I've seen the thread on how to replace the front springs on a sportsman. My springs are on a brown truck right now but should be arriving today and I plan on replacing them tonight.

I was wondering if I had to remove the headlight assembly? Can I get to the springs by just removing the front box? Should I wear my helmet while using ratcheting straps to compress the spring? [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif[/img]

thanks

 

I removed my headlight section, but I can't remember if I had do or just did it anyway.

Here is a write-up I did when I installed the EPI HD springs on my 500. Hope it helps.

FRONT SPRING REPLACEMENT

 

Just remove the box, don't take the wheels off as they will keep you from overextending when you jack it up. It does not take a spring compressor, they are not under tension. Very simple job.
Here is a little video about front and rear.
video

 

Sheepdog- Thanks for that link I have it printed out.
reno- great video I can't wait to get started.

I'll get some pics up when I'm done.

 

Cool Pic and Video instructions. Man that is what I love about this forum, its so
Inforumative (no pun) LOL - Is that Cob the dude who helps those with the heelclicker?

I read posts and heard of his name. Question what do these EPI shocks give an extra
advantage for? Do you really notice a big difference in the handling and less bounce?
Are you doing this to raise the machine or just better handling more stability or more
weight capacity?

Cheers,

R'

 

Yep, Cob the heelclicker man from quadsquad. EPI are progressive rate springs that will keep the ride similar to factory until you need more support. I chose the Polaris HD springs which raised my front up about 2 inches, took my tires from looking like this /\ to this l l. The EPI's are better springs but cost about $120 a pair. My Polaris HD's cost $50 a pair. I can live with the rougher ride, I'm an old jeep rockcrawler boy, my popo rides like a caddie compared to my jeep. Both will give you better handling, less nose-dive, and more ground clearence.

 

I've had progressive-rate springs on a quad and they're good. They work like magic as a recoil spring in a pistol, too. It seems strange that they use the exact same technology and the only difference is size. The first part of the compression is like a soft spring and the rest is like a stiff spring. So it's like having two seperate springs, a regular spring stacked on top of a heavy duty one. It does the job of both of them.

 

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

Cool Pic and Video instructions. Man that is what I love about this forum, its so

Inforumative (no pun) LOL - Is that Cob the dude who helps those with the heelclicker?



I read posts and heard of his name. Question what do these EPI shocks give an extra

advantage for? Do you really notice a big difference in the handling and less bounce?

Are you doing this to raise the machine or just better handling more stability or more

weight capacity?



Cheers,



R'</end quote></div>

Well, if I hadn't the need to plow snow, I probably would have stuck with the stock springs. The EPI HD ones are very nice for plowing, but they are a little harsh for normal riding, IMO. I think the stock 800 springs would be perfect for my 500. Maybe I'll swap them and see how that goes.

HERE is another page of mine that shows how effective the HD springs are.

 

Thanks to all, I got them installed this weekend. I'll have to post pictures a little later.

I took them out for a ride and I love the way they handle the trail. The stock springs would allow the front to dive, the EPI's little to no dive. I expected the front to bounce up over larger rocks but that didn't happen, the springs swallowed the hit and kept going. I'm very pleased with them.

 

Nice to hear .22 [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]