Rear Shocks Question

[RC2MAX]

So I have a Std. 2011 RMK 800 and lets just say, if I were to do it again I would get the Pro only for the shocks. Polaris imo needs to put better shocks on the std models. So the front shocks are working good for me now, but as for the rear skid it is definitely lacking. I'm not the lightest guy, but at about 250 with pack and all I've got the rear shocks as stiff as they will go and I'm bottoming out constantly.

So I'm looking to upgrade to better rear skid for minimal cost. I have access to shocks off of a 2010 M8 for cheap and wondering if anyone knows if they will fit and work well with the pro chassis.

I love my pro, but cat definitely has polaris beat when it comes to shocks on their std models imo.

 

[MNSLEDNECK56308]

No need for new skid...as the shocks can be just swapped out. Lots of take off stock Pro shocks out there. Change them out or look for assault rear skid shocks, there is a set in the swap now.

 

[sled_guy]

Call Carl's Cycle in Boise and have them send you a set of rear shocks valved for your weight and riding style... you'll be way happier than trying to find some pull off to work. Like you, I'm a bigger guy. No stock shock is valved for 250+ riders.

sled_guy

 

[RC2MAX]

Thanks, let me clarify my question a little bit. I have looked at the skids and while it would be nice to pick up a couple of them that are in the swap. I'm mainly wondering if the shocks off a 2010 M8 will just bolt into my skid. I can pick up a set for about $300, front and rear track shocks. If they will fit in my skid and work better than what I have, that's all I'm wanting to do. Otherwise I'll be trying to get my hands on a set of assault shocks to throw in there.

 

[F-Bomb]

I have an extra set of PRO rear shocks that I would make you a good deal on. Brand new never ridden on. Pulled to install fox suspension kit. Look in swap find your best deal..then I'll do better for you. PM your offer...

.....also note if you thought the stock RMK shocks sucked trying to interchange non branded shocks that aren't set up for the system is almost never going to work.

One other option that while more money will resolve your issue. You can buy a fox racing shox rear suspension kit for $855. You'll get an Evol R and a Zero Pro for the two shocks. The beauty here for you is that you can set your Evol with s bottoming out stopping pressure and maintain performance through the rest of your system. It's your real answer but more money. Go to Fox Racing Shox and review the tech area on Evol R in snow. That will help you understand what your options are and why this is for you.

 

[RC2MAX]

Thanks a ton guys. Exactly what I'm looking for. Sounds like I'll be better off holding off for little bit, build up some more $ and get shocks that are designed for the Pro skid rather than going cheap and settling.

F-bomb is the package you are riding the fox kit with the Evo and Zero Pro? I have the 150lb shock pump for the floats now will I need to get a different pump or second pump? I thought I saw that the evo's use a 300lb pump, is that right? How are is it to set the Evo's up for my weight and riding style, or will I be better off just calling up Carl's Cycle and have them revalve and set them up for me?

I've been doing a lot of research lately on this sled as it looks like I'll probably be holding on to it for two or three more years. Was thinking of just selling it and getting an assault this year, but the offers I'm getting on mine and the difference on a new one just doesn't work out in my book. I would rather put that difference into mine and make it better. Such as most likely getting the Power Addiction Head kit you mention, better shocks and trying to get my head around the what seems to be the now infamous "F-Bomb Track Mod".

 

[2XM3]

just get the rear pro shock and make sure to but the heavy spring on it, even if you dont run it fully adjusted it works better...

I would check to see if the ridefx stock shock has a heavy spring you can buy, i'm about 300 geared up and the stock walker pro bottomed all the time till the fat boy spring went on , now its perfect.

 

[RC2MAX]

just get the rear pro shock and make sure to but the heavy spring on it, even if you dont run it fully adjusted it works better...

I would check to see if the ridefx stock shock has a heavy spring you can buy, i'm about 300 geared up and the stock walker pro bottomed all the time till the fat boy spring went on , now its perfect.

