front shocks

get the 400 ex rear shock, i have an '05 trx 450, harder to mount, had to cut the one flange off that the front of the plastics bolt to, the rezzie is offset, the 400 is the same shock but straight rezzie, less cutting, and i'd get a newer 400 shock over a 20 year old 250r shock anyday
and spend the $150 - $175 on some works fronts, you'll think you're on a different bike, yeah, that much difference, worth every penny
 
i don't think you can really go wrong with either the 250r or 400ex shocks, either way you're gonna be making a huge upgrade. with the 250r just remember that you have to mount the rezzie somewhere
 
stay away from a z400 shock. I thought it would be the same as a 400ex.... its not, you might as well put a pogo stick up your as.. anyways they suck.
 
run a 400ex shock ,am, i love them, and noober has a nice way to mount them if you have a welder, for the front run shee's, or run progressive if you can cough up 300 for new ones.