Thanks! This actually worked really well--here are a few notes on this and feel free to PM if you want any more detail on anything. This bike is back in 7 speed DH mode and I do still have all the parts that made this work if you're interested.

- Lockout is definitely needed. I installed a climb switch on the X2, which works very well for pedal platform but I would recommend a Super Deluxe or newer gen X2/DHX2 or any other shock that sits high and doesn't sag when locked out, which will help keep seat angle manageable

- I used a Leonardi CX 9-36 11sp cassette. I think this is still the only viable option to get 400% range. Any bigger than 36t will not work due to chain growth--you could try the 9-39 e13 XCX, but that would be a huge gamble and likely will be too big. I used both a 28t and 30t chainring and probably could have gone up to 32t for fire roads.

- This frame has a LOT of chain growth, so a long cage was absolutely mandatory. The SRAM mid cage DH derailleur will not work due to its min angle and I do not believe any SRAM mid cage will work in 36t while taking up chainslack in 9t. X01 and XX1 long or XTR mid or long will work perfectly.

- I'm ~5'11 with 32 inseam and the 150mm dropper (410mm length) was the only viable seatpost to get the saddle as low as possible collapsed while also not being overall too long installed on the size L frame. There is room to drill the front face of the seat tube to drop an internal cable into but the One Up v1 dropper actuator acts like a button when pressed in--I didn't need handlebar controls so I never tried to route a cable, but its definitely doable, external or internal with modification.

- This was a pretty Gucci build and only weighed a hair over 32 lbs. Its no born climber, but it worked!

 @HaggeredShins: Thank you so much for this explanation. I may take you up on the parts if they are in good condition. I am waiting for a Fall/Black Friday sale on commencal as they have some 2019/2020's left over.

We have so many good downhill trails in BC that are not lift assisted so it would be a perfect build for me.

I will be buying an L size frame so everything should work perfectly.

 @JustMakingTea: No sweat! Just let me know if you're looking for any more details on the setup!

 @HaggeredShins: Do you think I can throw a 11-42 cassete on the 10 speed version of the furious? The furious ride comes with a 10 speed sram shifter and cassete. I know the deraileur needs to be swapped for sure.

www.commencalcanada.com/furious-ride-c2x28625113

 @JustMakingTea: Possibly with a long cage but likely not since the capacity is much bigger (31 vs 27). The problem I saw with gearing is that the frame's chain growth through the stroke makes it difficult to have enough slack in your biggest gear while having chain tension in your smallest gear. Also keep in mind the reason for 9t as a high gear is to be able to pedal at speed and not spin out with a smaller chainring. Also the 9-36 is 400% range while the 11-42 is only 380%.

Technically you could probably get away with the 11-42 since you likely won't be getting deep into your travel in the two or three biggest gears, but with the caution that if you ever did you'd break things if the chain is too short. When setting this all up you definitely want to pull the shock and cycle the frame and remove links until everything is just right, using b-tension to fine tune slack in the smallest cog.

 @HaggeredShins:

So it seems like the 9-36 is best to keep the depth of travel without breaking the chain. How is this gearing on slight to medium climbs. Should i use a 30t chairing or 32t?

 @JustMakingTea: Its not terrible, but when things get over 25 degrees you really have to grind with a 30t. I ran it with a 28t most of the time which is pretty much trail gearing--better top and low end than 32t on 11-42 cassette. 30t is probably where its at if you're a strong climber and 32t would be zero compromises on the DH but a big one going up. 32x9 is probably way, way more than needed for anything but the most flat out DH

 @HaggeredShins: Thank you again for all the explanation. I will try to follow your advice for this build.

 @JustMakingTea: no sweat, it was impossible finding info for this build when I did it so glad to be able to put it out there! Interested to see what you come up with!

 It should work just fine! The only difference will be less top end but you'll trade that for an even easier range to get chain tension dialed into. My only caution would be going with a bigger low gear than 36t since that might be stretching chain growth limits (pun intended).

Also just remember you need the gen 1 Furious with the open seat tube to rig up a dropper!

 I agree on the Furious, rides like a flipping dream. One slick thing about the OneUp dropper is that the cable mechanism works like a button. Since I'm using this to self-shuttle up fire roads and not real trail riding it was a pretty rad shortcut to avoiding a remote on the bars!