XP900 Modifications Suggestions

Please excuse my ignorance but I have not had time to pay attention to SXSs for over a year. With the addition of our XP4 900 I know some changes that wil be a must and some that I just want to do. So my question is this....What issues have people been having and how were they resolved? Need suggestion on what parts everyone is using.

Subject 2013 Jagged X RZR4:

The cage I will modify myself for added strength and protection.

Axles: ??

A-Arms & trailing arms?

Tree Kickers?

Front bumper w/winch mount?

Other suggestions....

I replaced the entire stock suspension with Highlifter products, including +1.5" A-arms, radius rods, and trailing arms, so that I could run 30" tires. I have not done the axles yet but as soon as I start breaking them I will start replacing them. You will need a new skid plate for sure, though I'm not sure if the Jagged X comes with one already. Bumper/winch combo is up to you. I used the bumper and winch off my S, only buying a new mount. I also reused my tree kickers off my S, but you will need new ones for sure as you will be rubbing more trees with the longer wheelbase. You already have doors so that's good. Only other thing that I can think of would be letting Smoothride do the shocks and springs. Oh, does the Jagged X come with power steering?

Yep, already has PS.

My main concern right now is which A-arms / Trailing arms / Radius Rods does everyone like and why.

I don't want to use +1.5" arms as it throws off the geometry of the steering. Got plenty of tire clearance now with the 30s .

Also of concern is axles. I having been using Rhino XP axles on the 800 and have yet to break one. I have two spares (front/rear) so if I get another set for the XP I already on spares.

Skid Plate: Prefer aluminum over UHMW because it help stiffen the frame. EMP 3/16"

Not sure if I want to do the cage or have someone do it. Not much spare time these days.

UTV Inc. Tree Kickers look good

Prob before first ride in woods definately get tree kickers to help save doors and fenders. Radius rods for sure as they get hung up and bent on rocks. Not sure if urs already had forward arms yet with the 30" tires on it. But like Nathan said tree kickers, radius rods, trailing arms, high clearance forward arms, skid plate, and hd axles but then u take a chance on the front diff.
I went with Highlifter radius rods and trailing arms because of price. A lot on here run zbroz and prefer them as they don't have a heim joint on the trailing arms. Highlifter also has axles and front high clearance arms. I have Backwoods armor arms as does a lot on here. A lot of people are making their own winch bumpers and tree kickers. Or they can be bought. Here's my tree kickers and bumper, both were made locally.

[url=

Your going to want a full skidplate. I have a UTV inc full UHMW skid.. I like Uhmw cause it helps you slide over rocks better. It also doesn't get all dented up. Like others said your going to want tree kickers and I'd say bumpers to. I have zbros trailing arms and radius rods. Went with back woods armor arched front A-arms 1.5" forward arms.. Tons of guys on the forum are running the same suspension. The forward arms are suppose to help your turning radius not hurt it. I went with the 1.5 arms also because I wanted the replace the lower and uppers. I think if you get just the arched arms stock offset you just get the lowers. The aftermarket ones are stronger then stock. The stock axles are ok.. I've broke one rear and bent my other rear.. When I broke one I really wasn't doing much of anything and I still had stock 26" tires. I did how ever have 4 adults plus gear in the machine. I bought a spare front and rear from hunterworks for 125 each. They are suppose to be stronger then stock and I plan on just replacing the stock ones as I break them.
Here is what mine looks like

RZR_Joe wrote:

My main concern right now is which A-arms / Trailing arms / Radius Rods does everyone like and why.

I don't want to use +1.5" arms as it throws off the geometry of the steering. Got plenty of tire clearance now with the 30s .

Skid Plate: Prefer aluminum over UHMW because it help stiffen the frame. EMP 3/16"

UTV Inc. Tree Kickers look good

I went with Highlifter for two reasons, firtst was price. Sniper is a dealer and they will drop ship at his cost. PM me for his number. Second, and more importantly, is that they are really well built. I trust Highlifter and their products.

The +1.5" arms have no detrimental effect on steering geometry. They come with new extended heavy duty tie rod ends. So essentially it's an upgrade. Also, as 8ball said, it helps with your turning radius. I'm not as familiar with the Jagged X but you may already have offset arms if your are clearing 30"s with no problem.

I would venture to guess that 99% of us are running UHMW skids. I know that there are weak spots in the frame but I haven't heard of a failure due to flexing. Maybe the sand fleas would with all the jumping they do, I dunno. What I do know is that I would rather have a plastic skid, for the exact same reasons that have been mentioned. They don't get hung up, gouged up, or dented.

