Help putting suspension back in

[snowdust]

I have a 17 LTX-DX and had the suspension out for some powder coating and added the JT 4th wheel kit. I'm putting it back in and having trouble. Is there a trick to these? I seem to be a couple inches too far forward to get the front arm on the shaft so I can then work on getting the rear arm bolted up. I am wondering if I need to raise the rear up high to get the right angle. Right now I have it on a lift so it is all level. Any tricks/help is appreciated. I can take pics if needed. I did take the springs off but that only helped a little bit. Do I need to use ratchet straps to compress it?

 

[Chazm107]

Yes! Every skid I've ever put in I've compressed the suspension with a ratchet strap and it's gone in with out issue. And I usually always put them in by myself. And I always put the front bolts in first then rears

 

[ROCKERDAN]

I have always just had skis on ground, and rear bumper lifted on hoist, to get front in easily....after that to get rear lined up it does help to compress it, but I have always been able to get rears in without compressing, and just raising/lowering the rear with hoist and putting a block under front of track and as you raise/lower i can get rear lined up with the front of track on a 2x4 block.

Likely gotta get it off that lift its on to start.

 

[swampcat]

Nothing beats laying the sled on its side. The Cat factory test guys do this, who would know better ? Have done it BOTH ways for years, on the side is MUCH easier. No fighting gravity on the side. Neither way is any fun.

 

[snoprof6]

If you release the springs you will have a much easier time moving the rear arm around to line up the bolt holes.

 

[snowdust]

Ok. I am thinking it is the lift that is causing me trouble. I'll get the front end back together and try it the other way. Thanks guys!

 

[swampcat]

If you release the springs you will have a much easier time moving the rear arm around to line up the bolt holes.

Grind the plastic sliders for the long spring leg, so you can lift the spring leg on and off. As stated, much easier without fighting the spring.

 

[rtx moose]

FYI,trying to install while on a sled lift does not work...i will just say take the 30 seconds and rachet/compress the suspension and it will go in without ANY issues at all..thank me later!!!

 

[XP123]

The ratchet strap works great and you can do it alone without issues. There is no way I'm putting this beast of a sled on its side to install something so easy to install with the rear hoisted up. This suspension with the front cross bar is even easier than all other suspensions because your only dealing with the rear bolts to install.

 

[cannondale27]

If you get the back end high enough it goes right in. Has to be high enough that front arm clears the tunnel so a good 4 ft high +with skis on floor. Basically your duplicating laying it on its side and putting track at almost a 90 with sled but no worries about oil issues. I put this in a few years ago. Maybe $50 in it all. Laugh every time I use it over the struggles before. Just used a 4x4 I had laying around to go across the rafters. The long eyebolt some washers and never have had a issue.

 

[rtx moose]

LOL!!! I do the exact same lift setup as you cannondale!!!!

 

[snowdust]

I finally got it in, but needed a second hand. Real easy once the front was in. I think I had it too high. 3ft. high or so seemed to work better for me. Thanks!

 

[DMCTurbo]

If you release the springs you will have a much easier time moving the rear arm around to line up the bolt holes.

Agree 100%, lift the rear high to get the front of the skid to sit on the crossbar, then I released the springs and the rear mount lines up super easy.