polaris sportsman hd springs

ak_polaris_15 · #1 (**permalink**) 01-05-2011, 06:19 PM

hey so i do a lot of plowing with my 06 500HO and some jumping it in the summer, i know the polaris front ends usually sag some but i abuse the heck out of that machine(ive rolled it at least 3 times).
anyways...
i was wondering if anyone has installed the HIGHLIFTER HD front springs on their sportsman and what they thought and how hard they were to install?

NickS · #2 (**permalink**) 01-05-2011, 06:48 PM

I'm interested in this also, I'm thinking about getting them instead of a lift for the front.

cookies · #3 (**permalink**) 01-05-2011, 07:09 PM

suspension... one of the BEST mods EVARRRRRRRRRRRRR.

seriously though, the two best mods on any machine i've ever owned have been suspension and tires. a couple of the easiest mods out there and they will affect the machine more than anything i can think of...

cwlongshot · #4 (**permalink**) 01-06-2011, 01:54 AM

While not the hilifter springs, I chose the EPI HD springs. But they where WAY EASY!!!!!

Personally I did not even require a spring compressor. YOUR EXPERIENCES COULD VARY!!! The first side took me about 30 minutes, the second less then five!!! as I used the compresser on the first side and did not on the second.

GREAT since the mod!!! Dosent sag with the plow and rides and handles better. But I am a bigger guy at 6' and 230#.

CW

NickS · #5 (**permalink**) 01-06-2011, 03:30 AM

Are there any instructions online of how to install them, i want to see what i'm in for if I get some

cwlongshot · #6 (**permalink**) 01-06-2011, 04:10 AM

I'm not sure. But it is straight forward. On my '07 I removed the front storage box allowing plenty of access. I set the front on a 5 gal pail with a block of wood. I mounted compressors to opposing sides of the spring and compressed it. Then removed top nut and assessembly from the top of the strut. Then removed the spring and carefully removed compressors. When comparing heights. I saw that thee was no pressure on the assessembly of my machine. So I mounted new spring and removed and installed other side without compressors. Yous could vary so do not just unbolt with out containing the coil spring. They could contain allot of pressure. And releasing them haphazardly could easily hurt someone.

CW

michael1871 · #7 (**permalink**) 01-06-2011, 04:42 AM

Qiuck question about these springs what is the spring rating between the stock one's and polaris HD, High lifter. and EPI springs. I'm also thinking and about change my springs just want more techinal info about these setups. New Shocks would be the way to go but don't want to spend $600 to $1000 on them.

Razorback · #8 (**permalink**) 01-06-2011, 07:11 AM

The polaris HD springs are 128lb/inch. Don't know what the stock rate is for you, but you can probably look it up on babbitts. It listed the rates for mine.

ak_polaris_15 · #9 (**permalink**) 01-06-2011, 08:23 PM

hey thanks for the input i havent decided what ill do yet but the springs seem to be a great mod

thanx

hubbard738 · #10 (**permalink**) 01-13-2011, 03:50 PM

What about spring spacers that add about 2 inches of pre load to the stock spring. and then you can use the factory adjuster from there. Very cheap on e-bay I cut mine from 2 1/2 " pipe and painted them black. I did have to use a spring compressor that I rented for free at Auto Zone. Then I adjusted my spring to its middle adjustment so its really compressed to about its full stock load but I can make it stiff with the adjuster wrench when needed. Cost was Gas to go to autozone to get spring compressor. No problems and works with stock shocks on my 850 XP touring.