T6 aluminum impact forgings for light weight and
strength. The chromed damper shaft is super-finished for low stiction and long seal life. All of
the seals and wipers are engineered specifically for FLOAT X EVOL AirShox. The damper shaft and
seals are contained within the air sleeve, protecting them from mud, water, ice and whatever
else Mother Nature throws at them during the course of a ride.


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 Adjustable Progressive dual-stage Air Spring

Air springs are not just lightweight, they are also progressive. What does that mean? As the graph
below shows, during the second half of shock travel, the spring force builds rapidly. This virtually
eliminates any harsh bottoming of the suspension and provides a “bottomless” feel.
With just two pumps you can make quick, easy changes to your setup to fine-tune your shock’s
spring curve. Using air, there is an infinite number of spring rates available.
The graph below shows a spring curve comparison of a standard triple-rate coil-over shock to
a FLOAT X EVOL shock.

P
TU
SE
ER
I FF
ST

P
TU
SE
R
TE
SOF

As you can see, by changing the pressures in the MAIN air chamber and the EVOL air chamber,
you can get much softer or much firmer than a coil-over shock without ever having to change
out a spring.
Your FLOAT X EVOL shocks come in the box ready-to-ride, but we encourage you to follow the
procedures outlined in this manual to optimize their performance.
P/N: 605-00-060, REV. D | 2006 FLOAT x EVOL owner’s manual 
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 The pressure in the EVOL air chamber is adjusted to control the bottom-out characteristics of
the shock; the pressure in the MAIN air chamber is adjusted to change ride height and roll/pitch
stiffness of the ATV.
The effects of changing the EVOL air chamber pressure and MAIN air chamber pressure are
shown in the graphs below:
FOX FLOAT X EVOL Progressive Air Spring Curves FOX FLOAT X EVOL Progressive Air Spring Curves
1600 1600

1400 1400

1200 1200

1000 1000
Force (lbs.)

Force (lbs.)
800 800

600 600

400 400

200 200

0 0
0 1 2 3 4 5 0 1 2 3 4 5
Travel (in.) Travel (in.)
P1 = 100 / P2 = 40 P1 = 150 / P2 = 40 P1 = 200 / P2 = 40 P1 = 150 / P2 = 30 P1 = 150 / P2 = 40 P1 = 150 / P2 = 50

changing evol air chamber pressure adjusts the changing MAIN air chamber pressure STEADILY
bottom-out resistance of the shock ADJUSTS THE SPRING CURVE

temperature dependency

The air pressures (EVOL and MAIN air chambers) in the FLOAT X EVOL Airshox are slightly tempera-
ture dependent with roughly a 10 PSI air pressure change over a 100-degree temperature change.
Because of this, it is best to set the pressures in temperature conditions close to the ambient
temperature anticipated during riding. When temperatures change by more than 30 degrees
Fahrenheit—or 17 degrees Celsius—it is recommended that the pressure settings be reset.
For example, if the temperature outside is 40°F (4°C) and the pressures are set while the ATV is in
a garage in which the ambient temperature is 70°F (21°C), the shocks will be under-pressurized
when taken outside due to the cold air temperature. Therefore, it is imperative that the pressures
are re-adjusted when the ATV/shocks are taken from extreme warm to cold temperatures, and
vice-versa.
Once the pressures are set for a given temperature, they will remain stable throughout the
ride.

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 Using the fox pumps
Your FLOAT X EVOL shocks ship with two FOX air pumps, shown on the right.
Air Chamber #1 (EVOL Air Chamber)
0 - 300 PSI high pressure pump for setting the EVOL air chamber pressure.
Range: 0 - 300 PSI

High Pressure Pump (EVOL Air Chamber #1)

Air Chamber #2 (Main Air Chamber)
0 - 150 PSI pump for setting the MAIN air chamber pressure.
Range: 0 - 150 PSI

Standard Pump (Main Air Chamber #2)

Use the high pressure pump to set the pressure in the EVOL air chamber. In order for the
shock to function properly, the EVOL air chamber pressure must be set before setting the
MAIN chamber pressure.
Use the standard pump to set the pressure in the MAIN air chamber. Using the lower pressure
pump on the MAIN air chamber will allow you to set the pressure more accurately as the
gauge has better resolution.