Looked into that as well. I was a little concerned as my finding (someone correct me if I'm wrong). The ridefx shocks I have come stock with a 210# spring, the fat man spring upgrade is a 250# spring. Where as the assault w/e shock stock spring is a 190# spring. I not sure an extra 40# is going to be enough for my fat butt. I figure since the assault spring is so much lower that the shock must be doing most of the work, while on the ridefx the spring is doing the work and the shock is for looks. Is my assumption correct?

 

[F-Bomb]

Gang there is absolutely NOTABLE difference between your stock shocks even shocks revalved and the Fox setup. NIGHT AND DAY! But that all costs money and if guys want the best they have to pay up. All things in sledding cost something. The real secret is sorting out what really works and is worth the expense in time and money.

If you rode my Fox equipped sled (like so many did last year) you would not be satisfied with stock shocks plain and simple.

I'm 170 lbs and I BOTTOM OUT THE STOCK WALKER SET UP ALL DAY EVERY DAY ON A PRO. They also have an uncontrolled pressure that walks with the rear suspension play and essentially handicaps your performance and your ride quality. Go out and test your sleds...climb a hill and feel how your sled floats up and down while you change power and hit changing conditions. Each time your sled swims up and down you are losing forward momentum. You want your suspension to eat that up as much as possible so the vehicle mass stays consistent. This is just another reason why my sled will kill a stocker. I'm not getting handicapped because my suspension is doing it's job to keep the track at plain and holding as consistent an angle as is available to it's geometry.

Putting a heavy duty spring on is also a performance handicap in that it changes the pressures in other aspects of the suspension and ride. It can solve one issue and initiate several more. The advantage of the air spring shock is that you can dial the Evol to a pressure that will keep it from bottoming but doesn't have the ill effect on the balance of the shocks work in the rest of the travel and response. GO READ THE TECH SECTION

Yes I run that kit plus I have a very special Ti rear progressive rate spring that we have been testing. It's super expensive but but worse yet it's not available to the general public! Irregardless the fox setup is very very good and worth $855 as you'll get it. (plus you get some financial discount by selling your stockers to those less fortunate or less interested in good stuff ) The Evol R kit will come with a two sided gauge so you don't have to worry. One pump is all you carry. You get infinite setups and can fine tune it to your happy zone.

If your ever in the neighborhood the Performance Partner Pro is available to be test ridden. It gives you a pretty good feeling for what is what in quality aftermarket stuff for the PRO. Helps to see and feel something before you invest in it by the word off the internet.

 

[RC2MAX]

Thanks F-Bomb I really appreciate your input. I know how important the suspension is from messing with things in the past couple of years and I wouldn't be worried about it if I was just planning on getting a new sled, this year or next year, but odds are this sled will be it for the next 3 or 4 and so thinking suspension and head this year. maybe a turbo next year.

I'm all in favor of paying for something thats going to work. There's few places I'm willing to spend money on a sled knowing that once I put the money into it it will be hard to get it back out. Suspension I think is worth the money. And as for waiting to build up cash I'm talking like waiting a couple of weeks a month tops. Should have the head and at this point the Fox setup on the shock by second week of january, rather than just getting a set of shocks to get by now.

Thanks a ton for all the help and input.

 

[wellfed777]

so i'm talking to my friend that i ride with last night ... (we're talking about pro mods) he got his pro last year and i just got my used one this year
he has floats up front fox skid package and slp stage three kit and he said the biggest bang was the fox skid package no more bottoming just eats the woops could'nt be happier
i think thats 3 or 4 cents but thats what i got
happy hunting

 

[F-Bomb]

Sometimes really sound advice doesn't cost much at all....thanks for the input

 

[RC2MAX]

Thanks a ton for all the input. I've decided that the fox package is the way I'm going as long as I still have the sled come second week of jan. Had it parked out side my garage yesterday and my neighbor drove by and offered me a price that I'm having a hard time refusing. however if it does sell I'll just be picking up a 2012 so the shocks will still apply.