sledheaddad

I have a 96 ZRT 600 and being a good sized fella, I have a tendency to bottom out the suspension while riding hard... I would like to know if there is a way to use an ETT suspension in place of the stock suspension. I would be able to gain a few inches of much appreciated suspension travel. So far this is my ONLY complaint on this sled. Any help would be GREATLY appreciated.

Thanks in advance,

jagermiester

I just put a suspension from a 2001 ZL800 in a 1998 Jag 340.
Got it used for $190. Haven't beeen able to take it out and ride yet but appears that it will work great. Am getting 13" of travel out of it. If I can be of any help, I will certainly try.

__________________
"If you're not the lead dog, the scenery never changes"
*************
98 Jag (for the kids)
03 MXZ-X 800 (Blair Morgan)
*************

tamacat

Go to J R Graham, Powersports Warehouse and check out their Arctic Cat suspension upgrades for that sled!!

Greg_H

I have the answer to your problems. I have a '96 800 and had all but given up on it. Loved the motor, hated the suspension. I added an ETT skid to mine, as well as modding the front suspension with 43" AWS 5 Cat parts. My sled now has 13" of travel front and rear, as well as a
45" ski stance.

Here are some before and afters:

Front before


Front after



Rear before


Rear after


Here are some links to instructions and most likely answers to any questions you might have:

This covers putting an ETT skid into your '96:
ArcticChat.com >> It's All About the Pride®

This one covers all you need to know about modding the fronts suspension:
ArcticChat.com >> It's All About the Pride®

If you have any other questions, feel free to ask. If I can't answer it, I know who will be able to.

__________________
Ride it like you stole it!

tcat20

you can also revalve the shocks and put heavier rear springs on cat has kits for most shocks

sledheaddad

You will have to forgive my snowmobile mechanical ignorance...but is the skid the entire rear suspension(the stuff the track rolls around)? If so, do I need to replace the entire suspension or will the stock one work. The links you provided are killer, but the one for the ETT skid says its for 121" TSL for 95-96 ZR...is this the same as the ZRT?

Again, thanks for the info...I am new to this site and wrenching on sleds...

Nason

years ago I had a 92 lynx 340 with same complaint. I happened to have an old honda dirtbike with the 2 coilover shocks on the rear swingarm, so I swapped one onto the sled in place of the non coiled shock absorber...made a world of difference...

it was a teenage idea

Greg_H

Yes you need to replace the whole thing, and the 121" size refers to a normal skid. Those are the exact instructions that I used on my ZRT.

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Ride it like you stole it!

sledheaddad

Then I would assume that I could purchase any skid from a 97 and newer Arctic Cat that are 121" with the ETT? I also assume that I can reuse my original track...Sorry if I sound like a moron...just like to ask before I go tearing up my sled(it's only got 1600 miles on it!) Any place in particular you would recomend for the skid and or the front suspension pieces? Did the modifications alter the handling or performance in any negative way?

jagermiester

Used Snowmobile Parts: Rads, Skis and Trailing Arms. Headlights, Seats and Frames, Tracks and Engines
This is where I got mine. Emerson is a great, very helpful guy.

__________________
"If you're not the lead dog, the scenery never changes"
*************
98 Jag (for the kids)
03 MXZ-X 800 (Blair Morgan)
*************

Greg_H

You are correct about the skid. If you can find one from a Sno Pro sled that would be best. The rails on those are better reinforced. Mine is from a 2000 ZRT, and also has the rail reinforcements. Yes, you can use your original track, as the 121" measurement is the circumference of your track. I found the majority of my parts on eBay, and the rest from a sled salvage yard. Bottom line is the actual cost of the mods is totally dependant on your bargain hunting skills . The mods did nothing but take my sled from the stone age to something I can keep up with newer sleds on. Sure it's a complete tank, and yeah it requires alot more work to get through the tight and twisty trails, but it sure is all worth it to blow by a new sled in the roughest trail you can find . I'm actually at a point where I don't want a new sled now, I'm completely happy with mine as it is. Right now the only thing that could possibly make me want a new one is if that F1000 is miles ahead of mine, and if I get to ride one this year and it turns out to be that way, there just might be a new sled in my garage a year from now.

__________________
Ride it like you stole it!

sledheaddad

Thanks guys...Greg, good luck on the new sled (if you get it!!) I printed off the instructions for both of the upgrades...and as soon as I hunt down the other skid, I will on it like white on rice!! Jager...thanks for the number, as it happens to be I am only a few hours from Emersons...You guys all rock, happy sledding...and remember, if your not the lead dog, the scenery never changes!!