P/N: 605-00-060, REV. D | 2006 FLOAT x EVOL owner’s manual 

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 To pressurize your shock:
Step 1 Remove the EVOL air chamber cap to access the Schrader valve.
step 2 Thread the high pressure pump (300PSI) chuck valve onto the Schrader valve until pressure
registers on the pump gauge. This takes approximately six turns. Do not over-tighten the
pump on the air valve as this will damage the chuck pump seal.

if the shock has no air pressure, the gauge will read zero.

When you attach the pump to the shock, the hose will need to
fill with air. this may result in a pressure reading that can be
lower by as much as 10 to 20 psi.

step 3 Stroke the pump a few times. The pressure should increase slowly. If pressure increases
rapidly, check to make sure the pump is properly fitted and tightened onto the air valve.
step 4 Pump to the desired setting. The EVOL air chamber pressure is application specific, but
typically ranges from 100 PSI to 150 PSI. DO NOT EXCEED 300 PSI in the EVOL air chamber.
You can decrease pressure by pushing the black bleed valve on the pump. Pushing the bleed
valve half-way down and holding it there will allow air to escape from the pump and shock.
Pushing the bleed valve all the way down and releasing it will allow only a small amount of
pressure to escape (micro-adjust). When unthreading the pump from the Schrader valve,
the sound of air loss is from the pump hose, and not the shock.


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 step 5 Re-install the EVOL air chamber cap.
step 6 Ensure that your ATV is safely supported on a stand with the front wheels off the ground
and the suspension fully extended.

step 7 Remove the MAIN air chamber cap to access the Schrader valve and attach the low-pressure
pump (150 PSI), following the same procedure as above.
step 8 Set the desired MAIN air chamber pressure. Typical MAIN air chamber pressure is between
25 PSI and 50 PSI. DO NOT EXCEED 100 PSI for the MAIN air chamber pressure.
step 9 Remove the pump and re-install the MAIN air chamber cap.
You MUST set the EVOL air chamber (marked ’#1’ on the decal)
pressure before setting the MAIN air chamber (marked ’#2’)
pressure. This ensures that the floating piston separating the
two air chambers is correctly located in the EVOL air chamber.
Failure to do so will result in poor shock performance and a
potentially unsafe vehicle.

If adjusting the pressures with the shocks installed on your

ATV, you must make sure that the ATV is safely supported on a
stand with the front wheels OFF THE GROUND AND THE SUSPENSION
FULLY EXTENDED. The air pressures should only be set with the
shocks in the fully extended position. This will ensure accurate,
repeatable pressure settings.

P/N: 605-00-060, REV. D | 2006 FLOAT x EVOL owner’s manual 

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 Mounting the float x evol
If you do not have confidence in your abilities to correctly
install your FLOAT X EVOL AirShox, have them installed by a
trained professional mechanic.

Your FLOAT X EVOL AirShox should bolt onto your vehicle with no modification to the frame, control
arms or A-arms. Follow these steps to mount your shocks:
step 1 Mount the roost guards on the shock body using the supplied clamps.

Clamp
Body

Roost
Guard


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 step 2 Align the top edge of the roost guard against the piggyback body cap. The bottom of the
roost guard should overlap the edge of the air sleeve by a minimum of 1/8". If the guard
does not overlap the edge of the air sleeve by the minimum requirements, slide it down
the shock body until it does. The guards should be mounted on the fronts of the shocks
taking into account left and right orientations.
ensure that roost guards are installed such that they do not
touch the evol air chamber or inhibit travel.

Minimum 1/8"

step 3 Place a block or a jack under the front of the frame so that both wheels are off the
ground.
step 4 Remove stock shocks from the vehicle. Note location of spacers, etc. Save the bolts, nuts,
washers, etc., as you will use these with your new FLOAT X EVOL Airshox.

the part number for your particular FLOAT X EVOL shock

is engraved on the back side of the body cap eyelet.
additional setup instructions specific to your vehicle are
included on a supplemental sheet included with this manual.
the mounting orientation specific to your Vehicle is also
included with the supplemental setup sheet.

