By Jon Crowley
If you’re like me, it doesn’t take long until you start the customization of a new UTV. Case in point is our newest 2022 Can-Am Maverick X3 XRS Turbo RR Smart Shox. You would think that this 2 seater has everything you’d want with a 200HP triple cylinder engine and 20+ inches of suspension travel, and indeed I could be happy with it in stock trim for a while.
But for me, the customization is almost as fun as getting out there and riding. Here are a few items that I’d suggest from Shock Therapy out of Phoenix, AZ. Shock Therapy has been involved in the UTV industry since 2014 and they are the premier suspension tuning company in the off road industry.
1. Tie Rods with Bump Steer Delete (BSD)
Can-Am Maverick X3 Tie Rods with Bump Steer Delete Kit
All machines coming off the assembly line have little amounts of movement, and you might not realize just a tiny bit of adjustment on the steering rack or out at the spindle can create a bunch of Bump Steer. Most people don’t know they even have any bump steer, but they feel the effects of it as the front suspension cycles through the travel. It is not uncommon for UTVs from all makes and models to have more than 2 inches of bump steer. Shock Therapy has a patented Bump Steer Delete Kit which can reduce the amount of bump steer down to nothing or very close to it. The BSD Kit
If you want to know more about Bump Steer, Justin Smith at Shock Therapy lays it out best in this video:
When fixing the bump steer issue, I also like to beef up my tie rods. Factory tie rods are typically designed to act as a fuse so that they will bend or break first before something more catastrophic can. That is all well and good, but I love to rock crawl and typically bump the tires up to 35-inch and this can cause more issue. Simple solution while installing the BSD Kit is to also add a stronger set of tie rods, and Shock Therapy has you covered there as well. Their Billet Aluminum Rods are stronger than stock and also just look cool. They come with teflon lined left-hand threaded rod ends for easy adjustment and added strength.
2. Front Limit Straps
Can-Am Maverick X3 Limit Straps
Limit straps are a great way to get rid of that front end “clunk” when the shock tops out at full droop. This is normal, but the sound is quite unnerving. Limit straps have been used in off-road racing for decades and help preserve your shocks from wear and also limit the travel to help extended CV wear and excessive angles.
Shock Therapy does limit straps the proper way with an adjustable clevis so you can adjust as your straps stretch. Their shock mount system also puts the strap right in line with the shock which is ideal.
3. Dual-Rate Spring Kit
Can-Am Maverick X3 Dual-Rate Spring Kit
Factory springs on the Can-Am Maverick X3 are dual-rate from the factory, but they are a one-size fits all. If you add a spare tire, a winch, a big fat cooler, 50lbs of tools and parts or you and your passenger don’t miss any meals, you might find that you can’t get the proper ride height out of your stock springs. Shock Therapy springs are customized to how your UTV is typically outfitted – driver/passenger weight plus all the stuff you carry with you. You’d be amazed how much weight is added to your vehicle.
The Shock Therapy Dual-Rate Springs Kit will:
- Get you back your ride height after adding accessories
- Make your ride plusher
- Increase bottom-out resistance
Now if you don’t have a 2022 Can-Am Maverick X3 with the dual-shear rear knuckle, I’d also suggest adding the Toe Link Support Kit. This kit will keep your knuckle from getting wallowed out. And if you want to take it up a notch, check out their Billet Steering Rack, Ride-Improvement System and Adjustable Sway Bars.
Full list of Can-Am Maverick X3 Accessories from Shock Therapy.
