SHAGGY500HO,
The standard 6x6 springs are the HD Sportsman springs, however they make an optional 6x6 which is stiffer yet. And if you want to get super stiff you could go with the Ranger springs. They are a little excessive! Sorry I don't have my quick reference manual in front of me to give the lb/in rating.

So just for laughs you could make a Polaris ride like a Honda, Suzuki, or a oak board if you wanted to, HA HA.

 

So those of you who have changed your front springs, how hard is it to do? Whats involved??

 

You're going to need a basic spring compressor, and a few hand tools. Mine have been in and out so many times Iv'e got it down to about 35 minutes for both sides. If you have any mechanical ability it's not a big deal. Just be safe when compressing the springs.

 

If you are only goping to change the front springs you do not need the spring compresser when you lift it off the ground there is little to not tension there. I have changed alot of sets of struts from racing my quad an it is not a hard task you need a 5/8 wrench an one a bout 1/4 to hold the sturt shaft from turning. Then once the sturt assemble is out of frame you wil need a 11/16 wench an the 1/4 to remove the nut to take the spring retaner off an once this is done the spring comes off. an reverse the steps

 

I was comparing my 98 Sportsman HD springs to my 01 Sportsman standard springs and they look the same. Are they the same? This would make sense because I have not been able to bottom out my stock 01 SP where-as my 98 would bottom out regularly until I changed to the HD.

 

do you have to remove the front plastic?

 

Traildog
They are different.
Part #'s for the heavy Polaris springs are.

Front 101 lb/in. 7041450-067
rear 140 lb/in. 7041519-067

The standard fronts are 64/113 lb/in dual rate.
The standard rears are 100 lb/in.

They also sell a soft front 61 lb/in part #. 7041238-067


unclemuck
No need to remove the plastic. One thing to watch for is the front cv's can be pulled apart if you let the suspension hang too low.
http://forums.atvconnection.com/mess...ighlight_key=y

 

Uflg95

Would you know the part number for the HD springs for the 500 sportsman? We are changing springs on a different machine and found that the stock Polaris springs were a little light but the HD should work well. Also, do you know if the rear on the Sportsman are about the same size as the front or are they considerably longer. Any help will be greatly appreciated. Our local parts guy said ther wasn't a heavy duty front spring, only the spacer. I figure if I can get him a parts # he might be able to get it. Thanks a lot!

 

BK
If you read the post above yours you would have seen. [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif[/img]


Part #'s for the heavy Polaris springs are.

Front 101 lb/in. 7041450-067
rear 140 lb/in. 7041519-067

The heavy springs are the same for all the sportsman's.

 

Have you checked into pre-load springs made by progressive suspensions for the front of your polaris.The kit cost $160.00 but it allows you to adjust the springs with a spanner wrench,this will help when adding a winch kit and bumper.