P/N: 605-00-060, REV. D | 2006 FLOAT x EVOL owner’s manual 

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 step 5 Remove the reducers and o-rings from the supplied bag. Install an o-ring on each re-
ducer.
Reducer
Reducer O-ring
Spherical
Bearing

step 6 Install the upper and lower reducers in the spherical bearings. Make sure that the upper
and lower reducers are installed correctly per the supplemental setup sheet.

in order to install, You may need to squeeze the reducers

together to slightly compress the o-rings.

step 7 Using the stock hardware, bolt the FLOAT X EVOL shocks into the bottom mount first. With
the bottom bolt in, lift the suspension until the holes in the top shock reducers and the top
shock mount align. Install the top bolt.
step 8 Properly tighten all mounting hardware per the ATV owner’s manual.

10
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 setting up the float x evol
Follow these steps in order to setup your FLOAT X EVOL shock:
step 1 Ensure that your ATV is safely supported on a stand with the front wheels off the ground
and the suspension fully extended.

step 2 Set the desired pressure in the EVOL air chamber using the FOX high-pressure pump (see
using the fox pumps on page 5). The supplemental setup provides a good starting
point.

When making air pressure adjustments, always adjust the EVOl

air chamber first.

P/N: 605-00-060, REV. D | 2006 FLOAT x EVOL owner’s manual 11

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 step 3 Set the desired pressure in the MAIN air chamber using the FOX standard pump (see using
the fox pumps on page 5). The supplemental setup also provides a good starting point.

step 4 Lower the vehicle off the stand. Measure and set rider sag, as described in the next sec-
tion.
You should be able to see a small line of oil on the outside of
the shock, which indicates the maximum compression of the shock.
You can measure the location of this line as a useful reference
of maximum compression travel.

12
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 measuring and setting rider sag
To get the best performance out of your FLOAT X EVOL, it is necessary to adjust the vehicle ride-height or
“sag.” Sag is how much the shock compresses, or “sags,” when you sit on your ATV. As a general rule,
your vehicle’s sag should be 35% — 45% of full wheel travel. There are many factors that will influence
your sag setting and ride height preference, including tire diameter, terrain and riding style. Use the
following procedure to accurately measure and set the correct ride-height (sag) for your ATV:

set the front and rear ride height (sag) simultaneously.

step 1 Position the bike on a flat surface and clear of any obstacles.
step 2 Place pieces of cardboard under each wheel. As the suspension is compressed, the front
wheels move outward. This is called “scrub.” Placing the cardboard under the wheels allows
the suspension to move more freely.
step 3 While wearing your normal riding gear, mount the ATV and stand in your normal “standing”
riding position, feet in your natural riding position on the foot-pegs, with both hands on
the bars.

note cardboard under the wheels

P/N: 605-00-060, REV. D | 2006 FLOAT x EVOL owner’s manual 13

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 step 4 Aggressively bounce up and down on the quad several times and allow the quad to
settle.

due to the nature of high-pressure seals in air shocks, the shocks

may require an initial compression stroke to fully lubricate
internal sliding surfaces to allow for smooth operation. this is
most apparent after the atv has been sitting for a while.

step 5 Gently assume a seated position.

step 6 Have a friend push down on the front end of the vehicle. While the suspension is compressed,
turn the bars back and forth. Turn the bars back straight and have the friend release the
front suspension.

14
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 step 7 While still seated on ATV, have a friend measure the vertical distance from the ground plane
to the chassis, under the footpegs (rear frame height) and the distance from the ground
plane to the chassis at the front engine mount (front frame height). If your vehicle has a
skid plate, measure to the bottom of that.

measuring the front frame height measuring the rear frame height
just under the front motor mount just in front of the foot peg

step 8 The rear frame height should be between 7”-8” for moto-X use, 8”-9” for cross-country
use. The front frame height should be approximately 1/4”-1/2” higher than the rear.
If your ATV is sitting too low in the front, increase the MAIN air chamber pressure in the FLOAT X EVOL
using the pump and repeat all the steps above until you reach the desired sag setting.

