I purchased an Polaris Fusion IQ skid for my Viper. Install using JB Shocks mount for the IQ 8.5" back from driver, down 5.5" from tunnel and 23" between mounts
So after much checking and articulating the new skid, drilled the holes and skid was in. I thought I would confirm this worked so if anyone else tried this install, you won't be second guessing yourself.
I used 3/8" thick alum plate stock by 3" wide for the spacer material (the IQ is 1" narrower). I ended up bolting the plates into the tunnel - two bolts per plate on front and one bolt in rear mount. The front mount needed additional spacers (used 3 - 3/8" fender washers on each side)
First mistake I made was the 3/8" bolts I bought for the front shaft was a little too short (believe I used 2.5" long bolts)...these bolts ended up stripping the front shaft threads. Mistake no 2 was thinking the shaft was already stripped when I bought the skid...so I bought a new shaft. Bolted up the new shaft and stripped again...now I'm getting a little smarter.
So, purchased 7/16" NC tap and die and cut new threads in the shaft and purchased 3" long bolts and threaded them another 3/8" and they made the bolt the exact length. Advantage is the a heavier bolts on the front mount.
So after much checking and articulating the new skid, drilled the holes and skid was in. I thought I would confirm this worked so if anyone else tried this install, you won't be second guessing yourself.
I used 3/8" thick alum plate stock by 3" wide for the spacer material (the IQ is 1" narrower). I ended up bolting the plates into the tunnel - two bolts per plate on front and one bolt in rear mount. The front mount needed additional spacers (used 3 - 3/8" fender washers on each side)
First mistake I made was the 3/8" bolts I bought for the front shaft was a little too short (believe I used 2.5" long bolts)...these bolts ended up stripping the front shaft threads. Mistake no 2 was thinking the shaft was already stripped when I bought the skid...so I bought a new shaft. Bolted up the new shaft and stripped again...now I'm getting a little smarter.
So, purchased 7/16" NC tap and die and cut new threads in the shaft and purchased 3" long bolts and threaded them another 3/8" and they made the bolt the exact length. Advantage is the a heavier bolts on the front mount.
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Part 2...best place for hardened bolts was tractor supply (sell by the pound). Make sure you use grade 8 or better. I probably spent about $30 or so on fasteners. It appears that the IQ skid has about 10" of suspension travel based on my measurements...they say 13.9" but I couldn't find this travel. Drilling the alum plates was easy but the rears need to have the tunnel rivets located and drilled pilot holes to clear them. I have photos posted on the mounts. Both front and rear used 7/16" NC bolts. I choose not to loctite the front shaft since you can't stop the shaft from spinning when you have to remove it. I have tried to tighten the shaft bolts and after the initial ride, have not loosened.
Next learning was rebuild the shocks. They felt ok, so I left them...mistake #2. Skid bottomed out like crazy...felt like my old skid was back there. Pulled them out for rebuilding...huge difference.
Learning #3...the stock spring was too soft for me at 200lbs so I picked up x click torsion spring adjusters (they have one more notch for preloading). Learning #4, x click does not come with the stupid $.50 retaining clip.
Next learning was rebuild the shocks. They felt ok, so I left them...mistake #2. Skid bottomed out like crazy...felt like my old skid was back there. Pulled them out for rebuilding...huge difference.
Learning #3...the stock spring was too soft for me at 200lbs so I picked up x click torsion spring adjusters (they have one more notch for preloading). Learning #4, x click does not come with the stupid $.50 retaining clip.
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So with the tunnel holes drilled and the fender washers drilled out to 7/16", the skid was easy to put up with a floor jack. Loosen the idler wheels all the way and in it goes (little cursing but not too bad). Adjust the track and ready to go.
First local ride, on of the front shaft bolt loosens up (or I didn't tighten it). After 100 miles or so, take a much longer ride and blow a stud out and the track is flapping, so limping back I go. The shocks are not rebuilt yet and the skid is bottoming out too much.
New track put on...wow on the hook up. What a rocket even without studs. This was a few weeks ago, when VT had snow. Shocks removed for rebuilding and x clicks put in...
Probably have around 250 miles on it now, great hook up and if your on the gas, it handle bumps great. The conditions are pretty limited in vt with lots of ice. But a big improvement in that your not thinking about the next time its going to bottom. Well you still thinking about it but it doesn't happen
First local ride, on of the front shaft bolt loosens up (or I didn't tighten it). After 100 miles or so, take a much longer ride and blow a stud out and the track is flapping, so limping back I go. The shocks are not rebuilt yet and the skid is bottoming out too much.
New track put on...wow on the hook up. What a rocket even without studs. This was a few weeks ago, when VT had snow. Shocks removed for rebuilding and x clicks put in...
Probably have around 250 miles on it now, great hook up and if your on the gas, it handle bumps great. The conditions are pretty limited in vt with lots of ice. But a big improvement in that your not thinking about the next time its going to bottom. Well you still thinking about it but it doesn't happen
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So my viper is like a new sled...great turning thru the trails and gas it over the bumps (have not hit really big bumps as there is not enough snow) but shutter bumps are no issue.
I just can't keep the smile off my face while I'm blasting thru the woods.
Now I need to find faster riding buddies....
I just can't keep the smile off my face while I'm blasting thru the woods.
Now I need to find faster riding buddies....
SRXBOY99
New member
Where are the final product pics??? The suspense.....
Must look sweet!
Must look sweet!
You may have stumbled upon the best use for a Fusion!!!
measure your springs. i have a set of I believe .357 square springs if you need heavier. Mine may even be .377 I run .405in mine
I'll have to check on the spring size...I believe mine are stock.
Thanks Max.
Thanks Max.
Millinocket Rocket
New member
Nice job... like to see some finished pics. Does it corner good?
My springs are too soft...so I need the .377 (stock are .357").
Anyway, the suspension works great. The faster you go, the better it works. The weak spot is the front end, so as long as you are on the gas, the skid skips over the bumps. Going up hills is the best....skims over the tops of the bumps. Going much faster now and over crests, you clear the indent from the other sled. Hard not to smile too much as your flying thru the woods. Still need to find faster riding buddies.
Anyway, the suspension works great. The faster you go, the better it works. The weak spot is the front end, so as long as you are on the gas, the skid skips over the bumps. Going up hills is the best....skims over the tops of the bumps. Going much faster now and over crests, you clear the indent from the other sled. Hard not to smile too much as your flying thru the woods. Still need to find faster riding buddies.
Installed the heavier springs prior to this season run at second setting....much better.
For some of the guys searching for skid swap options, how much did this project end up costing you?
I am curious too..how much did it cost?
snoprokidf6
Member
i installed a pro x skid in my viper, 300 for the skid, another 20 bucks for missing bolts, nuts and bushings, a few beers and a couple nights and that was it. pretty cheap upgrade for a much better ride
I paid 200 for the skid, $50 for hardware and shim plates and another $50 to rebuild the shocks...
Don't forget the longer bolts on the front arm or you will strip them out.
Don't forget the longer bolts on the front arm or you will strip them out.
and another $75 for the heavier torsion springs...just the front w arm is worth the change. Not having to worry about breaking the stupid arm. Now you can go full throttle over the rough stuff and your body is the limiting factor. I'm riding much faster with this skid when the trails bump up a bit.