Factory UTV skid. I ride here in pa also. I put the 1/2" on my 800.

 

You mean you added the UHMW skid to it and you are fine, or are you saying that you find the factory skid fine? At a minimum, I need the rock sliders for the sides in Elk County. But out in Wellsvill, OH just outside of Pittsburgh, it's heavy ruts and rocks where you are skidding like crazy. Not mud, it's rock, up and down.

 

I would go for the skid now and later if you still feel that it is nessesery for the other option then you still have the added protection of the skid too. Just my thoughts.

 

Call Bob at Factory UTV and tell him how you ride. He will suggest the right UHMW skid for you, either 3/8" (what I have), or the 1/2" version. I have hit some stuff in my high speed wash runs and the UHMW has held up great. Tell Bob you're a forum member, I think he discounts to members. I have his full package, skid, a-arm guards, fuel tank guard and rock sliders.

 

X2

 

I have run the 1/2 inch skids from FUTV for over a year and half here in PA and have have nothing but good things to say about them. If it were up to me I would always have skids first. Having a lift and raising your center of gravity isnt worth it to me with all the off cambers and hills we have around here.

 

i would suggest getting a 2in racer tech lift. im fixin to get one for mine for the same problem.

 

Don't forget, the stock springs are made in China and are junk. They will start to sag on your first ride and just continue. You can increase your preload to get your clearance back, but eventually you'll run out of room and start to coil bind. After the skid, I'd look into a set of springs. I run Makin' Trax and I wouldn't own anything else, but there are several spring suppliers here on the forum that can supply springs.

 

Sounds like a plan, Bob at Factory UTV (I'll probably spring for the 1/2 ") and put the other guards on as well. Then, figure out how to increase the suspension, it does feel a little soft since I've gotten it.

 

Your on the right track. Skids then contact Steve at Makin Trax and you'll be set. And don't forget harnesses to protect You.

 

You are smart. That skid system is unbeatable, and really unless you are going real fast, it is about all you really need.

Save up some coin after the shock of that expenditure, and then call Steve at Makin Trax suspensions, and get the progressive springs. Your factory springs will soon sag and your minimal ground clearance will be further reduced.

The springs will not only re-establish your ride height, but will enormously improve your ride quality.

After recovery from that I recommend going to 26X9X12 bighorn tires all around, that will give you an even more quality ride, and a good 1-1 1/2" true lift. All this without the risk of damaging axles, cv joints, or sacrificing ride quality.

:camorzr:

 

X2 well said and agreed on all points. One thing to keep in mind is that racer tech lifts + makin trax springs can ride rough. I'd probably talk to RT and see what they have with their dual rate springs and a lift.

 

I too bottomed out on everything that my buddies with S's were flying over. So I put on the 3/8" FUTV Skid Plate. Guess what? I still hit everything, but didn't cringe quite as hard. So I put on a set of Afco Shocks with Progressive Rate Sprins from Steve at Makin Trax. Guess what? now FLY over things that we would have slowed down to 5 MPH in the past. And the ride is superb!

 

Get the 1/2" uhmw skidplate. I ride in WV. mostly rocks. Many times have heard and felt the rocks kick up and hit the skidplate. Always smile, knowing I am protected.

 

Kind of off topic, but why would you remove your sway bars? Aren't you all over the place at high speeds on hard pack gravel/tram roads?

 

Not at all. It does handle differently, you have to be careful at first, you'll notice more body roll. Once you get used to it you'll find it handles much better as all four wheels are now planted. If you want to try it, simply disconnect one side (doesn't matter which one) of the vertical link. Your rear wheels will now act independently of each other. Give it a good try, you'll like it!!

 

Racer Tech Dual Rate Springs...

UTVINC has a Great Price on there skid plates...

2" Racer Tech Lift...

 

I sell Racer Tech Products...

 

Ride is very controlled and much more comfortable. I took the stock springs off my shocks and installed a set of Makin Trax progressive springs. Spring rate is double the stock spring rate, so sway bars are not needed. Lets each tire articulate independent of the others giving a much better ride.

 

http://www.shop.makintraxsuspension...tegory.sc;jsessionid=4C8B514EE1E981A8FE7CC506987DF230.qscstrfrnt04?categoryId=3

 

http://www.factoryutv.net/

 

Wish I were in AZ locally "swingarm"....I'd be dropping my machine off for the install.

 

2" Racertech here and new ExtremeATV springs as well for under $450

 

If $$ are really tight, I go the lift route for like $250 and just be more careful on your lines. It will make a huge difference in clearance. If you can get the cash together for better skid get one of those.

You should check out the Fiber-Skinz from Benchmark. Really light and tough. I'm about to order one, but if we shared shipping it would be half the cost back east.

http://www.rzrforums.net/benchmark-performance/46533-fiber-skinz-next-revolution-skid-plates.html