P/N: 605-00-060, REV. D | 2006 FLOAT x EVOL owner’s manual 15

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 TUNING the float x evol
general guidelines

Go out and ride. Tune your senses to what the ATV’s front end is doing. Sometimes you know the
ATV isn’t handling quite right but it may be hard to tell whether the problem is too little rebound
damping or too much compression damping. Sometimes the difference in “feel” is subtle.
Some of the distinctions are minute. If the damping doesn’t seem quite right, make your best
guess as to what change will help, then try it. If handling doesn’t improve, make another change
in the opposite direction. Keep experimenting like this until the ride feels best.
It is common practice for riders to “test” shock absorber damping by pushing down on the front
of the ATV and observe the shock response. This test is useful, but very limited. You should be
aware that this test only involves low-speed damping action. It will tell you nothing about shock
response at medium and high shaft speeds.
tuning recommendations

The percentage change in damping when going from one click to the next click is fairly small.
This is so you can really fine tune your shock. A one click change is hard to notice. Therefore,
FOX recommends making changes of two clicks at a time. For example, if after testing you feel
compression is too soft, try a two-click change (clockwise on compression adjuster). If that feels
just right, then you’ve got it. On the other hand, if that now feels a little too stiff, then you’ve got
it “bracketed”; go back one click (counterclockwise) and it should now feel just right.
These recommendations apply to both rebound and compression damping.

if you want to know your current setting, both adjusters should

be baselined by turning them clockwise and counting the number
of clicks until the adjuster lightly bottoms. Do not overtighten.
compression and rebound adjustment settings are counted as
clicks out from full in, or clockwise, position.

16
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 spring force
At this point you have set the sag of your vehicle by adjusting the MAIN air chamber pressure and you
have set the EVOL air chamber pressure, per the supplemental setup sheet. Consequently, your spring
force should be near its optimal setting. If you feel that the front of the vehicle is too low as you are
riding, increase the MAIN air chamber pressure by 2 PSI; if the vehicle is too high, decrease the MAIN
air chamber pressure by 2 PSI.
If you feel that you are crashing through your available travel too quickly on big bumps, try increasing
the EVOL air chamber pressure by 10 PSI; conversely, if you feel that you are not fully utilizing your
available travel, try decreasing the EVOL air chamber pressure by 10 PSI.

if you are not sure of the settings on your shock and would
like to “start over,” follow these steps:

STEP 1 Call 1 800 FOX SHOX to get pressure settings for your application and weight.
step 2 Lift the vehicle’s front end off the ground.
step 3 Release the air from the MAIN air chamber Schrader valve.
step 4 Release the air from the EVOL air chamber Schrader valve.
step 5 Fill the EVOL air chamber pressure per the supplemental setup sheet as a starting point.
step 6 Fill the MAIN air chamber pressure per the supplemental setup sheet.
REBOUND DAMPING
Rebound damping controls the rate at which the shock returns
after it has been compressed. The proper rebound setting is a
personal preference, and changes with rider weight, riding style
and conditions. A rule of thumb is that rebound should be as
fast as possible without kicking back and driving the bars into
the rider’s hands.
The rebound knob (see picture on right) is located on the lower
REBOUND ADJUSTER SCREW
air sleeve body cap.

For slower rebound, turn the rebound adjuster knob clockwise.

For faster rebound, turn the rebound adjuster knob counterclockwise.

