Is there adjustments for the suspension or is it fixed to one level?

nah there is adjustments.

any idea on how or what to look for?

What are you trying to fix? What type of adjustment do you want to make? If you start screwing with adjustments without having a clear idea of what those adjustments will do, it might end up riding like a polaris! (That would suck):tounge:

I'm looking for a better feeling ride. I haven't had a snomobile since I was a kid in the early 70,s. Yes, this snomobile is alot more advanced since then, but when riding on trails I have to go so slow or I feel as if I will fly off. Maybe I'm asking to much and its normal, but was hoping there was adjustment to the firmness of the ride.

Sounds to me like you have no dampening in your suspension. Does the suspension rebound too rapidly? This would give you a feeling like riding a pogo stick. The suspension will have some resistance on the downward travel because of the spring resistance but have no resistance on the upward movement of the suspension. This is caused by the shocks being worn out. It is the same as the shocks in your car when they go bad, your car will bounce terribly because of the lack of dampening.

To check your shocks, push down on the front and rear of the sled and watch for rapid suspension movement. If it moves very quickly, chances are your shocks have gone bad from age. If it has a certain resistance in its upward movement, you may be okay and have a different issue.

There is a possibility that you have a leaf spring helper in the rear suspension. These came on the panther 2-up models. Not sure if they had them in 96. This would actually give you a very firm ride if they are engaged, but would also exaggerate any problems with the shocks. These can be disengaged to help this problem. They are located in the rear suspension along the skid rails. if they are engaged they would ride from the skid rails to the upper track area in a curved manner. if they are disengaged, they will simply lay on top of the skid rails flat.

Check your shocks and let me know what you find.

Good Luck!!

yeah let me know to.

Well gentlemen, both of your information help me alot.
The first thing I found was the adjustment triangle that had the 13/16 spark plug wrench adapter for spring tension.
The second was the test, I pushed suspension down with my leg and when I let go it jumps right back to the top. Nothing subtle about it.
I believe that if I understand your advise the shocks are no longer dampening the ride.
Thank You
Can you change the shocks without taken the whole suspension down?

The front shocks are easy swaps. Jack the front of the sled up, remove the upper and lower shock bolts from each shock and you got it.

The rear suspension does not HAVE to be removed. It can be done without removal however, if your last job was not being a contortionist, you may want to remove the entire rear skid. It is not very difficult. I can send you a copy of your service manual if you want. Email me at rudawski@yahoo.com. I will reply with the attachment. This manual will walk you right through it and will be invaluable since you said you have not had a sled since the 70's.

Stick with it and I'm certain you will have a great ride on your hands. One thing has not changed from the 70's, you still gotta work on this crap if you want to ride. That or take out a second mortgage for a new sled that you won't get any dealer support on and still end up working on your sled! :)

Thanks for the help, I will email you.