Polaris XLT handling problem

[tourguide]

Need some help with my old 96 XLT touring, the thing handles pretty poor, steering is very heavy, darts alot and the rear end slides all over. It has 6 inch carbides and plastic skis that i took off an edge chassis, no stud in tha back. I've tried most adjustments I can think of, I usually ride on it with my 2 young daughters and for the 700 miles a year, cant replace it yet. Under 25 mph, not too bad, but above that and this thing will wear me out after a day of riding. Any ideas would be appreciated, thanks.

 

[whitedust]

Too much pressure on skis harden preload centershock push that engine weight off skis ride & readjust until you have the load you want. Also check limiter strap may be pulled down too far? All easy adjustments.

 

[catalac]

The best thing I did for darting when I had my ZL was to put dual carbides on. I think I put 6 inchers on, but 4 would probably work too. Also won't own another sled without having some studs on, for trail riding anyhow.

 

[polarismike]

Did you check the ski alignment when you switched the skis?

 

[rp7x]

heavy steering

jack up the frt and make sure it turns easily, it may have somthing rusted solid ?

 

[tourguide]

Everything is free, the alignment and camber are both good, I was just out looking at it earlier, cranked up the pressure on the front track shock, it had 3/4 of its adjustment unused, ran up to about 1/2 way, have to wait for snow. Been thinkin about some studs... Might just have to do it. Thanks for all the advice guys.

 

[whitedust]

Yeppers that is the front preload centershock & hardening will release pressure off front skis. Did you look at the limiter strap to see if pulled too tight while you were under there?

 

[tundra ron]

Make sure that the mounting bolt in the plastic ski is not egg shaped. I did not put washers on when I converted from metal to plastic this caused the hole to go egg shaped.

 

[tyeeman]

I had the exact same problem on a 98 XLT Touring. THE BIGGEST SINGLE HELP was the addition of Bergstrom triple point carbides and the Bergstrom Ski Savers. Personally I think whether you use their triple point or single point carbides is irrelevent, but the ski saver pushes the wear bar/carbide deeper into the snow. I still ran pretty heavy ski pressure on the front shock springs, probably had the adjuster at 3/4 or better.
Also, yeah I also raised pressure on the center shock spring, that was probably the next biggest help. After that she was arrow straight. Oh, and ski alignment, about an 1/8" tow out on each ski.
I had everything documented, but I sold the sled and tossed out my notes.
Make one change at a time and document your changes as to whether it helped or not. Otherwise if you make a bunch of adjustments all at the same time you won't know which adjustment helped it or hurt it.