** Project Plush: Elka Stage 5 shocks with ZBroz 39" arms. **--ride reports

[Scott]

Going with a full set of four Elka Stage 5 racing shocks for my 2013 Pro RMK front and rear suspension.

Taking them out of the box, I'm immediately impressed with their finish and quality.
These are SAWEET!

I'll be documenting this project as I go with pictures, ride reports and product reviews.

https://www.facebook.com/ElkaSuspension

http://www.elkasuspension.com/products/snowmobile/snow-stage5/#tab-5

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This picture shows a triple rate spring.
I am going with dual rates.

The Piggyback reservoirs have the Low Speed (Red Dial) and High Speed (Black Dial) compression adjustments, as well as a rebound adjustment control (red dial) with the adjuster at the opposite end of the shock (although it's a gold bleed screw in the picture below). Super adjustable.

I'll post more soon about where to start on dialing them in.
I hope to have a couple rides on them yet this season.
I'll start getting some of MY pictures up in the next day.

http://www.elkasuspension.com/wp-content/uploads/2001/09/SNOW-36-Stage5_Full-218x1024.jpg

(From Elka's website)

Description

The Stage 5 Snowmobile shocks are based off the latest evolution of our high-performance racing ATV platform. It is designed around 3 key performance factors: high hydraulic flow, lightweight components and low-friction internal and moving parts.
Thanks to massive oil displacement, the Stage 5 internals allow a highly precise tuning and smooth damping action while being very consistent through long rides. Our high flow concept also provide more usable adjustment range than any other shocks currently available for snowmobiles.
There is no need to explain all the obvious benefits from reducing the overall weight of your vehicle. By using lightweight components,such as our new redesigned springs, the Stage 5 shocks not only help achieve your weight target but is also more responsive because there is less mass to move (less inertia). You can ride lighter and worry-free knowing that your sled is standing on a solid, proven coil over shock design.
The Stage 5‘s low friction internals have very little stiction, the initial stickiness caused by the friction of internal moving parts against the seals. All those features combined make the Stage 5 the most comfortable and best performing snowmobile shocks on the market today.

Adjustments

• Spring Preload
• Rebound Damping
• Low-Speed Compression Damping
• High-Speed Compression Damping

Why buy this model

• Best performing snowmobile shocks available on the market
• Adjustments that provides complete control of all damping aspects
• Maximum performance and comfort for any type of riding in any snow conditions

Features

• HIGH-FLOW HYDRAULIC DESIGN with huge oil ports, providing massive oil flow and same flow capacity between compression and rebound stroke
• Tuning specifically optimized for your snowmobile model
• Spring setup and rate according to your personal weight
• High-volume external reservoir which allows massive oil flow
• Durable and completely serviceable
• Wide range of highly effective adjustment
• Lightweight aluminum body
• Low-friction, durable premium-quality seals, o-rings and wearbands
• Detailed CNC-machining work and smooth anodized finish

Benefits

• Improved handling and better stability in any snow conditions
• Plush absorption of impacts and vibrations
• More precise direction by keeping skis in contact with the snow
• Increased protection against bottoming-out
• Consistent damping and predictable handling
• Increased performance and comfort

In addition to this (no project comes without the "extras"), the ski shocks are ~16.6" and they won't fit into my 2013 arms, so I am going with Z-broz 39" arms.
http://www.zbrozracing.com/ars-fx-polaris-pro-rmk-snowmobile-39-a-arm-kit​

Quick Overview​

Ars FX A Arms for the IQ /RMK/Pro RMK series chassis are much stronger than your stock arms and they also offer the industries only high ground clearance A Arm. These arms are a direct replacement for your stock Pro RMK or IQ RMK A Arms. These Arms have been race tested by top RMSHA Hill Climb Teams. And endorsed by backcountry pro's like Geoff "Phatty" Dyer, Matt Entz and many more. Arms are also compatible with stock sway bar connections for 2009 and newer sway bar. Powder coated gloss black​

Product Description​

Ars FX A Arms for the IQ /RMK/Pro RMK series chassis are much stronger than your stock arms and they also offer the industries only high ground clearance A Arm. Direct replacement width for RMK width machines Kit Includes, Upper and lower Chromoly A Arms, and aluminum Tie Rods. (39” kits use the stock tie rods) This arm kit measures 39" This measurement is done with the sled on the ground and is from center of spindle to center of spindle. Arms are also compatible with stock sway bar connections for 2009 and newer sway bar. Requires the use of 17.50" long shock or stock 2011-2012 length. Call or email if you have a fitment question. Powder coated gloss black.
If using on a 2008/2010 sled use this Polaris bushing: 5434932​

Here is where I started. Stay tuned.......​

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[MotorFist]

Those things are SEXY!


A few guys here have had Elkas before too. They frick'n work.

 

[Scott]

Headed home in a bit to do the front end.

 

[Scott]

I was buzzing along nicely last night and snapping pictures as I went...until I ran into the need for a press so I can relocate the lower ball joint on my lower stock a-arm from to the new 39" Zbroz arm.

 

[Scott]

It is ideal to pull the skid for this.

I'm doing this with NO power tools. Just ratchets and wrenches under good old fashioned man-power.

 

[Scott]

Taking notes, weighing shocks and skid for weight differences.

It seems like Polaris has gone with a mixture of (mostly) metric and SAE in the suspension components.

 

[Scott]

The rear suspension shock size and weights:

Rear track shock:
stock: 5.2lbs and 16 7/8"
Elka: 6.4lbs and 16 7/8" "

Front track shock:
stock: 2.8lbs and 11 3/4"
Elka: 4.0lbs and 11 3/4


Total skid weight:
stock: 45.6lbs
Elka: 48.0lbs

 

[Scott]

Next begins the tear-down of the stock left front end.
As I said, these shocks are too long for the 2013 stock arms, so I am installing Zbroz Racing 39" front end kit.

 

[Scott]

Beginning to get everything fitted in for a mock-up. Still have to press in the ball joints for lower a-arms.

 

[Scott]

Now getting the shocks mocked up.

Front ski shocks:
stock: 3.6lbs and 16.625"
Elka: 5.4lbs and 17.25"

 

[Scott]

In go the shocks.

 

[Scott]

Part-way through.

 

[Scott]

Working on the right side.

 

[Scott]

This is where I get to show off these really nice compression and rebound adjustments.

The red dial on the reservoir has 35 clicks in it's adjustment range for slow speed compression.

The black dial has 20 clicks for high speed compression adjustment.

The little red dial at the bottom of the shock has 50 clicks for rebound adjustment.

 

[Scott]

Next move is to have the lower ball joints pressed in and then I can get it bolted together, go through and nut everything down, adjust the steering and then find a starting point on the clickers.

I am really excited to get these on the snow a couple times before I have to put it away for the summer.

 

[Scott]

Installation finalized!!!

 

[Scott]

Left-over parts.

Snow pictures and ride report to follow soon.

 

[LPIdaho]

Best snowflap of all time!

It is ideal to pull the skid for this.

I'm doing this with NO power tools. Just ratchets and wrenches under good old fashioned man-power.

 

[LPIdaho]

Nice 'coupler strap'. Does that work pretty well?

 

[Scott]

It does actually.
HM Turbos did that when I went with the 3" track. He called it the poorman's K-mod.

It helps keep the skis down to about 4" of carry on steep climbs.