That Can-Am Renegade 1000 XMR is an absolute beast straight from the factory floor. It’s built to conquer mud, muck, and nasty terrain. But if you’re like us at FatBoysOffroad, you’re always looking for that next level of capability. You see a deeper mud hole or a rockier trail and think, “I can clear that.”
We promise this guide will be your trusted co-pilot in transforming your machine. We’re here to give you the expert, no-nonsense rundown on everything you need to know about a Can Am Renegade 1000 XMR lift kit. We’ll skip the fluff and get right to the good stuff.
In this ultimate guide, we’ll break down the real-world benefits, help you choose the right type of kit, provide a detailed step-by-step installation walkthrough, and even cover the common problems to watch out for. Let’s get those knuckles dirty.
Why Even Bother with a Can Am Renegade 1000 XMR Lift Kit? The Real-World Benefits
Before you start turning wrenches, it’s crucial to understand what you’re gaining. A lift kit isn’t just about looks; it’s a functional upgrade that directly impacts your quad’s performance in the rough stuff. Understanding the benefits of a Can Am Renegade 1000 XMR lift kit makes the investment in time and money totally worth it.
Superior Ground Clearance for Tougher Trails
This is the number one reason riders install a lift kit. An extra 2-3 inches of clearance is the difference between sliding over a log and getting high-centered on it. It lets you take more aggressive lines and tackle obstacles that would have stopped a stock machine in its tracks.
Your frame, A-arms, and differential are all lifted higher, keeping them safe from rocks, stumps, and ruts that can cause serious, ride-ending damage. More clearance equals more confidence.
Room for Bigger, Badder Tires
A lift kit and bigger tires go together like mud and a good time. Lifting your Renegade provides the necessary fender clearance to run a larger, more aggressive set of tires. Stock tires are fine, but moving up to a 28″, 30″, or even 32″ tire gives you a massive advantage.
Bigger tires provide a larger contact patch for more traction, roll over obstacles more easily, and give you even more ground clearance. The combination is a game-changer for deep mud and technical rock crawling.
Aggressive Stance and Improved Aesthetics
Let’s be honest—it just looks awesome. A lifted Renegade XMR with meaty tires has an intimidating, aggressive presence that a stock machine can’t match. It’s a statement that your ATV is built for serious business and isn’t afraid of a challenge.
Choosing Your Weapon: Bracket Lifts vs. Spring Spacers
Not all lift kits are created equal. For your Renegade XMR, you’ll generally encounter two main types. Understanding the difference is key to picking the right setup for your budget and riding style. This is a core part of our Can Am Renegade 1000 XMR lift kit guide.
Bracket Lift Kits: The Comprehensive Solution
Bracket lifts are the most common and effective type for ATVs. These kits come with a series of precision-cut, heavy-duty steel brackets. You install these brackets to relocate the mounting points of your shocks, effectively raising the entire chassis.
They are designed to maintain your factory ride quality as much as possible by keeping suspension geometry close to stock angles. They are strong, reliable, and the preferred method for a true, durable lift.
Spring Spacer Lifts: The Budget-Friendly Boost
A spring spacer lift is simpler. It involves placing a polyurethane or metal “puck” on top of your coil spring. This preloads the spring, causing the machine to sit higher. While effective for gaining height and very affordable, this method has a significant drawback.
By preloading the spring, you create a much stiffer, often bouncier ride. It can be a harsh experience on rough trails. For a high-performance machine like the XMR, we generally steer riders toward a proper bracket lift for better handling and longevity.
Our Recommendation for the XMR
For the Renegade 1000 XMR, invest in a quality bracket lift. Your machine has a sophisticated suspension system, and a bracket lift is designed to work with it, not against it. You’ll get the clearance you need without sacrificing the ride quality you paid for.
