97 Polaris Xlt Xtra 12 Suspension

I am posting this for my boyfriend, my terminology may be rough but I will do my best.

1997 Polaris XLT 600 Limited- Xtra 12 Suspension

When you put weight on the tail end of this sled, the sled will not travel back up, or spring in the up position. You have to almost pull the tail end back up in the air. There are multiple pic marks in the tunnel, meaning it is bottoming out. The sled is not driven aggressively, mostly on groomed trails.

The sled has 4k miles on it, and is a runner. He wants to spend the least ammt of cash to either fix it himself or have someone else repair it.

Where is the best place to start, and is the repair feasible for a do it yourselfer, who is very able and mechanical?

Shocks and coils?
Torsion springs?
Other stuff??

Any help is certainly appreciated!

Thx Jill

Have him pull the suspension out from under the sled entirely. It's well worth the trouble. That's the only way it can be properly inspected, cleaned, and lubed. Make sure there are no parts that are binding due to corrosion or other lack of maintenence. Don't let somebody start guessing about what parts need to be replaced until this work has been done. There's a very good chance this is all it needs.

After that, make sure that the suspension is set up correctly for how it's being used. Most sleds have some direction under the hood somewhere to get him into the ball park. Good luck....

Something quick to look at that is notorious on the x-tra 12 is the spring slides. Lift the torsion springs out of the slide blocks at the front and look to see if the plastic is wore through. They wear into the metal and cause that exact symptom. Quick to check.

They typically need to be replaced every few thousand.

i think the springs and shocks in the rear are shot. had the some thing happen to my dad's XLT. take the suspension off repalce the springs for sure and get the shock rebuilt it is shot (or buy a new one but rebuild is cheaper)

Thanks for the responses, very helpful. I will forward the advise along!!

i think the springs and shocks in the rear are shot. had the some thing happen to my dad's XLT. take the suspension off repalce the springs for sure and get the shock rebuilt it is shot (or buy a new one but rebuild is cheaper)
[/b]


And the answer is, torsion springs, 2 rear shocks and the coil overs. You are the winner! Ended up bring it to the dealer for the repair. Sled is in too good of shape, not to spend the $$$$. Thanks again