Ever hit a G-out on your Can-Am Renegade and felt your spine compress? Or maybe you’re tired of picking careful lines through rock gardens that Jeeps just crawl over. You love your machine’s power, but you know its stock suspension is holding you back from true off-road domination. You’ve seen the rigs with a wider, more aggressive stance and wondered what it takes to get there.
You’re in the right place. We promise this guide will demystify the entire process of upgrading to a can am renegade long travel suspension system. We’re not just talking about parts; we’re talking about a total transformation of your ride’s capability and comfort.
In this article, we’ll break down what a long travel kit is, the incredible benefits you’ll gain, how to choose the perfect kit for your riding style, and crucial installation tips. We’ll even cover common problems and how to care for your new setup, ensuring it lasts for years of hard-charging adventure.
What Exactly is a Can Am Renegade Long Travel Suspension Kit?
Let’s get straight to it. A long travel suspension kit isn’t just a simple shock upgrade. It’s a complete front and, in some cases, rear-end overhaul designed to dramatically increase your ATV’s performance over rough terrain.
At its core, the kit replaces your stock A-arms with significantly wider ones. To compensate for this new width, it also includes longer, heavy-duty axles and extended brake lines. The final, and most crucial, piece of the puzzle is a set of longer, high-performance shocks designed to handle the increased leverage and wheel travel.
Think of it this way: your stock setup is like taking short, choppy steps. A long travel kit gives your Renegade the ability to take long, smooth strides. This results in more wheel travel (the total distance the wheel can move up and down), a wider, more stable track width, and a massive boost in handling and comfort.
The Game-Changing Benefits of Can Am Renegade Long Travel Suspension
So, why go through the effort of this major upgrade? The list of benefits is long, but it all boils down to creating a more capable and enjoyable machine. This is one of the most significant performance modifications you can make.
Unmatched Ride Comfort and Control
This is the number one reason most riders upgrade. A long travel setup, with its premium shocks and increased travel, soaks up bumps, whoops, and rocks like they’re not even there. That jarring, teeth-rattling ride is replaced by a plush, controlled feeling.
This means you can ride faster, for longer, with significantly less fatigue. It’s the difference between enduring a trail and truly enjoying it.
Superior Stability and Handling
By widening your Renegade’s stance (often by 4 to 6 inches total), a long travel kit dramatically lowers its center of gravity. The result? A massive reduction in body roll during aggressive cornering.
Your ATV will feel planted and predictable, giving you the confidence to push harder into turns and navigate off-camber sections without that tippy, unstable feeling. It’s a night-and-day difference in high-speed stability.
Increased Ground Clearance and Capability
While some kits provide a modest lift, the real gain in clearance comes from the suspension’s ability to articulate. The longer arms and shocks allow your wheels to droop further and compress higher, keeping your tires in contact with the ground over massive obstacles.
This means you can crawl over boulders and logs that would have previously high-centered your machine. It turns your Renegade into a true rock-crawling and trail-conquering beast.
Your Can Am Renegade Long Travel Suspension Guide: Choosing the Right Kit
Not all long travel kits are created equal. Making the right choice upfront will save you headaches and money down the road. Here’s what you need to look for when shopping.
A-Arm Construction: Chromoly vs. DOM Tubing
The A-arms are the backbone of the kit. You’ll typically see two materials offered: DOM (Drawn Over Mandrel) steel and 4130 Chromoly. DOM is strong and a great choice for most trail riders. Chromoly is lighter and significantly stronger, making it the preferred choice for aggressive riders, racers, or anyone who wants maximum durability.
Shock Selection: The Heart of the System
Your shocks will make or break your long travel experience. Don’t cheap out here. Look for kits that partner with reputable brands like Elka, FOX, or King Shocks. The key is adjustability. At a minimum, you want shocks with adjustable preload, compression, and rebound damping to fine-tune the ride to your weight and riding style.
Axles and Tie Rods: Don’t Skimp Here
The wider stance puts your axles at a much steeper angle. Stock axles will bind and break almost immediately. A quality kit must include heavy-duty, extended-length axles from brands like RCV or Gorilla. Likewise, ensure the kit comes with beefy, upgraded tie rods to handle the increased leverage and prevent steering failure.
How to Can Am Renegade Long Travel Suspension: Installation Best Practices
While a full step-by-step is beyond one article, we can give you the critical can am renegade long travel suspension tips that every DIY mechanic needs to know. This is a big job, but it’s manageable with the right tools and patience.
