After three years on a [2018 KHS SixFifty 6600+](https://www.vitalmtb.com/product/guide/Bikes,3/KHS/SixFifty-6600,21597) (and two regular suspension services – I didn’t just treat it like shit), I blew my rear shock yesterday. Quickly took it by two shops and general consensus was either a damper seal or the entire damper assembly was gone, but would need to strip it down to be sure. With quotes of $120-200+ to do the rebuild depending on what was discovered, I figured there might be a replacement / upgrade option, spending an extra hundred bucks or so for something new or like new.
**Question 1 – basic compatibility, aka “will it work on my bike?”**
Would the following fit on the bike? Both are 7.875″ x 2.25” trunnion, but I’m not sure what all the other numbers and letters mean and how they might affect compatibility.
ORIGINAL = 2018, FLOAT DPS, P-S, A, 3pos Evol LV, KHS, SF6600, 7.875, 2.25, 0.2 Spacer, DCL, DRM, CML, Standard Logo
REPLACEMENT = 2021, FLOAT DPX2, F-S, K, 3pos-Adj. Evol LV, FOX, AM, 7.875, 2.25, 0.2 Spacer, CLA004, LRM0001, Rezi A2, L+ M+, Orange Logo
**Question 2 – install orientation & fit, aka “can I still get a water bottle onboard?”**
With the external reservoir of the DPX2 I’m concerned about spacing in the frame. I’ve already got a really narrow fit for a standard sized water bottle. I’ve done some reading and general consensus seems to be that you can install a sealed rear shock in any orientation without affecting performance. Would it work to run it basically “backwards and upside down,” such that the reservoir was positioned closer to the seat tube, facing upward toward the sky? Example images below:
Current bottle clearance with FLOAT ([image](https://cdn.imgchest.com/files/j7mmczk5bl7.jpg))
Idea for DPX2 installation orientation ([image](https://cdn.imgchest.com/files/k739cpl3q87.png))
**If there’s a question I didn’t think to ask, any input’s appreciated!**
by bluedev25