P/N: 605-00-060, REV. D | 2006 FLOAT x EVOL owner’s manual 17

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 rebound damping Troubleshooting

Symptom Remedy
- Bucking Set slower rebound
- Tops out too hard

- Packing in repetitive bumps Set faster rebound

- Chatter

Symptoms of Too Much Rebound Damping

The rear end tends to washout or slideout (this is called “oversteer”) on hard-packed sweeper turns
with small bumps, especially on off-camber “washboard” turns. Poor rear wheel traction when ac-
celerating over small repetitive bumps (washboard) sections.
The front end gets harsh and hard to control when hitting series of medium or large rolling bumps at
high speed. First few bumps in the series don’t seem bad, but after that the front end gets harsh and
it seems like you run out of suspension travel.
too much rebound damping prevents the wheel from extending
quickly enough before hitting the next bump (this is called
packing). after the fifth or sixth bump, you may have minimal
travel left.

Symptoms of Too Little Rebound Damping

The front end seems harsh, especially on jump landings. The suspension may feel like it is bottoming
out, but actually the bars are returning too quickly into your hands. Try to observe how quickly the
vehicle bounces back to you after a landing.
the shock will extend too quickly if there is not enough rebound
damping to control the spring extension force.

Tuning suggestion: Once you are comfortable riding the ATV and would like to fine tune
the rebound damping setting, find a table-top jump that you can hit consistently and safely,
landing as flat as possible. As a general rule you want as little rebound damping as possible
so that the suspension returns quickly, but still enough rebound damping that the front of the
ATV does not oscillate upon landing. The front of your ATV should return quickly to ride-height
and then remain still. If the front suspension continues to oscillate several times after landing,
try increasing rebound damping (slower). If the suspension does not oscillate after landing, try
decreasing rebound damping (faster). This procedure should allow you to close in (or bracket)
on the desired rebound damping setting.
18
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 COMPRESSION DAMPING
Compression damping controls the rate at which the shock
compresses when it encounters a bump. The proper compression
setting is a personal preference and changes with rider weight,
riding style and conditions.
The compression knob (see picture on right) is located on the
oil reservoir.
For more compression, turn the compression adjuster knob
clockwise. COMPRESSION ADJUSTER KNOB

For less compression, turn the compression adjuster knob

counterclockwise.
compression damping Troubleshooting

Symptom Remedy
- Rigid, harsh ride Set less compression

- Bottoms-out easily Set more compression

Symptoms of Too Much Compression Damping

The front end is harsh over small bumps. Shock seems to stay almost rigid instead of absorbing bumps.
Especially noticeable on downhill bumps.
The front end is harsh at high speeds over large or medium square-edged bumps. The shock stays too
rigid and does not use enough travel to absorb bumps. The shock rarely or never seems to bottom-out,
even off the biggest jumps.
Symptoms of Too Little Compression Damping
The shock bottoms-out on medium-sized bumps and the bottom of deep, smooth gullies, or rising
portions of deep, rolling sand whoops.
At high speed the front end takes medium square-edged bumps smoothly, but bottoms out too easily on
larger bumps. Bottoms out too easily off jump and at high speeds over large square-edged bumps.

P/N: 605-00-060, REV. D | 2006 FLOAT x EVOL owner’s manual 19

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 Maintaining the float x evol
Your FLOAT X EVOL AirShox are designed using the highest quality materials and most advanced
coatings to ensure a long operational life. For maximum performance, FOX recommends the
following maintenance schedule:
> Monitor the air pressure in your shock before every race, especially if there has been large
fluctuations in temperature.
> It is normal for grease residue to seep out of the air sleeve and onto the shock body. Wipe
this residue off periodically with a rag.
> Perform a complete shock rebuild once per season.
Of course, maintenance intervals depend heavily on the type of riding and riding conditions.
The above recommendations are for the average rider. If at any point you feel a degradation of
damping or air spring performance, stop riding immediately and identify the cause of the problem.
Shock rebuild

Just as the oil in your engine breaks down with time and must be replaced, the oil in the FLOAT
X EVOL shock must be serviced periodically. The service interval depends on how frequently and
severely the ATV is ridden. As a guideline, if you race hard every weekend you may want to change
the oil in your shock at least once during the season. Otherwise, it is generally recommended
to service the shock in the off-season. FOX Racing Shox or an Authorized Factory Service Center
can perform this procedure.

