I have a couple of friends with sportsman 400's and 500's. The struts on the front of both their machines are sagging really bad. I'm just wondering if this is a common occurence???

 

My 2002 500HO sagged badly since new. The front bottomed out easily on moderate bumps and generally felt like mush. I added 1" preload spacers and it made a world of difference. Better ride, higher clearance, sharper handling and steering. Cheapest and best change to my quad.

 

progressive suspension makes a kit to remedy this, its a spring replacement with a set of preloaders and it is worth every penny!!!

Chris

 

How can I find Progressive Suspension?

1 Bullmoose, Where can I get those 1" preload spacers?

Thank You,

Lukester

 

Lukester,
Do a search for the thread titled "500 HO front suspension" and you will find my front suspension fix and suggestions from other Sportsman owners. My $2 fix worked better for me than the $100 springs. If you can't find the thread, I'd be happy to provide details again.

 

1Bullmoose,

Thank you for the fix.

Lukester

 

http://www.progressivesuspension.com/31-series-atv.html

try that link.
I agree they are a little pricey but they are totally tuneable and also the springs are dual rate so they stiffen as they compress

Chris

 

The progressive springs with preload adjustment sound good, just be sure to compare spring rates and lengths to the stock springs or you may be disappointed like I was when I ordered heavy duty springs from Polaris. The springs were stiff all right, wouldn't budge at all. And they were an inch shorter which made the front end sag even lower. Not good.
If you are even a little bit handy, try my 2 buck solution before spending cash on aftermarket springs. Others have tried it and have been as happy as I am with the results.

 

1Bullmoose hit it. those 2" round rubber spacers do the trick. on my old Sp500 it made a huge difference. i used to plow with the heavy duty Moose plows and the spacers helped me a lot. plus, i found the ATV to be more stable in the woods in off-camber situations.

a good Polaris Dealer will have them in stock.

inexpensive and simple to install....

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The front springs off a 600/700 are built heavier (stronger-longer coils) and will fit right on and lift that sagging front end about 1"to 2" at a low cost. The trouble with spacers is you lose full range of motion and are only treating a symptom and not curing the problem. The 600/700 springs will cure the problem!