Hey gents, I got sick of the squat that my X2 exhibits in the front end. So, I decided to get heavy duty springs. It looks like it would be easiest to get at the top of the strut by taking the tires off completely while jacking up the front end. My question is: Will I need a spring compressor to take off the old ones and to put on the new ones? Any help would be appreciated. I think the X2 front end is identical to the Sportsman front end.

 

I used a spring compressor, It looks like a set of two fingered claws that you tighten with an impact wrench or ratchet.
The springs are smaller then a car so watch out that the tool doesn't kick out on you.
I definately needed to compress the springs.
Others on here didn't need to.
There are lots of threads about how to do this. They helped me out. about an hour each side.
It is a good time to check and change CV boots while you have it apart.
Deerkiller

 

Yes you will need spring compressors, I bought a set off one of those cheap tool trucks for $20 they work fine, maybey your local parts store loans tools with a deposit, mine does.Also check the clearance on the strut end boot, when you raise these machines some will rub and wear out the boot, I ground some out of both strut housings and smoothed it with emery paper afterward, boots clear well at full drop now.

 

You don't need a spring compressor, just loosen the top bolts, jack up and pull top of strut out. Loosen the strut pinch bolts and slide complete shock up and out. Replace springs and tighten top nut and then install complete shock into strut, lower atv and tighten strut pinch bolts. The weight of atv compresses the springs!

You may be happier with TM2 adjusters than the heavy shocks! The HD are good with the plow on but too stiff with out 100 lbs. up front.
Best set up is stock 800 springs with the adjusters.

 

I weigh about 350 now. I like stiff suspensions more than soft. My truck is a GMC 2500HD. I love how it rides. I've got a winch up front, so with my weight, it should be a good match. We shall see. Thanks for the info everybody. Much appreciated.

 

You don't need compressors for the fronts but you do need them for the rears.......To do the fronts remove the front storage box first and you have total access to do all the work without removing the tires....Actually leaving the tires on helps prevent the over extension of the cv's.....Once the storage box is removed you can jack up the front one side at a time just enough to get the springs out with a little manueving......Make sure you don't let the axle down further than you have to......Leaving the tires on is the best idea.......I changed both my fronts to EPI's in about an hour......Very easy to do and well worth it......Great mod..

John

 

Moose, I used ratchet straps when installing the new Polaris HD springs for compression. Didn't need them on taking old ones off. Think I used 2 jacks, one for front of ATV, other to let each side down just enough to clear.

 

JCDEYO25, I take it you jacked up the opposite side from the one you are trying to take the spring off??? I really appreciate all the ideas everyone is giving me. It confirms the way I was thinking of going.

 

<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote>Originally posted by: MooseHenden

JCDEYO25, I take it you jacked up the opposite side from the one you are trying to take the spring off??? I really appreciate all the ideas everyone is giving me. It confirms the way I was thinking of going.</end quote></div>

Moose...
No actually I put the jack under the frame off centered closer to the side I am working on....This way it doesn't lift the whole front end and become unbalanced.......But anyway after the front storage box is removed it's a piece of cake....Jack up the wheeler just enough to get the spring out......I was very scared of going too high so when I got close I just squeezed the spring a little enough to tip the top out and that's it........

John

 

Moose......
I know you're not installing adjusters but this photoshow might give you a better idea of what I was talking about....After you go to the site scroll down to "spring adjuster install"....Leaving the wheels on will prevent the over extension of the cv when you remove the top nut.....Then after the nut is removed you can adjust the amount of lift with the jack that you need....

<a target=_blank class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="http://www.photoshow.net/COB/favorites
">http://www.photoshow.net/COB/favorites
</a>

John