how to compress a atv shock spring to reinstall

antoniodef · #1 (**permalink**) 03-15-2011, 07:29 PM

I ordered some HD springs (and rear rack extender) today for my 2011 Sportsman 500. I have a plow set up, and it lowers the front quite a bit. I also am a big guy, 6'2" and 255lb. I am not a fan how much the front dips when I turn. The rear shocks were on the softest setting, so I just stiffened those one setting. Quite a few people said they like the handling with the HD springs, so I wanted to give them a try.

Has anyone changed the front springs on a 2011 Sportsman 400/500/800? I know the 2011's seem to have a different front. I just removed the whole front plastic body piece. The tops of the spring sit up inside/underneath the body piece. There seemed to be no way to access the bolt without removing it.

The frame piece the springs sit against on the top is cupped around the top of the spring. I read where everyone seemed to be able to change the springs without compressing them, I am just wondering if that is possible? Can you compress them by hand enough to get out from underneath the cup?

I also read to be careful of the CV joints. What am I watching out for? Only pull the spring away from the machine far enough to lift the spring off and put the new one on? Do I need to remove the tires? If so, why? They don't seem to be in the way. Do you torque the nut on top of the spring? What to? If so, how would I torque it seeing how I have to use an open ended wrench to get it off since I have to hold the top of the shock while I turn the nut?

I have searched all over here and the internet, but I can't seem to find any good how-to with pics.

I work on all my toys and can usually do anything, I just am a little lost.

Any pointers?

antoniodef · #2 (**permalink**) 03-15-2011, 07:34 PM

Dang, just found a thread from another forum that shows it pretty well...

Polaris HD Springs Installed - ATVConnection.com ATV Enthusiast Community

scottdeet · #3 (**permalink**) 03-15-2011, 08:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by antoniodef

Dang, just found a thread from another forum that shows it pretty well...

Polaris HD Springs Installed - ATVConnection.com ATV Enthusiast Community

WOW, 5 mins between posts. Your a quick searcher

I believe the jack-up is used to help relieve pressure from the springs
and also so the axles don't fall out.

antoniodef · #4 (**permalink**) 03-16-2011, 06:23 AM

It is ironic. I had been looking for hours. Whenever I look for something I always end up reading and learning about similar stuff as I go through links. After looking throughout the day I decided to post. As I closed my browser I saw a tab I had opened and hadn't checked out. It turned out to be that one.

Razorback · #5 (**permalink**) 03-18-2011, 11:07 PM

Yep, it's pretty simple. The springs just sit on those "cups". Jack it up high enough and they'll fall right out. Remove the nuts with it sitting on the ground though. It's easier b/c the weight of the front suspension isn't pulling down on them.

The cv joints: once it's all loose and jacked up, don't pull to far outward on the strut, it can separate the cv joints. Doesn't break anything, but it's a pita b/c you have to disassemble everything to reconnect the joint.