I recently purchased a 95 Cat, EXT 580 (carbed), I dont really know a lot about snowmobile suspension, but, the first day that I got it, I rode it, and it rode like ####, i adjusted the blocks to stiffen it up, (One turn each way i tried) and every setting was too stiff, to stiff meaning it rides like ### on trails, but it bottoms out with 2-3 feet of air... I dont understand thi8s at all, Im about 180 pounds, and it shouldn't be doing this, I rode my buddies sled, and it rode like a dream, now I just need to get mine to that level, and im set (its a ZR600 i think).

If anyoine can suggest steps I should take to fix this, it'd be great. If I can't adjust it, what can I do to improve it, any input is appreciated.

Check the Shock, it could be blown. That's where I'd start. Take it out and push/pull it through a full stroke. Does it stutter or stick at any point? It should be hard to compress and expand, but smooth. Once you compress it, it should expand a little on it's own (Gas pressure in the Gas Shock). Let Me Know.
Later
Gutz

The shock functions just like a new one. It compresses good, and rebounds good, i dont understand this.

I was wondering if anyone could tell me also, if you could mount a 2002 ZR 600 suspension under this thing, and if that would make a drastic improvement? If not, its getting an M10 this summer when the sled goes down for engine mods, pipes, clutching, and front suspension work. Any input is appreciated.

I bought an M-10 for my Skidoo. It's the way to go if you are not a lake racer. It doesn't transfer well for max traction.

If you like we can continue working with your stock suspension?

Later
Gutz

If there is something else that I can do to my stock suspension let me know, I dont know what else can be done, I've played with the blocks to try to adjust the spring tension, but moving thoose either way doesnt help at all.

I did find a 02 ZR600 and ZR440 sno-pro rear suspensions, I can get either one of them for 200 bucks, and they are complete (from a guy that ice races oval tracks, rips them out and replaces them with something else, so they are brand new)

I dont know which one of thoose would be the best to put in (if either one will bolt up)

If none of this crap is going to work, I guess its off the the M-10 this summer, Can't really afford it right now, but it would come this summer, im looking for a temporary solution until then (if i get one of the other suspensions, I know I can sell it on ebay for what I paid for it at LEAST, if not make a little bit of money off of it.

THanks for your help, as always, any more help that you can offer is appreciated.

No mater what you say about the shock, i still believe it is the reason why your not satisfied with that 580. the stock chock sucks. Put a Fox, Ohlin, Engan or another rebuild able shock in there, calibrated by sam one who knows Arctic and how to tune that shock an you vill be a happy man.
That ZR is equipped with a fox or ACT chock from the factory.....
compression and rebound is to week in stock (not rebuild able) chocks and so you found out, it bottoms out and i bet it kicks back as well!
"been there, did that" is why i "think" i'm able to say this..... :blush:
Lars

I have owned an EXT 95 and a 96 580zr and the ride between the two was night and day difference. The stock shocks on the ext were not for big bumps in the first place and are likely pretty much shot at this point anyway.

Look for a pre-97 zr skid, it will have the fox shocks and will bolt right in.