08 sportsman 500, need to adjust the rear shocks, do I NEED the special wrench to do this job?? whats the easiest way to do it? jack up back to take weight off suspension? I only need to turn it one click I think should be good. Thanks

 

You can easily jack it and use a pair of channel locks...No problem..Might wanna hit it with a little WD40 first.

John

 

Is it easier to take the wheel off to have more room?

 

I did my buddies A/C in the driveway......His new 2008 even came with the wrench...........His TRV 400 has the 5 positions adjustment on all four corners................He went to the softest setting (less pre-load on the springs) and it's still not as soft as the sportsman he says!!.........caper........

 

There should be a tool for turning the adjuster in your tool kit.My X2 came with one.

 

The easiest way for me is to take the wheels off and use a shock spanner wrench. Most generic motorcycle wrenches will work good once you jack it up and let the suspension sag down. With the wheels on it can be hard to turn it a full click because the spanner handle hits the tire. Unless you have the special socket extension wrench that the dealers use and I can't afford that one. Just be sure to set both shocks the same.

 

I used the wrench that came with the X2. Put a piece of pipe on it to get a little more leverage and it worked great. You can get a shock adjuster wrench for about $10-$15. In a pinch you can use channel lock pliers or even a large vise grip. But you have to be very careful not to squeeze too hard.

 

how would you ajust the front to make them stifer do i have to put spacers in

 

Polaris used to sell heavier springs for the front but I don't know if they still do. Somebody else made an adjustable aftermarket system to replace the struts and springs but I haven't seen that for a long time either.

 

You can still get the heavy springs here springs
They run $50 a pair and lift your front about 2". Ride is stiffer but not bad.