Snowmobile Polaris 600 IQ LXT (2015 year). Manual - part 12

51

THE PERFECT FIT

IQ Front Suspension Adjustments

Front Shock Spring Preload

Increasing spring preload will increase 
ski-to-ground pressure. Decreasing spring 
preload will decrease ski-to-ground 
pressure. When adjusting, be sure the 
springs on both the left and right sides of 
the machine are at the same adjustment.

To change front shock spring preload, 
grasp the spring and rotate it.

Increasing the spring preload too much 
may adversely affect the handling of the 
snowmobile and the performance of the 
suspension. Never exceed one inch of 
preload beyond the factory settings, and 
ensure that both sides are adjusted the 
same. When decreasing preload, make 
sure at least two turns of preload are 
holding the spring between the retainer on 
the top of the shock and the threaded 
spring preload adjuster nut on the shock 
body. Failure to do so could cause the retainer to fall off when the 
suspension is fully extended.

Tip: Not all models have shocks with thread-adjustable spring preload. See your 

dealer for more information.

NOTICE: On some models equipped with a plastic adjuster nut, the nut will 

break if it is unscrewed from the threaded body. Do not force the nut if 
resistance suddenly increases while you’re turning it.

Low

Preload

High

Preload

52

THE PERFECT FIT

IQ Front Suspension Adjustments

Shock Valving

The shocks can be revalved if spring preload alone isn't sufficient and 
further adjustment is desired to control suspension stiffness.

WARNING! Changing shock valving requires special tools and a sound 
knowledge of mechanical theory, tool use, and shop procedures to perform the 
work safely and correctly. Shocks contain high-pressure nitrogen gas. Use 
extreme caution when handling high-pressure service equipment. We 
recommend that this work be performed by a POLARIS dealer.

53

THE PERFECT FIT

Rear Suspension Adjustments

Rider weight, riding style, trail conditions, and vehicle speed all affect 
suspension action.

Each rear suspension can be adjusted to suit rider preference and deliver 
excellent performance for a given set of conditions. However, all 
suspension designs and adjustments involve a compromise, or trade-off. 
For example, a suspension set up for snow-cross racing would provide a 
very stiff ride on the trail. A suspension set up for trail riding would 
bottom out harshly on a snow-cross course.

Refer to the suspension setup label on your snowmobile, or see your 
POLARIS dealer for initial suspension setup information. Additional 
adjustments can be made after initial setup. Make adjustments to one 
area at a time so you can evaluate the change. For further assistance, see 
your dealer.

Suspension Performance Tips

• Rider weight usually determines the position at which the spring 

preload should be set. However, this may vary with riding style. With 
a little experimentation, each rider can find a preferred set-up. These 
adjustments are easy to make, involve very little time or effort, and 
greatly affect the ride.

• In deep snow, a new rail slide will offer improved performance over a 

worn slide. It can also improve top speed.

• When riding on ice or hard-packed snow, adding a set of bogie wheels 

to the rail may enhance the machine's performance. Bogie wheel kits 
are available from your dealer.

• POLARIS offers track kits for improved flotation in deep snow. See 

your dealer for assistance.

Tip: Keep the suspension pivot points lubricated. This will reduce moisture and 

rust build-up and ensure proper function of the suspension components. 
Grease rear suspension pivots before adjusting the rear suspension. Refer 
to the suspension lubrication information beginning on page 89.

54

THE PERFECT FIT

IQ Rear Suspension Adjustments

Initial Spring Preload Setting (Sag Method)

To set up the rear suspension torsion 
spring preload, measure the distance 
between the ground and rear bumper. 
This is measurement X.

Take the first measurement with no 
rider and with the rear suspension at 
full extension. 

Tip: The rear bumper may need to be 

lifted upward slightly to fully extend 
the rear suspension.

Next, have the rider drop down hard 
on the seat and bounce up and down 
several times, collapsing the rear 
suspension. With the rider seated, 
measure the distance between the 
ground and the rear bumper at the 
exact location used for measurement 
X. This is measurement Y.

To determine sag, commonly referred to as ride-in, subtract 
measurement Y from X (sag=X-Y). If the measured sag is incorrect, 
adjust the FRA position and/or rear torsion spring preload.

Tip: This is only an initial setup, and final spring preload may vary based on rider 

preference and riding conditions. Accessory springs with a higher load rat-
ing are available for some models. Please see your dealer for availability.

Suspension

Recommended Sag

Adjustment

See 

Page

IQ Comfort 

(136)

4-5 inches (10-13 cm)

Torsion Spring 

Preload

55

X

Y

With Rider

No Rider