Rear Suspension; Removing Skid Frame - Arctic Cat Sno Pro 120 2013 Service Manual

Rear Suspension

GENERAL INFORMATION
Quick acceleration and the ability to go through the turns
with power are the most important handling qualities.
This section explains how the skid frame functions to
provide these two important handling qualities.
Good weight transfer characteristics are needed for fast accel-
eration (shift of weight from skis to track) and for cornering
(shift of weight back to skis to hold the front end in turns).
Effective weight transfer depends on suspension tension,
position of rider, and the position of the front arm limiter.
To understand how the suspension system works, think
of the entire system in terms of three points; the skid
frame rear axle center, the skid frame front arm, and the
ski saddle center.
Assume that the front arm functions as a stationary pivot
point between the rear axle center and the ski saddle cen-
ter. Also assume that the ski saddle center is the same
height off the ground as the rear axle center. This pro-
duces the standard position arrangement.
Under acceleration when the center of gravity is trans-
ferred to the rear of the machine, the rear suspension col-
lapses slightly. This brings the rear arm point downward
and with the front arm stationary, the teeter-totter effect
reduces the pressure on the skis, position A.
However, for controlled cornering, more pressure is
needed on the skis. So when the driver decelerates com-
ing into a corner, the center of gravity is transferred for-
ward, putting the required pressure onto the skis and
reducing the pressure on the rear suspension, position C.
This is essentially what weight transfer is all about — the
shift of weight to the rear of the machine for positive
traction and good acceleration or to the front of the
machine for positive handling and cornering control.
REAR ARM SPRING TENSION
The rear spring tension is adjusted for the weight of the
driver. Three possible adjustments exist.
1st block position - light operator
2nd block position - medium operator
3rd block position - heavy operator
This section has been organized so each procedure can be
completed individually and efficiently. The technician
should use discretion and sound judgment when remov-
ing and installing components.

Removing Skid Frame

 NOTE: Many service procedures can be performed
without removing the skid frame. Closely observe the
note introducing each subsequent sub-section for this
important information.
1. Loosen the jam nuts and the two track tension
adjusting cap screws.
0728-180
2. Place a support stand under the rear bumper; then
remove the two cap screws securing the upper
idler wheel assembly to the tunnel.
 NOTE: The support stand should hold the snowmo-
bile level and not raised off the floor.
3. Remove the cap screws securing the front axle,
idler axle, and rear suspension arm to the tunnel.
0728-181
744-947A
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