Some possible rear suspension issues.

[AK SNO RIDER]

When I was riding last year, every now and then I would come to a stop, maybe get off, walk around, and when I look back at the sled, the rear suspension would be sitting all the way down for some reason. Lift it back up and it would immediately drop back down. Ride the sled a few feet forward and the problem would go away. Now this wouldnt happen very often but it still happened nonetheless.

Now sitting in the shop, the rear suspension just seems...soft. I mean, it will rebound all the way back up, but it just seems to soft. More than the recommended 4 inches of sag.

This is on an '04 Edge RMK 144"

Any ideas?

 

[Mark's RMK]

Sag

Is the rear shock out of gas?

 

[AK SNO RIDER]

I have no idea. I know there seems to be a little oil on the rear shocks. Not sure if that is at all normal. As far as I know they are still the stock shocks. The sled only has about 2500 miles on it though.

 

[Mark's RMK]

Rear Shock

Is it the black colored rear shock or the Ryde FX clicker? If it's not the clicker I would watch on e-bay and pick one up. Might not hurt to upgrade the front as well and have them both rebuilt prior to installation. The gas pressure of the rear shock seems to help hold the back end up, especially when you aren't sitting on the sled.

I have upgraded my RMK's (Edge) to the clicker rear shock and they are much better for doing the whoops or jumping without bottoming out.

 

[MORSNO]

AK SNO RIDER, The springs are what hold the rear of the sled up, the shocks just control rebound. Of course if you have a rock hard air shock it can hold the rear up, but that job is for the rear springs. Yours are probably sacked out and need replacement. Also if you see oil on the exterior of your shock body, it has lost its seal and needs rebuild/replacement.

Also, you poached AKSNOWRIDER's forum name.

 

[AK SNO RIDER]

I was unaware there was an AKSNOWRIDER, so I apologize to him. I have been using this name for years on every forum I am on, even a motorcycle forum, and never thought to check for anything similar.

They are the black rear shocks. The fronts have already been changed to some RydeFX shocks.

I guess I'll start looking for both shocks are springs. Kinda sounds like they are both done.

 

[MORSNO]

How big of a guy are you? The original factory rear springs are rated for a guy around 170lbs. If you are heavier or just want to upgrade to a heavy duty Polaris spring I would recommend the .375/47 degree springs. Finding a good deal on a used rear shock for an Edge chassis that has not been beat for years might be hard. You may want to look for a new one instead of taking a chance on an old used shock.

7042079-067 Spring, Torsion, LH, STD [.375/47 °]
7042080-067 Spring, Torsion, RH, STD [.375/47 °]

 

[AK SNO RIDER]

I'm only about 130 lbs without gear. Fully geared up would be that plus 2.5gal gas, a pack with some food, hydro bladder, shovel and a few tools. And I do plan to buy new shocks, not used. Is there a particular size I need to look for? I was thinking of going with RydeFX shocks to match the front shocks. Just not sure which size...

As for the springs, they must just be worn out. On the long forward facing part of the spring, there is a slight downwards bend. I am not sure if that is normal or not.

 

[MORSNO]

If you just want to replace with factory shocks check with your dealer. they will also have the springs listed above.

Also here is a good step up from the stock Ryde FX, and Carls will set them up for your weight, riding style, etc.
http://www.carlscycle.com/eshopprod_cat_2438-19673_product_952279.Fox_Zero_Pro_Rear_Shock_Kit_-_.htm

 

[rmk2112]

AK SNO RIDER, The springs are what hold the rear of the sled up, the shocks just control rebound. Of course if you have a rock hard air shock it can hold the rear up, but that job is for the rear springs. Yours are probably sacked out and need replacement......................

X2

Replace your torsion springs and rebuild your shock

 

[AK SNO RIDER]

Sweet shocks but $520 is pretty spendy for a 17yr old college kid, especially when I gotta replace the torsions too... Do you know off the top of your head what some RydeFX shocks would run? If not no biggie.

And will the stock rear shock spring work with most aftermarket shocks?

 

[MORSNO]

I don't have any idea what the stock shocks cost. The stock front shock has a coil spring mounted onto it, the rear track shock and torsion springs are seperate items that can be installed independently of each other.

 

[rmk2112]

Not up on Edge specs, maybe Morso can chine in on this...

Here's a great place to shop if you're on a budget: http://motors.shop.ebay.com/i.html?...osacat=100448&bkBtn=&_trksid=p4506.m270.l1313

Is the the correct length: http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Pola...wmobile_Parts_Accessories&hash=item27b85c8845

 

[AK SNO RIDER]

Yea sorry that's what I meant...front shock on the skid. I said rear shock without thinking.

Do any of you know if the two skid shocks are the same? The RydeFX website says 9250, but doesn't specify between the rear and front skid shocks.

Edit: nevermind, looks like the front is a 9248 and the rear is a 9250 @ $220 a piece.

 

[richracer1]

I just replaced the torsion springs and rear POS shock on the GF's sled, an 02 600 RMK. The shock was about $100 and a set of torsion springs were around $150 shipped. I went with the 359/47 T-Springs. The stock T-spring was 347/47

Sweet shocks but $520 is pretty spendy for a 17yr old college kid, especially when I gotta replace the torsions too... Do you know off the top of your head what some RydeFX shocks would run? If not no biggie.

And will the stock rear shock spring work with most aftermarket shocks?

 

[Mark's RMK]

Saggy

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Pola...wmobile_Parts_Accessories&hash=item27be946784

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/2003...wmobile_Parts_Accessories&hash=item20bd37b994

These are two examples of the rear shocks I use. I've not paid this much for any of the used ones I have purchased before on e-bay.

I have a local guy that rebuilds them for around $25 each unless they need extensive parts other than seals replaced.

My experience is that when you get off the sled, it's the mechanical advantage the shock has on the rear scissors of the RMK skid that pops it back up to full extension.

I have an Edge 121 extended to 136" and I put the next size heavier rear springs in, it still won't pop up when you get off, even though it also has the clicker shock. The rear scissors works differently than the RMK.

I'd love to find a good used 136" RMK skid to pop under it, even if I have to move my rear support brackets back a few inches.

 

[AK SNO RIDER]

When I get off my sled it immediately raises itself all the way back up, to fully extended. This is in a warm garage. Usually goes all the way up out when I get off out riding too, except with the occasional exception where it drops all the way down.

What is the advantage to a clicker shock?

 

[Goinboardin]

On my Edge RMK, my buddies Edge RMK, and my old Wedge, when the rear skid shock wore out the sled bottomed out easily and never sprang back to full extension, under load or not. New shocks = no more bottoming out, and full extension every time you get off the sled.

I'd buy new shocks, ride it, and if it still seems sacked, buy the springs.

 

[AK SNO RIDER]

Sounds like a good plan. Thank you all for the help.

 

[mountainhorse]

I was unaware there was an AKSNOWRIDER, so I apologize to him. I have been using this name for years on every forum I am on, even a motorcycle forum, and never thought to check for anything similar.

They are the black rear shocks. The fronts have already been changed to some RydeFX shocks.

I guess I'll start looking for both shocks are springs. Kinda sounds like they are both done.

If you want... Christopher can change your user name for you..