I need to replace my strut cartridges and was wondering if this can be done without the spring compression tool? Does anyone know any tricks to remove the springs without this tool? Thanks for your Ingenuity.

 

I changed the sturt cartarces on my 400 Sportsman with out a spring compresser.Just loosen up the pinch bolts,take the top nut off,jack up the quad until the top of the strut clears the brachet,tilt it out a litte and take the spring off and the strut out.When going back put the strut in,spring on with the top bushings,let the jack down slowly quiding the strut in the bracket,tighten up the top nut,compress the shocks a few time and make sure the cartrage is bottomed out then thighten the pinch bolts.Do one side at a time! This will work with stock springs notsure about after market.

 

ftwflh, is their enough clearance to lift the strut cartridge and spring up and out or do you also have to take the plastic off ? I do have stock springs. Thanks for the help.

 

I didnt have to take the plasyic off.But if they top nuts are messed up you will.

 

Maybe the xplorer is different than the scrambler, but I take out my scrambler front struts all the time, it's a piece of cake. I need to check the air pressure in the Works air adjustable struts occationally. I just jack the front end up, loosen all the top nuts & the wheel will fall freely to the ground then loosen the 2 screws on the lower strut mount & your done. Work in reverse to reassemble. I hold up the front wheel w/ the tip of my foot while I re-tighten the top nuts on re-assembly. It only take me just a couple minutes per stut.
Jim Maloney 98 400 Scrambler

 

Thanks guys, hopfully it goes as smooth as your post states. We all know about murphys law it tends to happen to me more often than not. I ordered the Fox rebuildible struts, they should be in today. If I have any problems I will reply to this post.

 

I put the strut cartridges in yesterday and everything went as you said. thanks for all the help.