Prep Work is 90% of the Job
Before you turn a single wrench, get organized. Clean your ATV thoroughly, especially the suspension components. Lay out all the new parts from your kit and compare them against the parts list. Make sure you have the essential tools: a good set of metric sockets and wrenches, heavy-duty jack stands, a floor jack, a torque wrench, and a ball joint press tool.
The Teardown Process
Safely support your Renegade on jack stands with the wheels off the ground. Start by removing the wheels, then the brake calipers (hang them securely, don’t let them dangle by the hose), shocks, tie rod ends, and finally the axles and A-arms. Take photos as you go if you’re worried about remembering how everything goes back together.
Assembly and Torque Specs
This is where precision matters. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to the letter. Use a dab of blue Loctite on critical bolts like the A-arm mounts and shock bolts. Most importantly, use a torque wrench. Overtightening can damage parts, and undertightening can be catastrophic. Do not guess.
Post-Installation Checks: The Shakedown Run
After everything is reassembled, double-check every nut and bolt. Set a rough toe alignment to get you started. Go for a slow, easy ride in a safe area. Listen for any strange noises and feel for any binding in the suspension or steering. After the first 15-20 minutes of riding, bring it back to the garage and re-torque every single bolt you touched.
Common Problems with Can Am Renegade Long Travel Suspension (And How to Fix Them)
Even the best kits can have issues if not installed or maintained correctly. Here are a few common problems to watch out for.
- Premature Axle Failure: This is almost always caused by the shocks being too long for the kit, allowing the suspension to droop too far and putting the CV joints in a bind. The fix is to install limit straps to prevent the shocks from overextending.
- Poor Handling or “Darting”: This is an alignment issue. A long travel kit will require a professional alignment, specifically setting the toe. Trying to “eyeball” it will result in twitchy, unpredictable steering.
- Squeaking and Groaning: This usually points to dry or worn-out bushings in the A-arms. The solution is to follow a regular lubrication schedule as outlined in your kit’s instructions.
Your Can Am Renegade Long Travel Suspension Care Guide
You’ve invested a lot in your new setup; now you need to protect it. Proper care is simple and ensures your suspension performs flawlessly for years. This is a core part of our can am renegade long travel suspension best practices.
After every ride, wash the mud and grime off your shocks and A-arms. Pay close attention to the shock shafts; any nicks or caked-on dirt can destroy the seals. Regularly inspect all mounting bolts to ensure they are tight. Every few rides, grease all the zerk fittings on your A-arm pivot points.
For a more sustainable can am renegade long travel suspension approach, consider using biodegradable cleaners and greases to minimize your environmental impact on the trails. Choosing a high-quality, durable kit from the start is also an eco-friendly can am renegade long travel suspension practice, as it reduces the waste from broken, inferior parts.
Frequently Asked Questions About Can Am Renegade Long Travel Suspension
How much does a complete long travel suspension kit cost?
Prices vary widely based on brand, materials, and especially the quality of the shocks included. Expect to pay anywhere from $3,000 for a basic, entry-level kit to over $6,000 for a top-tier, race-ready setup with premium, adjustable shocks.
Can I install a long travel kit myself?
If you are a confident DIY mechanic with the right tools (especially a ball joint press and torque wrench), you can absolutely tackle this job. However, it is an advanced installation. If you’re not comfortable, there is no shame in having a professional shop handle the install and alignment.
Will a long travel kit make my Renegade too wide for tight trails?
This is a valid concern. A long travel kit will add 4-6 inches of total width, which can be an issue on trails with 50-inch gate restrictions. Measure your local trails and consider a “mid-travel” kit if you frequently ride in tight, wooded areas.
Do I need to upgrade my tires and wheels with a long travel kit?
It’s not strictly required, but it’s highly recommended. The wider stance and improved suspension can handle larger, more aggressive tires. Many riders use this opportunity to upgrade to beadlock wheels, which allow you to run lower tire pressures for even better traction without worrying about the tire de-beading.
Upgrading to a can am renegade long travel suspension is one of the most rewarding modifications you can make. It elevates your machine from a good trail ATV to an unstoppable off-road weapon. The gains in comfort, stability, and pure capability are truly transformative.
Take your time, choose quality components, and follow proper installation procedures. The result will be a machine that inspires confidence and lets you conquer any terrain you point it at.
Now get out there, ride smoother, and tackle tougher trails. Stay safe and have fun!
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