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POLARIS SNOWMOBILE
HELP CENTER
12/11/2023

Customizing Your Suspension Setup for Switchback, SKS and XC Models

The following information applies to Switchback Assault, Switchback SP, 600 RMK 144, 600 Voyageur, SKS 146, INDY XC 129 and 600 INDY SP models.

Your Polaris snowmobile’s suspension can be adjusted to fit your individual riding style. For full details on adjustments, see your Owner’s Manual.

Front and Rear Suspension
The front and rear suspension are easy to adjust. Follow these three steps:

1. Ride your snowmobile. Ride the snowmobile in various terrain to fully experience the existing suspension settings before making any adjustments.

2. Adjust the rear spring to tune vehicle balance. After riding, you should be able to determine if the snowmobile needs more or less transfer. For more transfer, decrease the torsion spring preload. For less transfer, increase the torsion spring preload.
If you prefer your snowmobile has lighter steering, decrease the torsion spring preload or increase the front track shock spring preload.

3. Adjust shock clickers (if equipped) for ride quality. For models equipped with monotube shocks, always adjust the rear torsion spring preload to enhance bottoming resistance.
For models with short clickers, you can adjust the clickers to control bottoming and adjust ride comfort.
Turn a clicker counter-clockwise to decrease damping for a softer ride. Turn a clicker clockwise to increase damping for a stiffer ride and less bottoming. Always adjust the clicker at least one click below full stiff (full clockwise) or shock damage will occur.
Test the snowmobile and continue making spring and clicker adjustments until you achieve the perfect ride. Adding traction components, such as traction studs are additional ski skag carbides, or changing the factory equipped track, could change handling characteristics. Additional setup may be required.

Shock locations

(1) Rear Track Shock

(2) Front Track Shock

(3) Front IFS Shock

Shock Compression Damping
The primary adjustment for overall vehicle balance is RTS spring preload. Perform this adjustment first. After adjusting RTS spring preload to your satisfaction, compression damping adjustments can be made to control ride quality and bottoming resistance.

Compression damping can be adjusted at the front suspension and at the rear track shock. Make adjustments in two-click increments and then test ride. When adjusting the front suspension, always adjust both clickers equally.

To stop bottoming of the front or rear suspension (stiffer ride), rotate the clicker(s) clockwise two clicks (as viewed from the top of the clicker) and then test ride. Repeat the adjustment until bottoming stops and the desired ride quality is achieved.

For a more plush ride at the front or rear suspension, rotate the clicker(s) counter-clockwise two clicks and then test ride. Repeat the adjustment until the desired ride quality is achieved.

Torsion Spring Adjustments
To adjust rear torsion spring preload, rotate the three-position cam using the engine spark plug tool. Adjustment is easiest when the cam is rotated from low to medium and then to high. Rotating directly from low to high will require significantly more effort. Different rate torsion springs are available if a firmer ride is desired. See your Dealer for more information.

See the diagram below that corresponds with your model of snowmobile.

Snowmobile torsion springs

Torsion springs

To adjust rear torsion spring preload, rotate the three-position cam (1) using the engine spark plug tool. Adjustment is easiest when the cam is rotated from low to medium, and then to high. Rotating directly from low to high will require significantly more effort. Different rate torsion springs are available if a firmer ride is desired. See your dealer for more information. 

Note: Adding 1 + 1 seat, or additional cargo may affect handling and require a spring rate change. 

Torsion Spring Setting

Recommended Usage

Low

Rider(s) and gear = 140-180 lbs. 

If less than 140, use the optional spring chart for softer springs

Medium

Rider(s) and gear = 180-220 lbs.

High

Rider(s) and gear = 220-260 lbs.

If above 260, use the optional spring chart for heavier springs.


Optional Springs
If the correct balance cannot be obtained by adjusting the stock springs, please install the appropriate optional heavy or light springs listed below.

Part NumberSpring TypeDescription
7041942-329Spring, Torsion.375/77, BLK, LH, HEAVY
7041943-329Spring, Torsion.375/77, BLK, RH, HEAVY
7041627-067Spring, Torsion.347/77, BLK, LH, LIGHT
7041628-067Spring, Torsion.347/77, BLK, LH, LIGHT

 

Part NumberSpring TypeDescription
7043859-329Spring, Torsion10# LH Light Duty
7043860-329Spring, Torsion10# RH Light Duty
7045207-329Spring, Torsion13# LH Heavy Duty
7045208-329Spring, Torsion13# RH Heavy Duty
7045209-329Spring, Torsion14# LH Extra Heavy Duty
7045210-329Spring, Torsion14# RH Extra Heavy Duty


Rear Track Shock Factory Clicker Settings

Rear track shock clicker settings

ModelClicker Setting (From Full Soft)
Switchback Assault8
SKS 1468

Rear clicker settings

ModelFactory Clicker Setting (From Full Stiff)
INDY XC5


Front Track Shock Spring Settings
Factory settings, combined with user adjustments to the rear torsion spring, should be all that’s necessary to provide the best riding experience for most riders. The primary adjustment for overall vehicle balance is the rear torsion spring preload. Perform this adjustment first.

