Just got an Orange 222. Only had the frame a few months, had to replace my old DH frame with something even older due to lack of funds . Loving the 222, only problem i've had with it is the rear shock, a vanilla rc. Been using it out in france for the past week, it varries so much as it heats up, (not as noticable back on UK tracks), it isn't tuneable enough, has a very vauge mid stroke feel (maybe that's the frame?) Compession adjuster just varries how harsh the shock feels. To get a nice amount of sag, I end up blowing through the travel too easily too.

I also have a 5 way 5th element which i've just got hold off. This is in need of a service however.

Question is, which shock should I keep? I reckon a tune up/change of valving is needed on the vanilla for sure, PUSH possibly? The 5th needs a service, so I could get that shim stacked at the same time. I'm guessing TF still offer this. Or, I could sack them both off and get a dhx5. What do you reckon my best option is?

I had the same problem with my patriot. To get it feeling nice means it bottoms waaaay too easily. I got a 5th (as it's the only other piggy back shock that fits) and it's sorted the problem 

why?

my 222 pedalled extremelly well with the standard RC on it. the high pivot point means the back end will almost lock out when you crank hard anyway, so i cant see why you would need a platform?!?!

the PUSH'd RC i fitted to mine helped it out no end though, the shock could be run softer and faster, and not bottom out or buck you off on big compressions. never rode a 222/3 with a 5th fitted though.