The shock rebuild requires specialized tools for disassembly

and re-assembly. It is essential that this service be performed by
FOX Racing Shox or a qualified professional shock technician.
the following items are required:

items required

Item Part Number

Air Sleeve Bullet Tool 398-00-244

Bearing Torque Wrench Pin Tool 398-00-249

FLOAT X EVOL Rebuild Kit 803-00-229

FOX Light Racing Oil 025-06-000

End Cap / IFP Tool 398-00-255

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 quick setup checklist
FOX recommends that you read and understand this manual COMPLETELY before installing your
new FOX FLOAT X EVOL shock and riding your ATV.
For operator safety, please follow this important checklist as an absolute minimum BEFORE
riding your ATV:
Mounting the FLOAT X EVOL:
• Correct reducers, o-rings, bolts and torque settings.
• Remote reservoir correctly positioned and secured (if applicable).
• Shock absorber oriented correctly per supplemental setup sheet.
• Guards mounted correctly and not interfering with full travel.
• See pages 8 - 10 for more detail.
Adjusting the air spring pressures to give the correct ride-height (sag):
• Sitting on the vehicle, the front ground-to-frame clearance should be 1/4 to 1/2 inch higher
than the rear ground-to-frame clearance; for moto-X the rear ground clearance should be
7-8 inches; for cross-country, the rear ground clearance should be 8-9 inches.
• As a good starting point, EVOL chamber and Main chamber pressures should be set per
supplemental setup sheet.
ATV wheels must be off the ground and suspension must be fully
extended prior to making any air pressure adjustments.

adjust evol chamber air pressure first before adjusting MAIN air
chamber pressure.

• See pages 13 - 15 for more detail.

Setting the external REBOUND damping adjuster:
• Turn the rebound adjuster fully closed (clockwise) and open the adjuster the correct number
of clicks counterclockwise. Check the supplemental setup sheet supplied with your shock(s)
for the correct number of clicks.
• See pages 17 - 18 for more detail.
Setting the external COMPRESSION adjuster:
• Turn the compression adjuster fully closed (clockwise) and open the adjuster the correct
number of clicks counterclockwise.
• Check the setup sheet supplied with your shock(s) for correct number of clicks.
• See page 19 for more detail.
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 tuning notes:

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 QUICK REFERENCE guide
FLOAT X EVOL

terms
used
Suspension
> Compression: downward travel of the suspension. Actions that move the endpoints of the shock closer together.
> Compression damping: oil damping resistance felt when trying to compress the shock.
> Emulsion shock: shock without an IFP (Internal Floating Piston) separating the oil and nitrogen.
> Frame clearance: distance between the frame and other moving parts, like the shock.
> Negative travel: distance the suspension or shock extends from the static ride height. Also referred to as ‘free
sag’.
> Preload: initial force on the spring. Preload is used to adjust rider sag.
> Ride height: with the rider on the bike, the basic stance of the bike. Usually measured from the ground to some
point on the bike frame.
> Rebound: force required to extend the shock or suspension. Can also refer to the extending action of the
suspension.
> Rebound damping: oil damping resistance that controls the rate at which the shock extends after being
compressed.
> Rider sag: amount the shock compresses with the rider sitting on the ATV in a normal riding position.
> Free sag: amount that the ATV “sits” into travel. Usually measured from the ground to a point on the frame, or as
shock stroke, and without a rider on the ATV.
> Spring rate: force required to compress a spring one inch. Measured in lb/in. or Kg/mm.
> Stroke: amount of shock travel.
> Travel: total amount the shock compresses, as measured from eye-to-eye.
> Valving: refers to the combination of shims or damping valves on the piston face used to achieve a specific ride
characteristic.
> Wheel travel: distance the wheel moves when the suspension is cycled through its full travel.

riding
> Bottoming: vehicle has bottomed-out when the suspension reaches the limit of its travel and stops further
downward motion.
> Bucking: kicking motion on a rider after a bump or jump landing.
> Chatter: small bumps similar to braking bumps prior to a corner or berm. Often refers to the harshness felt when
riding over small, closely spaced bumps.
> Fading: slow loss of shock damping usually due to heat.
> Packing: when the shock does not return quickly enough to adequately absorb the next bump in a repetitive
bump sequence.
> Spiking: sharp impact cause by a square-edge bump.
> Squat: when the rear of the vehicle “sits” down either due to weight transfer or driveline forces.
> Stiction: initial force that needs to be overcome to start the suspension stroke.
> Topping-out: when the suspension is fully extended.