Always perform shock spring preload adjustments with the weight of the snowmobile removed from the shock and with the shock at full extension. Never adjust spring preload to an installed length longer than the factory length or shorter than the minimum length as shown in the following chart. Damage to the suspension could result. When decreasing preload, make sure at least two turns of preload are holding the retainer against the spring.

See the diagrams and charts below that apply to your model.

Front track springs

Factory Spring

Maximum Installed Length

Minimum Installed Length

Switchback ASSAULT

SKS 146

1.25" (3.2 cm)

1" (2.5 cm)

Switchback SP

2" (5 cm)

1.75" (4.5 cm)

600 RMK 144

Not adjustable

Not adjustable

600 Voyageur

Not adjustable

Not adjustable

 

Front track springs
 

Factory SpringMaximum Installed LengthMinimum Installed Length
INDY SP1.25" (3.2 cm)0.75" (1.9 cm)
INDY XC1.88" (4.8 cm)1.38" (3.5 cm)
INDY XCR2.12" (5.4 cm)1.62" (4.1 cm)

 

Front Track Factory Clicker Settings
ModelClicker Setting (From Full Soft)
Switchback ASSAULT2
SKS 1462

 

ModelClicker Setting (From Full Hard)
INDY SPN/A
INDY XC5
INDY XCRLow: 6
High: 5


Front Suspension (IFS) Shock Adjustments (If Equipped)
Always perform shock spring preload adjustments with the weight of the snowmobile removed from the shock and with the shock at full extension.

To reset IFS clickers, rotate the clicker to full stiff and then back off the same number of clicks for each shock.

IFS shocks

IFS Shock Spring Settings
Factory SpringFactory Installed LengthMinimum Installed Length
INDY SP10.75" (27.3 cm)10" (25.4 cm)
INDY XC10" (25.4 cm)10" (25.4 cm)
INDY XCR9.75" (24.8 cm)9.25" (23.5 cm)
Switchback ASSAULT10" (25.4 cm)9.5" (24 cm)
SKS 14610" (25.4 cm)9.5" (24 cm)
Switchback SP10" (25.4 cm)9.5" (24 cm)
600 RMK 14410.5" (26.7 cm)10" (25.4 cm)
600 Voyageur10.5" (26.7 cm)10" (25.4 cm)

 

IFS Remote Reservoir Shock Factory Clicker Settings
ModelClicker Setting (From Full Hard)
INDY SPN/A
INDY XC12
INDY XCRLow: 6
High: 5
Switchback ASSAULT6
SKS 1466


Cornering Adjustments
To improve cornering ability, remove up to ½ inch of preload from factory IFS spring setting. Trade-off for removing ½ inch of preload will add steering effort.

Limiter Strap Adjustment
The front torque arm limiter strap is set at position (1). Polaris recommends leaving the limiter strap length at position (1) to maintain the optimum ride characteristics of the snowmobile. Riders who desire less ski pressure and more weight transfer toward the rear of the snowmobile can lengthen the limiter strap by changing to position (2).

1. Loosen the lock nut.

2. Adjust the limiter strap.

3. Tighten the lock nut. Torque to 16 ft-lbs (21 Nm).

Limiter strap

Rear Rear Scissor Stop (RRSS) If Equipped
The rear rear scissor stop (RRSS) couples the movement of the rear torque arm with the front torque arm and limits the amount of independent movement between the rear torque and the front torque arm. 

Adjusting the RRSS either allows more weight to transfer to the rear for more traction, or allows less weight to transfer to the rear, resulting in improved cornering performance. An adjustment dot is located on the RRSS. This dot is on the longest end of the scissor stop.

Moving the RRSS to a higher position will have the following effects on the suspension:

  • Reduced weight transfer
  • Improved chatter bump ride
  • Improved cornering performance
  • Increased load carrying capacity (2-up)

RRSS Weight Transfer During Acceleration
The preferred method for controlling weight transfer during acceleration is by adjusting the RRSS. Use the scissor stop tool located in your tool kit to make the adjustments.

To decrease weight transfer under acceleration (for improved cornering), rotate the stop to a higher position.

To increase weight transfer or ski lift during acceleration, move the stop to the rearward upper position. The stop may also be rotated to a lower position for even more weight transfer if desired. 

  • Low Position: This setting will increase weight transfer.
  • Medium Position: This setting is the production setting and will provide the best overall trail riding.
  • High Position: This setting will decrease weight transfer.
  • Rearward Upper Position: Optional hole location. This setting will increase transfer. 

RRSS positions

The preferred method for controlling weight transfer during acceleration is by adjusting the RRSS. The factory setting is the best for most trail riding conditions.

To decrease weight transfer under acceleration (for improved cornering), rotate the RRSS to a higher position. 

To increase weight transfer or ski lift during acceleration, rotate the RRSS to a lower position. 

Tip: Your dealer can help you with initial setup and additional setup instructions to help you achieve your optimum ride. A scissor stop tool is also available from your dealer. 

To find a Polaris Dealer near you, use the Dealer Locator.
For more maintenance tips, procedures and specifications, consult your Owner's Manual.
To find diagrams and replacement part numbers, view the online parts catalog.

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Keyword(s) suspension , setup , shocks , springs , IFS , track , front , rear , clicker , torsion ,