hey well i have had my 04.5 polaris 700efi sportsman for a few years now and i am very impressed with it! But i do not like how soft the shocks are. i know i can adjust the rear but it's very hard to get it to the next (notch). so i was wondering does anybody have and tips on how to stiffen the rear suspension? I do have the stiffening tool but it seems kind of short (no leverage)

 

Welcome to the forum. It is easier if you take the weight off the machine, also make sure the adjusters are clean and maybe use WD-40 for lubercation. Should be easier with the tires off ground.

 

Finally, a new face on the forum. Welcome, welcome!

 

use a rachet strap to compress the spring and then turn the adjuster
you could also try some highlifter HD springs

 

I'm sure it's not the proper way but I used a large pair of channel lock pliers. I got the rear of the bike off of the ground,soaked the spring and adjustment area with wd-40, and turned the adjustment with the pliers. I didn't remove the wheels but if I adjust them again I will, it will give you alot more room to work. Just be careful with the pliers making sure you're not bending/damaging anything. Also don't knock the quad off of the jack, that might hurt!

 

I'm with HD. After trying a couple of the adjustment wrenches I had kicking around I ended up using a pair of Vice Grips. I set it so it was just grabbing. Worked better for me. Taking weight off the quad and lubing is a plus.

 

yeah i took the wheels off and lifted it off the ground but i haven't tried the vise grips or the rachet strap. Where did you place the rachet strap when you did yours 700?

 

I bought a cheap spring compression tool from Harbor Freight. Works pretty good.

LINK

 

I lift the machine and take off tires. I then use a pipe wrench to turn the caliper. I have always done it this way and it is so easy. If you try this you will probaly laugh because it is so easy. I just installed a 2 inch lift on mine and it stiffened it up pretty good so I had to tone down the setting and had no problem with the pipe wrench.

 

OK well i got the rear suspension cranked all the way up! Thanks guys for the help!