service > Before every ride: Wipe mud and debris off shock exterior and check air pressures
intervals > Monthly: Clean and inspect your shock. Make sure the air sleeve is threaded on properly.
> Annually: Clean and inspect your shock. See the MAINTAINING THE FLOAT X EVOL section on page 16 of this manual.
> Every ride season: Shock rebuild by a FOX Certified Technician or FOX Racing Shox

tools & > Air Sleeve Bullet Tool 398-00-244 > FLOAT X EVOL Rebuild Kit 803-00-229
supplies > Bearing Torque Wrench Pin Tool 398-00-249 > FOX Light Racing Oil 025-06-000
> End Cap IFP Tool 398-00-255

contact FOX Racing Shox method of Visa,

info 130 Hangar Way payment MasterCard,
Watsonville, CA 95076, USA Cashier's Check
&
Phone: 1.831.274.6500 / Fax: 1.831.768.7026
North America: 1.800.FOX.SHOX (369.7469) shipping FOX Racing Shox uses
E-mail: [email protected] UPS Ground Service
Website: www.foxracingshox.com within the USA.
Business hours: Monday – Friday 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. PST

disclaimer FOX Racing Shox is not responsible for any damages to you or others arising from riding, transporting, or other use
of your FLOAT X EVOL shock. In the event that your shock breaks or malfunctions, FOX Racing Shox shall have no
liability beyond the repair or replacement of your shock pursuant to the terms outlined in the warranty provisions
of this manual.

warranty The factory warranty period for your shock is one year (two years for countries in the EU) from the original date of
policy purchase of the shock or ATV. A copy of the original purchase receipt must accompany any shock being considered
for warranty service. Warranty is at the full discretion of FOX Racing Shox and will cover only defective materials and
workmanship. Warranty duration and laws may vary from state to state and/or country to country.
Parts, components and assemblies subject to normal wear and tear are not covered under this warranty.
FOX Racing Shox reserves the right to all final warranty or non-warranty decisions.
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 valving If it is determined that a FLOAT X EVOL requires a valving change within the first 90 days of ownership, FOX
guarantee will perform the re-valve at no charge for the original consumer. The consumer is required to follow the Service
Policy procedure below and is responsible for all shipping costs to and from FOX Racing Shox. Unless other-
wise specified, FOX Racing Shox will return ship the shock(s) via UPS Ground Service.

service > FOX Racing Shox offers 5-business day turnaround, which may vary.
policy > Obtain an RA (Return Authorization) number and shipping address from FOX Racing Shox at 800.FOX.
SHOX. Outside the USA, contact the appropriate International Service Center.
> Mark the RA number and Return Address clearly on the outside of the package and send to FOX Racing
Shox (see Contact Info above) or your International Service Center with shipping charges pre-paid by the
sender.
> Proof-of-purchase is required for warranty consideration.
> Include a description of the problem, ATV information (manufacturer, year and model), type of FOX product
and return address with daytime phone number.

specific > Parts replaced due to normal wear and tear and/or routine maintenance
exclusions > Parts subject to normal wear and tear and/or routine maintenance
from > Bushings
warranty > Seals (after the 90-day seal warranty period expires)
> Suspension fluids
> Crash damage

general > Installation of parts or accessories not qualitatively equivalent to genuine FOX Racing Shox parts.
exclusions > Abnormal strain, neglect, abuse and/or misuse
from > Accident and/or collision damage
warranty > Modification of original parts
> Lack of proper maintenance
> Shipping damages or loss (purchase of full value shipping insurance is recommended)
> Damage to interior or exterior caused by rocks, crashes or improper installation
> Oil changes or service not performed by FOX Racing Shox or an Authorized Service Center

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 Rev D

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