need new shocks - Snowmobile Forum: Your #1 Snowmobile Forum

hddeuce01 · 01-28-2008, 07:23 PM

Need some advice. I have a 97 mach1 and took it out to Tug hill this past weekend and did some of my first real riding on it. Place was packed and the trails were rough. Some of my buddies pointed out that my shocks were shot..probably the originals. I believe i blew out the rear one as now the rear end sags and does not springs back. Not sure which rear and it may be both rear. They did not know this sled and could not reccomend a good shock. I dont have lots of money so the really good ones I probably cant afford. Can some one give me a rec. on some decent fronts...medium priced? I am thinking of changing out the rear to an SC2 or SC3..depends on price. I see them listed on Ebay from time to time. Anyone done the conversion have advice on pros and cons? Lastly if I keep the SC10 what rear shocks are resonable and what would the SC-10 ETS Upgrade kit do for me?

Sorry for being long winded

Hddeuce

**RJ Gleason** · 01-29-2008, 05:01 AM

If it goes down and stays down, you probably broke a spring.
Will it return to the top when you get off of it?

hddeuce01 · 01-29-2008, 06:52 AM

nope stays down. I can pull it up and it stays there. I can push it down and it stays there. By spring do you mean the big ones that are attached at the mount point in the rear for the tunnel...or the one on the middle shock?

**RJ Gleason** · 01-29-2008, 08:45 AM

The big ones in the back.
The shock will not have any affect on whether the suspension returns or not, unless it is jammed. All that it does it so dampen the action of the springs (makes it not bouncy)

hddeuce01 · 01-29-2008, 01:21 PM

ok...I'll have to take a look at that thanks. How about shocks in general though? They appear to be very old....possibly original HPG non rebuildable. What would be a good replacement? Not trying to break the bank...but searchig for a better ride.
thanks for your help

dobbs · 01-29-2008, 02:07 PM

Once you get your shocks back in shape the ETS will help, i know this from experience, it's worth the money ($75ish used). What ever you do don't ride a REV chassis till your ready to buy one. It's night and day

Nothing is going to smooth out those tug hill bumps.

**RJ Gleason** · 01-29-2008, 05:17 PM

Ryde FX are good and inexpensive too.

hddeuce01 · 01-31-2008, 09:52 AM

wow glad I looked it over before i spent any money. The bolt was missing on the right side where the rear springs attach to the tunnel. Fixed for .95 cents. Phew..
So now I have to adjust the suspension. I noticed the sled is tough to turn. Pushes in the turns. Tough to keep the skis down. I have the clicker shocks and they are 1 click short of full tight in the front. The center rear is the same.
I weigh 230 lbs...I ordered new carbides and had some play in the bushings where the skis attach so ordered those. the skis are plastic and off a 99 formula Z 500 l/c according to the part # on them.
Where can I start on the suspension setup? I want to get rid of some of the push. Should I loosen the fronts alittle so the sway bar helps a little more in the turns? I'm also considering the Boivin ETS kit to couple the front and rear.
Also someone said I can Adjust the ACM. What and where is that? I cant find that term inthe manual. I'm guessing it is a rear adjustment? How would I adjust it tight or loose if I did mostly trail riding?
I'm new to sleds so thanks for any advice and the advice already given.

Hddeuce

**RJ Gleason** · 01-31-2008, 04:07 PM

Look at the limiter strap on the front of the skid, it should have about 1/4 in of slack as a minimum.
Check if there is any adjustment to the coil over shock that will be there. If there is none, you can shorten the limiter strap to put more weight onto the skis.

My preference would be to lower the rear skid mount to the bracket just below the running boards (if it has them) as this will achieve the same effect and still give some kick back travel to the front of the skid.
Also, you might need new skegs first. Maybe get ones with a longer carbide section too.
I have 6" 60 Degree Woody's on mine and it steers like it is on rails.