Well fellows I just got throuhg putting on the steering system that I showed pics of and it appears to be working great...I only had time to ride it up the road and around through the yard a few times...but I gotta say it stears completely different, seems it has a real fast easy cutting to it at medium and higher speeds, but I really can tell a big difference on the steering...if you want to look at the completed job go to:

http://www.angelfire.com/wv/vet67/r0300221.jpg

or want to comment on this I would be glad to listen...when you look at the pic notice that big bulbous rubber cover full of grease with the screw clamp attched to it...lol

 

Very interesting……. Is the “extension” made from ¼” plate? Is that a late style Polaris tie rod end or was it purchased elsewhere? What’s the deal with the hose clamp?

Your idea has me thinking about what effects this would have on the steering geometry. Extending the “arm” would seem to require more movement in the handlebars to get the same amount of wheel turn as before the mod. But, wheel turn might be accomplished with less effort.

This actually addresses two issues I’m interested in right now. I’d like to change over to the new style tie rod ends but with my 9” Mud Runners on stock wheels the right tire runs too close the rod end for the newer, larger ones to fit. This extension could easily be set up so it would allow more room between the rod end and the tire. Secondly, with a winch, front bumper and fuel pack on my front rack, my steering is heavy. If this would improve ease of steering I’d be all for it.

This is good food for thought, I may try it. What method did you use to realign the front end? Thanks for posting this.

 

I looked at your pic and those pieces increase the machanical advantage of the tie rods. You'll also have to turn the bars further to acheive full lock. They should make low speed steering alot easier. They might even make the tie rod ends last longer by decreasing the load on them. Keep an eye on those plates, as they might want to come loose. Are they notched out to fit around the webbing of the strut? They will need something to keep them from moving with only 1 bolt in them.

 

I think it is wider than 1/4" plate and that is a late year tie rod one of the newer ones with the rubber boot, the water clamp is put on there right after I filled the rubber cover full of grease. Well Rammer it does definetly make the steering easy and lighter, I really do believe my wife could steer it a lot easier right now. The front end does not need realign after installing this everything works out fine no readjustment needed. I got these from my dealer for $70 I think he is the only one who has them, but if you would like the dimensions or a pic of them before they are installed I have this too. They really do make the steering lighter and lot easier to steer. And yes they are made so they lock into the strip on the shock that is why only one bolt is needed, who knows you could be right this could make more ease on the tie rod end thus solving the Polaris tie rod end problem hehehe

 

you stated that you got these from your dealer? a polaris dealer? a oem part? or did your dealer make these themself? -chip

 

these are home made cpalmer i can get you the same deal I got or provide you pics and measuresmentst but these do cost about as much to fool with getting made unless you own a machine shop....

 

Well fellows for anybody interested I just got back from riding today with the new steering adjustment installed and all I can say is WOW, man it is like having power steering on an atv, even with or without my wife on the back the steering is easy and light...the only downfall to it is it decreasing your turning radius on really tight turns, I mean stuff that when you are turning that you are turning nearly going back the same way...man I love it.

 

Looks like a easy mod. Can you post a picture of the bracket before it was installed? Thanks

 

Well I have just finished making my version of the new steering arm. Mine added 1 1/2" to the mechanical advantage, which translates into approx. a 40% improvement to the mechanical advantage. It will probably take me about a week to finish the project because I am upgrading to heim joints at the same time. When it's done I will post and let you know how it worked out.