Bronco Honda Foreman Rear Gas Shock

Worn shocks turn every bump into a jolt, make the machine wallow in corners and wear out tires, bushings and riders. The Bronco Honda Foreman Rear Gas Shock (part number AU-04257) is a replacement rear gas shock from Bronco ATV/UTV Components, listed for the Honda Foreman.

Bronco shocks are built as direct bolt-on replacements for worn stock shocks, with the spring already installed, so you can restore ride quality and control at a fraction of the cost of dealer parts.

Why Choose Bronco Shocks

Bronco ATV/UTV Components makes replacement parts for the most popular ATVs and UTVs, focused on direct fit and value. Its gas shocks give consistent damping over traditional oil-only shocks, and Bronco says its springs are about 10% stiffer than stock, which helps support a snowplow on the front or heavy cargo on the rear.

Key Features

• Gas-charged shock for consistent damping on long, rough rides
• Springs about 10% stiffer than stock, per Bronco, for plows and cargo
• Pre-installed spring for faster installation
• Direct bolt-on replacement for the stock shock
• Smooth black finish that matches OEM suspension
• Value alternative to dealer replacement shocks

Specifications

• Part number: AU-04257
• Position: Rear
• Type: gas-charged shock with spring
• Finish: black
• Quantity: sold individually, per the listing
• Length, spring rate and mount type: not listed; compare with your original shock

Fitment and Compatibility

Listed (per the fitment tags) for Honda TRX450FM Foreman S 4x4 1998-2004 and Honda TRX450S Foreman 4x4 1998-2001. ATV and UTV shocks vary by year, model, 2WD or 4WD and front or rear position, so confirm fitment before ordering: compare the part number on your old shock, check Bronco's application chart, or contact our team with your year, make, model and VIN.

Measure Before You Order

• Measure the eye-to-eye length of your old shock (center of the top mounting hole to center of the bottom hole) with the shock off the machine.
• Check the mount type at each end (eyelet, bushing or clevis) and the bolt diameter.
• Note the spring color and any markings or part numbers on the shock body.
• Compare these with Bronco's specifications or send them to our team.

How Gas Shocks Work

A shock absorber controls the spring. Without it, the machine would keep bouncing after every bump. Inside the shock, oil flows through valving as the shaft moves, turning motion into heat. A gas charge keeps the oil under pressure so it doesn't foam on long, rough rides, which keeps the damping consistent from the first mile to the last.

Signs Your Shocks Need Replacing

• Bouncing or "porpoising" that keeps going after a bump
• Oil or fluid leaking from the shock body or seal
• A harsher ride where small bumps feel like big hits
• Nose-diving under braking or squatting under acceleration
• Uneven tire wear, such as cupping
• Body sway and instability in corners
• Clunking, knocking or squeaking from the suspension
• Dents, bends or corrosion on the shock body or shaft
• The machine sitting lower than normal, especially when loaded

Front vs. Rear and Left vs. Right

This shock is listed for the rear. Front and rear shocks on ATVs and UTVs usually have different lengths, spring rates and mounts, so they aren't interchangeable. Many machines use the same shock on the left and right side of an axle, but check your service manual. Replacing both shocks on an axle at the same time keeps the handling balanced.

Installation Steps

• Park on level ground, set the parking brake and support the frame on jack stands so the suspension hangs freely.
• Remove the wheel if needed for access.
• Remove the upper and lower shock bolts and take out the old shock.
• Compare the new shock with the old one side by side before installing.
• Install the new shock with the original or new hardware, and replace worn bushings.
• Torque the bolts to your vehicle maker's spec; use thread locker where the service manual calls for it.
• Reinstall the wheel, lower the machine and check the suspension moves freely through its travel.
• Recheck bolt torque after the first ride.

Plows, Cargo and Towing

Stiffer springs help ATVs running a plow or carrying loads on the racks hold ride height. If you plow, upgrade the front shocks; if you haul or tow, start with the rear. Remember that stiffer springs also make the ride firmer when the machine is empty.

Care and Maintenance

Wash mud and grit off the shock shaft after rides; dirt on the shaft wears the seal. Inspect shocks for leaks, dents and worn bushings at every service. Check the mounting bolts for tightness, and replace shocks as a pair when one starts leaking.

Why Buy From Witchdoctors

Witchdoctors carries suspension, ignition and replacement parts for Polaris, Can-Am, Honda, Yamaha, Kawasaki, Suzuki, Arctic Cat, CFMoto and more. Our team can help you confirm the right part for your machine.

Related Products

• Bronco Honda Foreman 4x4 Front Gas Shock (AU-04202)
• Bronco Honda Foreman 4x4 Rear Gas Shock (AU-04252)
• Bronco Honda Fourtrax 4x4 Front Gas Shock (AU-04206)
• Bronco Honda Fourtrax 4x4 Rear Gas Shock (AU-04256)

Bronco Products · ATV & UTV Shocks · UTV Shock Springs · UTV & ATV Suspension Components

Helpful Guides From the Witchdoctors Blog

• Tech Tip: How to Inspect UTV/ATV Shock Seals and Suspension
• Polaris Tech Tip: How to Check Polaris Wheel Bearings and Suspension Bushings
• Can You Use Anti-Seize and Blue Loctite on the Same UTV Suspension Bolt?

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it sold individually or in pairs?

Bronco shocks are sold individually. Order two to replace both sides of an axle.

How do I know it fits my machine?

Compare the part number on your old shock, measure eye-to-eye length, or contact our team with your year, make, model and VIN.

Is it adjustable?

The listing doesn't say this shock is adjustable.

How hard is installation?

It's a direct bolt-on replacement. With basic tools and your service manual for torque specs, most riders can do it at home.

Can I mix shock brands?

It's best to use the same shock on both sides of an axle for balanced handling.

Will it ride stiffer than stock?

Bronco says its springs are about 10% stiffer, so expect a slightly firmer ride, especially when the machine is empty.

Where to Ride

Get your machine back on the trail at one of these riding areas:

• Barnwell Mountain Recreation Area (Gilmer, Texas): about 50 miles of trails
• Spearhead Trails (southwest Virginia): a multi-trail system across the Virginia coalfields

Order Today

Add the Bronco Honda Foreman Rear Gas Shock to your cart. Not sure it fits? Contact our team with your year, make, model and VIN.

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Returns

If your order arrives and it is not right, we will we'll fix it. We promise!

Doesn't fit or just not happy with it? You can return any new, unopened, unused or unaltered item within 30 days of delivery receipt of your item. We will issue a refund to your original payment method.

See our full Return Policy for all of the pertinent details.