The RZR was just released to consumers Summer of 2007, but a few
aftermarket companies got pre-release units that were used for research and
development. Many more followed on and I saw twelve different kits at the
2007 Sand Sports Super Show. Things are
definitely moving for the Polaris RZR.
Expect long travel kits from many of the companies that are already
in the mix for Rhino long travel kits.
As new products become available, we will update this page to
stay current.
Stock Polaris RZR - Before Long Travel
Polaris RZR after Fireball Racing +6" Long Travel
Polaris Ranger RZR's come stock with fully independent
four-wheel suspension: Double-wishbones front and rear deliver 9" of
front wheel travel, 9.5" of rear wheel travel and 10" of ground
clearance.
Stock RZR's have a 77" wheelbase (2" longer than a
Rhino), and are 50" wide. The seat position is 7" lower, so right out
of the box, you won't feel as tippy.
Although long travel kits are far from cheap, they are the best
way to improve your RZR's suspension. Approaching the goal of long
travel in steps can result in more expense because stock length shocks will not
work. It is a hard pill to swallow, but if you want to get to long travel,
you will save money in the long run by waiting until you can buy a full long
travel kit.
If a long travel kit is just out of reach, but you still want to
increase your track width for more stability in the dunes, you can try offset
wheels and/or wheel spacers.
Most of the long travel kits increase wheel
travel, front and rear track width and stretch the wheelbase. Long travel kits
will be available from
several manufacturers.
What is included in a RZR Long Travel Kit?
Before you go running off to buy one of these long travel kits,
it is best to understand what is included so that you can make side by side
comparisons.
A-Arms - A few different types of a-arms are out
there. Most are made from chromoly tubing, others are boxed, and a few are
made from billet aluminum or mild steel. Each material type has pros and cons.
Ask questions about why a particular material and arm design was chosen.
Some kits come powder coated in a standard color.
Others come unfinished or offer custom colors.
A-Arm Hardware - Inner and outer a-arm hardware is
typically replaced. The majority of long travel kits come with new bushings (Delron,
Daystar, etc.) on the inner side of the a-arm, but some come with heims.
On the outer or spindle side, some kits use heims, others use uni-balls, and a
few reuse the OEM ball joint. There are pluses and minuses to each type of setup
and quality can vary from heim to heim and bushing to bushing, so ask questions.
Axles - When you extend the wheels out, you are going to
need new axles. There are two approaches to this. The cheaper route
is to reuse the stock CVs and just replace the axles. The more expensive route
is new axles and CVs.
Tie Rods - Some kits come with tie rod extenders. A
few come with new tie rods.
Shocks - All of the kits include new coilover shocks.
Several shock manufacturers have developed RZR specific shocks, so there are
many options and prices out there. Long travel kit manufacturers will tend to
have a favorite. If you don't want to mess around with shock valving, stick with
what the manufacturer recommends. Shock selection can greatly affect not only
the cost, but also the performance of the kit.
Shock Towers - Some kits come with shock towers that move
the upper shock mounting location up and out. This allows the shock to be
mounted in a more vertical position.
Spindles - Stock spindles aren't typically replaced, but
a few manufacturers are now offering new spindles as an option. If you race or
like to jump, you may want to look into new spindles.
Frame Gussets - Long travel kits put more stress on the
factory mounting locations. Several manufacturers are now offering bolt-on or
weld-on gussets to help beef up the stock frame in critical areas. Upper-rear
shock mount is a weak point. Look carefully at additional support for this
area.
Extended Brake Lines - Most if not all RZR kits need
longer brake lines.
Other things to ask:
Does the kit affect ride height? This not only affects how
the RZR will handle, but also if it will make it inside your toy hauler.
Find out if your kit is "bolt-on" or if any welding
is required.
Will my OEM wheels will fit?
Will the OEM front and rear anti-sway bars work?
Do they recommend removal of the front or rear sway bar?
Does the kit put extra stress on OEM parts that do not get
replaced?
Advertisement
Polaris Ranger RZR Long Travel Kits
ARS-FX / ZBROZ Racing
Status: Available
A-Arm width: +4.5 inches per side
Wheelbase:
Wheel travel:
Shocks:
Axles:
If you manufacture long travel suspension kits, axles,
spindles, gussets or shocks for the Polaris Ranger RZR, and are not on this list, please
send
us an email with your company details.
A link back to www.DuneGuide.com
from your website is always appreciated.