How to Install Your Can Am Renegade 1000 XMR Lift Kit: A Step-by-Step Guide
Alright, time to get to work. This section covers how to Can Am Renegade 1000 XMR lift kit installation. Remember to work safely, take your time, and always refer to the specific instructions that came with your kit. This is a general guide to get you familiar with the process.
Tools and Prep: Get Your Garage Ready
Having the right tools makes all the difference. You don’t need a full professional shop, but you’ll want these essentials on hand:
- A solid set of metric sockets and wrenches (especially 15mm, 18mm, and 19mm)
- A good torque wrench (this is non-negotiable)
- Sturdy jack stands and a reliable floor jack
- Wheel chocks
- Pry bars or a large screwdriver
- Blue thread locker (Loctite)
- Your lift kit’s instructions!
Before you start, park your Renegade on a flat, level surface like a garage floor. Engage the parking brake and chock the wheels you aren’t working on first.
The Installation Process (Front & Rear)
Most kits follow a similar procedure. We’ll start with the front, as it’s often slightly more involved.
- Lift and Secure: Use your floor jack to lift the front end of the ATV until the tires are off the ground. Place jack stands securely under the frame on both sides. Never work on a vehicle supported only by a jack. Remove the front wheels.
- Access the Shocks: You’ll need to locate the upper and lower shock mounting bolts. On the Renegade, they are pretty easy to get to.
- Remove the Shocks: Support the A-arm or knuckle with your jack or a block of wood to prevent it from dropping suddenly. Then, remove the upper and lower shock mounting bolts and carefully take the entire shock and spring assembly out.
- Install the Brackets: This is where you follow your kit’s specific instructions. You’ll typically bolt the main lift bracket to the factory upper shock mount on the frame. Use the supplied hardware and apply a dab of blue Loctite to the bolt threads.
- Re-install the Shocks: Now, you’ll mount the top of your shock to the new, lower mounting point on the lift bracket you just installed. Reconnect the bottom of the shock to the A-arm. Do not fully tighten the bolts yet.
- Repeat and Torque: Repeat the process on the other side. Once both sides are done and the ATV is back on the ground with its full weight on the suspension, torque all bolts to the manufacturer’s specifications. This is a critical step!
- Move to the Rear: The rear installation is very similar. Lift and secure the rear, remove the wheels, remove the shocks, install the rear brackets, and reinstall the shocks. Torque everything to spec once the machine is back on the ground.
Post-Installation Checks: Don’t Skip These!
You’re not done yet! After installation, double-check that every bolt you touched is tight. Take the machine for a slow test ride around your yard. Listen for any unusual noises and feel for any weird handling characteristics. After that first real ride, bring it back and re-check the torque on all the lift kit hardware.
Common Problems with Can Am Renegade 1000 XMR Lift Kits (And How to Fix Them)
Lifting your machine changes its geometry, and it’s important to be aware of potential issues. Here are some common problems with Can Am Renegade 1000 XMR lift kit installations and how to manage them.
CV Axle Angle and Premature Wear
The Problem: Lifting your ATV increases the operating angle of your CV axles. A steeper angle puts more stress on the CV joints, which can lead to faster wear, torn boots, and eventual failure.
The Fix: For modest 2-3″ lifts, factory axles usually hold up well. However, it’s one of the Can Am Renegade 1000 XMR lift kit tips we always give: inspect your CV boots regularly for rips or grease sling. If you ride hard or go with a bigger lift, consider upgrading to heavy-duty aftermarket axles designed for lifted machines.
Changes in Ride Quality and Handling
The Problem: Raising the center of gravity will make your machine feel a bit more “tippy” in high-speed corners. This is simple physics. It won’t handle like a sports car anymore (not that it did before).
The Fix: Be mindful of your new height. Slow down for sharp turns and be more cautious on off-camber terrain. Some riders add wheel spacers to widen the stance and regain some stability, but be aware this adds more stress to wheel bearings.
