Fox Racing Shocks 981-02-396 3.5 Series 16in External Bypass Shock 3C/2R 1in Tube Piggyback

The Fox Racing Shocks 981-02-396 is a Factory Race Series 3.5 External Bypass Shock built for serious off-road competition. Featuring a 16-inch travel stroke, 3 compression / 2 rebound bypass tube configuration, and a 1-inch diameter hard chrome-plated shaft, this shock delivers a precisely tunable, progressive damping curve for demanding desert racing, rock crawling, and high-speed off-road applications. A piggyback reservoir ensures consistent damping performance under sustained high-heat conditions by increasing oil volume and reducing fade.

Key Features:

• 3.5-inch diameter smooth-bore, clear-coated, zinc-plated honed seamless alloy body for maximum strength and corrosion resistance
• 16 inches of wheel travel for long-travel suspension builds
• 3 compression + 2 rebound external bypass tubes with 1-inch adjuster size for a wide, precise tuning range
• Gen 3 clicker adjusters provide 25% greater adjustment range over previous generations with fewer parts for improved durability and serviceability
• Black anodized adjuster housings with color-coded seals for easy compression and rebound identification
• 1-inch 17-4 H900 hardened stainless steel piston rod — industry-leading resistance to rock chips and bending
• Redundant Viton seal pack — main seal, wiper seal, and scraper seal — for low friction, low wear, and high-temperature performance
• Race-developed high-flow piston with proprietary deburred valve shims for consistent, repeatable damping
• Piggyback reservoir with rotating body cap for easy routing and clearance during installation
• FOX-formulated shock oil optimized for variable temperature performance
• Lined, heat-treated alloy steel spherical bearings — 5/8-inch bolt x 1-1/2-inch wide mounting

The Fox 3.5 Series External Bypass shock is the choice of professional off-road racers competing in events like the Baja 1000, Vegas to Reno, and the Mint 400. The external bypass tube layout eliminates cavitation on compression and delivers a tunable, position-sensitive damping curve that smooths out whoops and rough terrain while maintaining high-speed control. The 981-02-396 is sold individually.