OK i need advice(please), my 97 Sportsman with macphearson struts is getting tooo worn out. What i am saying is i want new struts. Are there any better shocks than the macphearsons and how would i get those and what are the pricing.

The shocks i have now just bottem out and have long since faded away. I need something that last longer and is overall a good shock.

ANy suggestions or help is appriciated.

Thanks,
Ryan Hamilton
97 Scrambler 500 MODED
97 Sportsman 500

 

I kept my front struts from bottoming out with a pair of stiffer front springs, but my struts weren’t worn out either. I can’t suggest anything aftermarket for strut inserts but if it were me who had dead struts I’d probably replace them with new stockers and firm springs. Putting a pair of firm springs on mine was the best $32 I’ve ever spent on my quad. It improved the ride and really improved the handling.

If you find “better” strut inserts for a good price let us know. But if you’re just bottoming out the firm springs are the cure.

 

ok i called my dealer here in dallas he suggested the new stock struts from the new sportsmans. I asked him "do those fit" he said "positively". I got them for about 80 bucks a piece. He said they wear better meaning they last longer. I hope he is right. Usually he is. so far.

Any tips on installing struts would be welcome at this point.

I ordered the master repair manuel from polaris for all polaris models 96-99 so it should help me some.

I took apart the sportsman last weekend every part but the engine and trans and drives , stuff like that. I am just doing my big time spring cleanin. Man that spark arrestor on that muffler was a pain in the royal a$$! used like a whole bottle of liquid wrench!
anywase thanks for responding I will let all of you know how this turns out I think i might opt for the heavier springs.

One question though Do the heavier spings rebound too much I dont wanna flip I do some massive hill climbing!

Thanks,
Ryan Hamilton
97 sportsman
97 Scrambler LOVE IT!

 

o my god! Just saw your pics of your house man! I dream of a house that beautiful !! Wow! That was picture perfect!

I am only 16 but someday hopefully i will be as fortunate to have such a cool place.

 

fox sells a pair of front struts for 270 hot seat sells them. They give you more travel and they are the same thing as on the new ones on the rear. Ohlins also sells a rear shock which has adjustable rebound and damping. Aeen sells this one for 380. I don't know if they sell for the front or not but they do have a cheaper pair for 180.

 

Thanks Ryan. For strut replacement instructions go back to my Yahoo site and get in to the ATV Odds & Ends folder. There you’ll find a doc explaining the “easy” way to compress the springs.

 

ok I have one more question for you. Where did you get those stiffer springs for the front of the sportsman 500 for 32 bucks. I called my dealer he said they are 90 bucks. I didn't buy them but i would have if they were$32.

Would it be possible to order from the dealer u got yours from? I could call in a phone order and maybe have them mail it for me.

Thanks for your help,
Ryan Hamilton

 

AAEN sells the front springs for your bike real resonable 77.95 a pair I got there catalog here there # is 414-552-8981.

 

hey thanks todd.

 

Last year when I bought mine they were $16 each. I just checked with the dealer and they’ve gone up to about $24 each. The part number is 7041450-067 and they are sold each, not in pairs.