Alignment and Tire Wear Issues
The Problem: A lift kit can sometimes affect your wheel alignment, causing the tires to “toe-in” or “toe-out,” leading to uneven and rapid tire wear.
The Fix: After installing your lift, check your alignment. You can do a basic check yourself with a tape measure. Measure the distance between the front of the front tires and the back of the front tires. It should be very close, with a slight “toe-out” (about 1/8″) being common for ATVs. Adjust your tie rods as needed to correct it.
The Long Haul: Your Can Am Renegade 1000 XMR Lift Kit Care Guide
Proper maintenance ensures your investment lasts. Following this simple Can Am Renegade 1000 XMR lift kit care guide will keep you on the trail and out of the garage.
Regular Inspection Checklist
Before every major ride, do a quick visual inspection. Look at the lift brackets for any signs of cracking or stress. Check all mounting bolts to ensure they are still tight. A loose bolt can quickly lead to a major failure.
Torque, Torque, Torque!
We can’t say it enough. Metal components expand and contract, and vibrations can work bolts loose over time. Re-checking the torque on your lift kit hardware should be part of your regular maintenance routine, just like an oil change. This is one of the most important best practices.
Cleaning and Corrosion Prevention
Mud, water, and road salt are the enemies of metal. After a muddy ride, wash your machine thoroughly, paying special attention to the suspension and lift components. A clean machine is easier to inspect and less likely to rust.
Sustainable Off-Roading: Eco-Friendly Lift Kit Best Practices
Being a responsible off-roader means protecting the trails we love. A sustainable Can Am Renegade 1000 XMR lift kit approach isn’t about the parts themselves, but how you use them.
Treading Lightly with More Clearance
Your new ground clearance allows you to drive over obstacles instead of trying to plow through or around them. This helps minimize your impact by avoiding the creation of deep ruts or “braided” trails that cause erosion. Stay on the designated path.
Choosing Durable Parts for Longevity
An eco-friendly Can Am Renegade 1000 XMR lift kit mindset means buying quality parts that last. A cheap kit that fails prematurely creates more waste and requires more resources to replace. Invest in reputable brands known for their durability.
Proper Waste Disposal from Your DIY Project
When you’re done with the installation, dispose of all packaging materials responsibly. If you’re replacing old parts, check with your local recycling center to see if they accept scrap metal. Every little bit helps keep our planet clean for future riders.
Frequently Asked Questions About Can Am Renegade 1000 XMR Lift Kits
How much lift do I really need?
For most trail riders and mud enthusiasts, a 2-3 inch lift is the sweet spot. It provides a significant increase in clearance and room for larger tires without drastically compromising axle angles or stability. Going higher often requires more supporting mods like heavy-duty axles and tie rods.
Will a lift kit void my Can-Am warranty?
This is a common concern. Technically, a manufacturer cannot void your entire warranty just because you installed an aftermarket part. However, if a failure occurs and they can prove the lift kit caused that specific failure (e.g., a broken axle), they can deny the warranty claim for that component. It’s a gray area, so be aware of the risk.
Can I install a lift kit myself with basic tools?
Absolutely. If you are comfortable changing your own oil and have a decent set of metric tools, you can install a bracket lift kit. The key is to work safely, use jack stands, and follow the instructions carefully. The most important tool you need is a torque wrench to tighten everything to spec.
Do I need to upgrade my axles when I install a lift kit?
For a 2-3 inch lift on a Renegade XMR, you typically do not need to upgrade your axles immediately. The factory axles are quite robust. However, a lift does increase the stress on them, so they will wear out faster than they would at stock height. If you are an extremely aggressive rider or plan on running very large tires, upgrading to heavy-duty axles is a smart preventative measure.
You’ve got the knowledge, you’ve got the plan, and your Renegade is waiting. Installing a lift kit is one of the most rewarding upgrades you can do, completely changing the look and capability of your machine. Take your time, double-check your work, and get ready to conquer trails you used to avoid.
Stay safe out there, and happy riding!
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