Ever been on a gnarly, steep hill climb, felt the front end of your Renegade get terrifyingly light, and had your heart jump into your throat? We’ve all been there. That feeling of tipping over backward is the one thing that can turn a legendary ride into a disaster.
That instability is the price you pay for the Renegade’s awesome power and agile, short wheelbase. But what if you could keep the power and tame the beast? What if you could point it up almost any incline with unshakable confidence?
That’s exactly what a can am renegade stretch does. It transforms your machine from a twitchy trail rocket into a stable, planted climbing machine ready to conquer anything you throw at it. It’s one of the most effective mods for serious mud and hill-climb performance.
In this complete guide from FatBoysOffroad, we’re breaking down everything. We’ll cover the benefits, walk you through the installation process, and give you the pro tips to do it right the first time. Let’s get those wrenches turning.
What Exactly is a Can-Am Renegade Stretch (And Why You’d Want One)
At its core, a can am renegade stretch is the process of extending your ATV’s wheelbase. This is typically done by installing a longer custom swingarm or adding bolt-on extensions to your stock swingarm, along with a longer driveshaft and brake line.
By moving the rear wheels further back, you change the entire geometry and center of gravity of your machine. This single modification unlocks a whole new level of performance, especially in specific off-road scenarios.
The Overwhelming Benefits of a Can-Am Renegade Stretch
Why go through the trouble? The payoff is huge. Here are the main benefits of can am renegade stretch that riders are chasing:
- Unbelievable Hill-Climb Stability: This is the number one reason. A longer wheelbase keeps your front tires firmly planted on the ground during steep ascents, drastically reducing the risk of flipping over backward. You can apply more power with more confidence.
- Superior Mud Performance: A stretched Renegade allows you to fit larger, more aggressive tires without clearance issues. The longer stance also helps you track straighter through deep, soupy mud bogs instead of getting squirrely.
- Improved High-Speed Stability: While it slightly increases your turning radius, a stretch makes the Renegade feel much more stable and less “twitchy” during high-speed runs on open trails or fire roads.
- Aggressive Aesthetics: Let’s be honest, a stretched Renegade just looks mean. It gives the machine a purpose-built, aggressive stance that tells everyone you mean business on the trail.
Choosing Your Weapon: Selecting the Right Stretch Kit
Not all stretch kits are created equal. Your choice will depend on your budget, your intended use, and how much you want to extend your wheelbase. Here’s what to consider.
Types of Stretch Kits
You’ll generally find two types of kits on the market:
- Bolt-On Swingarm Extensions: These are brackets that bolt onto the end of your stock swingarm, providing a new mounting point for your rear bearing carrier. They are typically more affordable but can be a potential weak point under extreme stress compared to a full swingarm.
- Full Custom Swingarms: This is the premium option. You replace your entire factory swingarm with a longer, often stronger, custom-fabricated unit. They offer the most strength and a cleaner look but come at a higher price point. For serious riders, this is the highly recommended path.
How Long Should You Go?
Stretches typically range from 6 to 12 inches. A 6-8 inch stretch is the sweet spot for most riders, offering a massive improvement in stability without making the machine too unwieldy on tighter trails. A 10-12 inch stretch is for dedicated mud boggers and hill shooters who need maximum stability and clearance for massive tires.
Your kit should always include an extended-length driveshaft and a longer rear brake line. Do not try to stretch your stock components—it’s unsafe and will lead to failure.
The Ultimate How-To Can-Am Renegade Stretch Guide
Alright, let’s get to the fun part. This is a garage-doable job, but it requires care and the right tools. This can am renegade stretch guide will walk you through the major steps. Always refer to the specific instructions that come with your kit!
Tools & Prep: What You’ll Need Before You Start
Get everything ready first. There’s nothing worse than having your quad in pieces and realizing you’re missing a tool. You’ll need:
- A sturdy jack and jack stands
- A good socket set (metric) and wrenches
- A torque wrench (non-negotiable!)
- Breaker bar for stubborn bolts
- Pliers and a mallet
- Brake fluid and a brake bleeding kit
- Threadlocker (Blue Loctite is your friend)
- Grease for pivot points and bearings
Safety First: Ensure your Renegade is on a level surface. Use jack stands—never work under a machine supported only by a jack.
Step-by-Step Installation Process
Here is a general overview. Details may vary slightly based on your specific kit.
- Secure and Disassemble: Get the rear end of the Renegade safely up on jack stands. Remove the rear wheels.
- Disconnect Components: Remove the rear brake caliper and hang it securely out of the way (don’t let it hang by the brake line!). Disconnect the rear shock from the swingarm.
- Remove the Axle and Hubs: Pull the cotter pins and axle nuts. Carefully slide the rear axles out of the differential. Remove the hubs and bearing carrier from the stock swingarm.
- Drop the Old Swingarm: Unbolt the driveshaft from the rear differential yoke. Then, unbolt the main swingarm pivot bolt and carefully remove the entire stock swingarm from the frame.
