96 vmax front suspension

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Neonblue

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Jan 24, 2004
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Twin Cities, MN
I've got a couple of problems with my 96 yamaha vmax xt.

First, I don't have the adjustable front suspension where the rubber caps can be pulled off and adjusted.

The sled doesn't really feel like it's "darting" because the the whole sled slides right and left. But it could be darting. I'm about 50-75 lbs more than the last person that rode it.

I did notice that I'm missing two bogie wheels (left front outside and middle right inside) and the rubber on the other wheels are missing. I picked up new bogie wheels to replace them all around, but I'm not sure if this would be the problem. Anyone know if this would cause the issue?

I was thinking that perhaps I didn't have enough pressure on the front skis. I'm not even sure if the front struts are in good shape? They look ok from the outside, no dents, etc... But if the bogie wheels are not the issue, how would I
a) tell if my front struts are bad (if they are, is there a shock inside that can be replace or am I looking at replacing the whole thing?)
b) Adjust the sled so there's more pressure on the skis? Since I'm heavier, I would put more pressure on the back which would theoritically lift the skis.

I just can't see how to adjust the sled's suspension at all...

If I wanted to put better shocks in, anyone have any recommendations for -cheap- but good shocks that will work? Again leading to the strut/shock question... Is there a shock in the struts?

Thanks for your help!
 
Sounds like the o'l girls been neglected. I have a 96 xt also. The front struts should be adjustable. Is the sled teal in color? The front struts are not rebuildable but you can buy new ones ($200 ea) . The silver cylinder part is connected to a small long shaft. It will look like a shock once it's out. The side to side movement could be darting. Ski savers help a lot. Also look in the tech section, there's a few helpful tricks in there. I would pull the rear skid and check the whole thing over. The rear shocks should be aluminum and rebuildable. You can shorten the front limiter straps to get more weight on the nose. They are pretty nose heavy to start. How many miles on it?
 
It's weird because my 97 was darting and I fixed that by adding pressure to the front skis. (This feels different)

Yes, the sled is teal in color. And It's got about 2900 miles on it. I was told that there was two different suspension models for this sled and I have the "lower" non-adjustable one. Although that really doesn't make much sense... I wish I had the manual.

When I pull off the caps all I see is a couple of small nuts. My brother-in-law has the same sled with the upgraded front suspension. Under his caps are a couple of twist knobs that can be turned by hand.

So you're saying that I have to replace the whole cylinder with real yamaha shocks? Or can I replace the shocks inside the cylinders with after market? Spending $400 on that sled really isn't much of an option... It's just not worth that kind of money.
 
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If you go here and type in your sled and go to the "ski" break down it should help.
http://www.yamaha-motor.com/sport/parts/home.aspx


That's strange, I've never heard of two different pogo's for the XT. I couldn't find anyone with after market ones. I know what you mean, it's not worth it. Put a feeler out in the clasified section, some people have used ones. If you lift the sled from the rear and kind of twist it from side to side it'll put pressure on each pogo. If one dives right down it's probably shot.
Also check your ski alignment.
 
500 or 600?

It sound like you have a 500 XT correct? The 600's have the adjustable frt springs but not the 500's. My XT would rock side to side while going down a smooth trail as well, even when new. I weight just over 200 lbs when dressed to ride. It was so bad my wife would not ride it, she said it was "TOO TIPPY" and she weights alot less then me
I found it was TOO much ski pressure. Cranking up the preload of the frt shock in the rear suspension and lengthening the frt straps helped as did better ski's. (USI's) I got a set of bender adjustable transfer rods and it made all the difference in the world.
But i wouldn't do any mod's until the basic suspension is in good condition and there isn't too much play in the frt knuckles. There are aftermarket shims to tighten up the steering. Make sure the toe is set. If the ski's are toed in at all it will be a bear to ride.
The rear shocks are rebuildable. I get mine serviced thru Maxx Perf. They are able to revalve the rear one to keep it from bottoming out too.
 
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I have a 96XT600 and the first half of last year I would coast side to side on the trail and at 45-50mph it was the worse. No darting just felt loose. I found out that the front suspension was not conected to the middle of the rail. Installed new triangle brackets, put some weight into the track and she is solid on the trail now. Also takes corners 2x better than before.

I agree with caravanman, go through the sled and look at everything as detailed as you can looking for strange wear, broken parts and area's that can be adjusted. Last year was my first year owning sleds and that was my biggest lesson. Garage time and curiousity led me to get both my sleds set up right.

Check carbids, track alignment, ski alignment (measure at carbides, rear and front should have a 1/4 inch wider in front) shocks. Also keep note of changed you make between each ride.

I found all I had to do after the suspension was fixed was 4 full turns in the front track suspension for more weight and it was a new sled. Now I make between 1/2 to full turn each ride pending on conditions. A push into the corner is too much track wieght and a loose rear coming out of the corner is light rear. At least that is how I figure out the shock adjustment.
I do have adjustable front shocks but I set them one time and never touched them since.
Keep messing around and looking.
 
Excellent thoughts, I was thinking it was not enough pressure on the skis. But what you are saying does make sense. It is a 500xt.

What is a triangle bracket? Is it aftermarket or is this something that was missing on your sled and just replaced it?

The problem is, I don't have the manual for it nor can I download one from Yamaha (The only go back to like 1999 for their downloadable manuals).

How do I adjust the rear for more pressure? And/or take pressure off the front skis? I don't see any visual methods of adjusting these shocks?

Thanks!
 
Not sure how to explain the bracket. The shock inside the track towards the front should be a coil over. Where the coil meets the shock it should be threaded. Turn this to tighten or loosen. Down will put more weight on the track, up will put weight on the skis.
I do know your local Yamaha shop can order the manuals but they are like $35 each. I have looked into this before. A shop manual is aorund $50, this will have every bolt, bracket, nut and thing a ma jig on your sled.
Pending on your local Yamaha dealer, they will give you some help. I have one local dealer that will print me off pics from the online shop manual and explain to me what to watch for or how to adjust.
Also join a local Snowmobile club. Memberships are not that much and after a couple meeting or a ride you will find some one that will help you out.
 
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