My question is in regards to the nuts located on top of the struts below the snap ring. The problem is that they are both loose on my 2003 prairie 650 you can get about a 1/2 to 3/4 turn out of each of them. Is this normal and where do they need to be? Thanks, Seth

 

TTT

 

I recently swapped out 2 pairs of struts and springs and found that at first I couldn't tighten 2 of the top nuts. Eventually I was able to get them snug, but wasn't really worried about it because I thought that's what the snap rings are for......to keep the nuts from coming off. Maybe ignorance is bliss, but I wouldn't worry about them being a little loose.

 

Make them tight, on mine I use a set of slip joint(water pump) pliers to hold back-up on the ball jt under the frame tab so that I can get them good and tight.

 

They should be tight but don't get carried away or you will break the tops of the struts,,,that is cheap cast aluminum! The snap ring is used as a safty item so that if the nut does come loose it can't come all the way off! If you have the machine on the ground have one of your buddies sit on the front end as you try to tighten it, this usually works but I've also used a pry bar to wedge the bottom or if you can get the channel lock pliers in there use them to hold the bottom.

Hey Seth, did you ever get the pictures I emailed you?

 

Yeah I got the pictures but had already welded it I ran two straps from the frame up to the top mount to keep it from bending up but am wondering if the problem is not only that they bend up but push through the top of the factory mount bracket. if this is the case I will have to add a piece on top as you did but I know mine aren't going to be bending up now. I just got the thing put back together a week ago from welding it and it is stripped of all plastic again as I broke my steering post and wanted to look over a couple other things while its got some down time. But anyway thanks for the pics and the answer to this question it is appreciated. Thanks again, Seth

 

Yes, they will push through the top if you are doing any big jumps! I always plate the top and sides!
Did you break the aluminum steering stem or?????? If yes, do you still have the old steering stem? I'm looking for bent, broke, ruined Prairie steering stems for a project I got going!