I like the UTV Inc tree kickers. I like Tony's Toys tree kickers too.
http://tonystoys.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/DSCF2995.jpg

While on the RZR Forums I saw a post about ORB (Offroad Beast Fabrication) radius rods. So I checked out there site and the stuff looks heavy duty. So I gave them a call and after talking with Justin (owner) I ordered a set of high clearance radius rods and trailing arms. He is custom coating them to match the Jagged X color. They are a small company just starting out and I like doing business with small companies. Small companies give you much better personal service. I also like seeing folks venture out and start businesses and become successfull. If the radius rods and trailing are good I'll order a set of front a-arms. They should be here by the end of next week and I'll let you know what I think of them.

How bout the reverse chain breaking on em junkie XPs. Might need to replace that or don't try anything in the backup gear  

samiam wrote:

How bout the reverse chain breaking on em junkie XPs. Might need to replace that or don't try anything in the backup gear  

I've seen guys beat on them pretty good in reverse with NP. It is a weak point that's for sure. I wouldn't try to pull some one out in reverse. I think backing up over rocks and ruts aren't a problem though. If you read the threads over on rzr forums Most of the guys that break them are running large mud tires and my guess they are probably giving her hell in a deep hole. I don't think anyone in the club has broke one yet? If not that's kind of saying something.. Even mark hasn't done it   

UHMW skids are what you need Joe. It is very strong and will slide over rocks. I will never own aluminum skids again.

Yep, going to go with UHMW, just haven't decided whose version.....

For skid plates check out factory utv or trail armor. As for suspension, when I had my cage built by razr sharp I saw a set of the off-road beast stuff that rzr-joe was talking about and it looked tougher than z-broz, which it seems that the majority run. There is a pretty big discussion going on regarding orb on the other forum and if it all ends well I will get the complete orb setup. If you aren't looking for arched front a arms, wide open designs in Tennessee carries some cool boxed a-arms that are pretty slick. There is also extreme backcountry out of Idaho if you want to support the little guys like I do. As for tree kickers/nerfs check out racertech. I personally don't like tree kickers because they can hang you up on rocks and tweek your frame. I would rather shred some plastic than mess with my frame, but to each his own. If you're getting a cage check out razr sharp if you want a little guy. Sky is the limit with them and his cages start at $700. Utv inc sells some pretty sweet cages as well. Tmw offroad is also nice. One thing I didn't see you mention was a clutch. If you're running 30's you definitely want a clutch. DDP or dalton seems to be the most popular. HMF also just came out with a cool looking clutch setup.

I bought Highlifter arched a-arms, trailing arms, upper and lower radius rods.  So far, I am not overly impressed with Hightlifter customer service, but the products seem good. Of course I have literally only been on one trail ride since I installed the stuff. The powder coat chipped a huge portion on the trailing arm (and NOT where it was drug on rocks). I recently bought a Tusk skid and I am just waiting to install it because I have to replace the garbage carrier bearing on the driveshaft. Hopefully I can get all that crap wrapped up this weekend.
Looking forward to seeing your rig in person Joe

Man, waiting on parts sucks...LOL

So far on order:

ORB: High clearnace trailing arms & radius rods (one week out)
S-3 Powersports front bumper (3-4 weeks out)
EMP: Roof, windshield, & misc parts (3-4 days)

Still to order:

UHMW skid plates
HD ball joints & tie-rods
Winch - Viper Elite wide spool
30" LED bar
5 point harnesses
mirrors
radio
parking brake
lots of misc crap

Dang....thought I wa sdone buying all this crap with the last RZR. Went out anf spent 18k on a friggin RZR and now turn around and spend another 4-5k on parts. I need my head examined!   

Ronnie I need another Southern SXS flag for the new machine.  

Feels good to be back to riding & looking forward to seeing eveyone again.

Joe I think everybody on this forum is crazy the same way you are   

    no shit!

[/URL]

Joe,
Your decisions on everything seem well thought out.....but one... the EMP windshields are junk unless you got the hardcoat..The non hard scratches when you look at it....

I got the MR10 Hardcoat with wiper and the discount EMP gives us is awesome. It's temporary anyway until I finalize the cage, then I make an aluminum frame and use auto glass.

RZR_Joe wrote:

I got the MR10 Hardcoat with wiper and the discount EMP gives us is awesome. It's temporary anyway until I finalize the cage, then I make an aluminum frame and use auto glass.

I wish I had a glass one. Glass doesn't attract dirt like lexan does also I'd run a wiper in a heart beat with glass.

Hopefully the big brown truck brings some goodies today. I also ordered a 2'x4' sheet of 3/8" UHMW to make some rock sliders for the trailing arms.

Where did you get that sheet?

Big brown trucked arrived with goodies but the driver did not look anything like the one above   

EMP roof & fender flares.

Update: Not EMP issue but rather UPS forgot to deliver one box.

ORB trailing arms and radius rods: Look very well made



Going to order a set of +2 high clearance front arms from them.

chadboehne wrote:

Where did you get that sheet?

Local Grainger store.