- Install the New Swingarm: This is a great time to clean and grease the pivot bolt and bushings. Carefully slide your new, longer swingarm into place and install the main pivot bolt. Torque it to the manufacturer’s specification.
- Install the New Driveshaft: Install your new, longer driveshaft. Apply a bit of blue threadlocker to the yoke bolts and torque them properly. This is a critical connection.
- Reassemble the Rear End: Transfer your bearing carrier, hubs, and brake components to the new swingarm. Reinstall your axles into the differential.
- Install and Bleed Brakes: Install your new, longer brake line. This is the most crucial safety step: you must bleed the rear brake system thoroughly to remove all air. Spongy brakes are dangerous brakes.
- Final Assembly: Reconnect the rear shock. Put the wheels back on and torque the lug nuts to spec. Lower the ATV off the jack stands.
Common Problems with Can-Am Renegade Stretch & How to Avoid Them
Even with a perfect installation, you might encounter a few quirks. Knowing the common problems with can am renegade stretch ahead of time can save you a headache.
Driveshaft Vibration
The Problem: A new vibration, especially under acceleration, is often caused by incorrect driveshaft angles or an unbalanced driveshaft.
The Fix: Double-check that your differential and transmission are properly aligned. High-quality kits from reputable brands are less likely to have balance issues. If the vibration persists, you may need to have the driveshaft professionally balanced.
Suspension and Handling Changes
The Problem: The stretch changes your suspension leverage. Your rear shock might feel softer or “bouncier” than before.
The Fix: You’ll need to adjust your shock’s preload and damping settings to compensate for the new geometry. This is one of the most important can am renegade stretch tips: take the time to tune your suspension after the install. It makes a world of difference.
Premature Wear
The Problem: Increased leverage can put more stress on bearings and U-joints.
The Fix: Use high-quality grease and inspect these components regularly. This is where following can am renegade stretch best practices, like periodic checks, pays off.
Post-Stretch Care & Handling: Your New Renegade’s Care Guide
Your stretched Renegade will feel different, and it needs a little extra attention. Follow this simple can am renegade stretch care guide to keep it reliable.
First, get used to the new handling. Your turning radius will be wider, so you’ll need to take a different line on tight, wooded trails. Practice in an open area to get a feel for it.
After your first real ride, do a full bolt check. Re-torque the swingarm pivot bolt, shock mounts, and hub nuts. Things can settle after the first heat cycle.
Regularly inspect your extended brake line for any signs of rubbing or kinking. Also, keep an eye on your driveshaft’s U-joints and keep them greased if they have fittings.
Sustainable & Eco-Friendly Stretching? Best Practices for a Lasting Mod
The terms “eco-friendly” and “off-road” don’t always go hand-in-hand, but we can be responsible. A sustainable can am renegade stretch is one that is done right the first time, using quality parts that last.
Choosing a well-made kit from a reputable manufacturer means you won’t be replacing broken parts down the line, which reduces waste. This is the essence of a sustainable modification.
For an eco-friendly can am renegade stretch, take your old stock swingarm and driveshaft to a metal recycling facility instead of just throwing them in the trash. When cleaning parts, use a biodegradable degreaser to minimize your impact on the environment.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Can-Am Renegade Stretch
How much does a Can-Am Renegade stretch cost?
The cost varies widely. A basic bolt-on extension kit might start around $400-$600, while a high-end, complete custom swingarm kit from a top brand can cost $1,500 or more. Remember to factor in the cost of new brake fluid and potentially other small parts.
Does stretching my Renegade void the warranty?
Almost certainly, yes. Modifying the frame and drivetrain components like the swingarm and driveshaft will likely void the warranty on those related parts. It’s a “pay to play” modification, so be aware of this before you start.
How long of a stretch should I get?
For a great all-around improvement that balances stability with trail agility, a 6 to 8-inch stretch is ideal. If you are building a dedicated mud or hill-climbing monster and don’t care about tight trails, 10 inches or more might be for you.
Can I still use my Renegade for tight trail riding?
Yes, but you’ll need to adjust your riding style. The longer wheelbase means you can’t whip it around corners as easily. You’ll need to plan your turns more and may have to make more multi-point turns on tight switchbacks.
Stretching your Renegade is a game-changing modification that boosts confidence and capability. By taking your time, using the right tools, and following proper procedures, you can transform your machine into the ultimate climbing and mudding weapon.
Now, double-check those torque specs, bleed those brakes one more time, and get out there. That impossible hill climb is waiting for you.
Stay safe, and ride hard!
- 2006 Honda Accord Serpentine Belt Diagram – Your Ultimate DIY - December 18, 2025
- 2008 Honda Accord 3.5 Serpentine Belt Diagram – Your Ultimate DIY - December 18, 2025
- 2005 Honda Accord Fuse Box Location – Your Complete Guide To - December 18, 2025