Your Can-Am Traxter is a certified workhorse, built to haul, tow, and tackle tough jobs. But have you ever bottomed out on a rutted trail or wished for a bit more muscle to turn those bigger, meaner tires you’ve been eyeing?
You’re not alone. Pushing your machine to the next level is part of the fun. We promise this guide will be your roadmap to transforming your Traxter from a capable utility vehicle into an off-road beast.
In this deep dive, we’ll break down everything you need to know about Can-Am Traxter lift kits, suspension and tuning parts. We’ll explore the benefits, walk through the different types of upgrades, cover common problems to avoid, and give you the best practices to keep your rig running strong for years to come.
Why Upgrade? The Real Benefits of Can-Am Traxter Lift Kits, Suspension and Tuning Parts
Before you start turning wrenches, it’s crucial to understand why you’re making these changes. A well-planned upgrade isn’t just about looks; it’s about unlocking serious performance gains. Here are the core benefits of Can-Am Traxter lift kits, suspension and tuning parts.
Gaining Critical Ground Clearance
This is the most obvious benefit. A lift kit raises the chassis of your Traxter, increasing the distance between the underbelly and the ground. This means you can roll over rocks, logs, and other obstacles that would have previously stopped you in your tracks.
More clearance directly translates to accessing more challenging and remote terrain with confidence.
Fitting Larger, More Capable Tires
A stock Traxter has limited space in its wheel wells. A lift kit, often paired with high-clearance A-arms, creates the room needed to install larger, more aggressive tires. Bigger tires provide a larger contact patch for improved traction and can also add a bit more ground clearance on their own.
Enhancing Stability and Hauling Capacity
Upgrading your suspension isn’t just about going higher. Heavy-duty shocks and springs can dramatically improve your Traxter’s stability, especially when cornering or on off-camber trails. They also prevent suspension sag when you’ve got the bed loaded with gear, feed, or a hard-earned buck.
Achieving a Custom, Aggressive Stance
Let’s be honest—it looks awesome. A lifted Traxter with beefy tires has an imposing, aggressive presence. It’s a statement that your machine is built for more than just putting around the farm; it’s ready for serious adventure.
Your Complete Can-Am Traxter Lift Kits, Suspension and Tuning Parts Guide
The world of aftermarket parts can be overwhelming. Let’s break down the key components so you can make an informed decision for your build. This Can-Am Traxter lift kits, suspension and tuning parts guide will help you choose wisely.
Understanding Lift Kits: Bracket vs. Portal
Not all lift kits are created equal. For the Traxter, you’ll mainly encounter two types:
- Bracket Lifts: These are the most common and affordable option. They consist of metal brackets that relocate your stock shock mounting points, effectively pushing the suspension down to lift the frame up. They typically provide 2-4 inches of lift and are a great starting point for most DIYers.
- Portal Gear Lifts: These are the big dogs of the lift world. A portal lift is a gearbox that bolts directly to your wheel hub, raising the entire axle and providing a significant gear reduction. This gives you true ground clearance (raising the axles, not just the frame) and massive torque for turning huge tires. They are more complex and expensive but offer unmatched performance.
Suspension Deep Dive: Shocks, Springs, and A-Arms
Lifting your Traxter changes its suspension geometry. To do it right, you need to consider the supporting components.
- Shocks & Springs: Upgraded, heavy-duty shocks provide better damping control, reducing bounce and improving the ride quality over rough terrain. Paired with stiffer springs, they are essential for handling the extra weight of larger tires and accessories.
- A-Arms (Control Arms): Aftermarket A-arms are a must-have for many lift kits. High-clearance arms are arched to provide more room under the axle, while forward offset arms move the front wheels forward slightly to prevent larger tires from rubbing on the plastics when you turn.
The “Tuning” in Tuning Parts: Clutches, Axles, and More
Adding a lift and big tires puts a lot more strain on your drivetrain. “Tuning” parts are what make the whole system work together reliably.
- Clutch Kits: This is arguably the most important supporting mod. Bigger tires change your final drive ratio, making your stock clutch struggle. An aftermarket clutch kit recalibrates the engagement to restore lost power, prevent belt slip, and improve throttle response.
- Heavy-Duty Axles: The increased angle from a lift kit puts more stress on your CV joints. Upgrading to stronger, heavy-duty axles from brands like Rhino or Turner is cheap insurance against a trail-ending failure.
- Ball Joints & Tie Rods: These are known weak points on many UTVs. When you add the leverage of bigger tires, the stock components can wear out quickly. Upgraded, heavy-duty versions are a smart investment in reliability and safety.
How to Install Can-Am Traxter Lift Kits, Suspension and Tuning Parts: A Step-by-Step Overview
Tackling the installation yourself can be incredibly rewarding. While every kit is different and you must follow the manufacturer’s instructions, here is a general overview of the process. This section covers how to Can-Am Traxter lift kits, suspension and tuning parts are generally installed.
Pre-Installation Checklist: Tools and Safety
Don’t even think about starting without the right gear. Safety first, always.
- Safety Gear: Get your safety glasses and mechanic’s gloves.
- Secure the Vehicle: Work on a flat, level surface. Use heavy-duty jack stands to support the vehicle securely. Never work under a vehicle supported only by a jack.
- Essential Tools: You’ll need a good socket set (metric), wrenches, a breaker bar for stubborn bolts, a reliable torque wrench, and possibly a ball joint press or puller.
- Read the Instructions: Read the manual that came with your kit from front to back. Then read it again. Identify all the parts and hardware before you begin.
The Installation Process: A General Walkthrough
This process generally applies to a standard bracket lift.
- Lift and Support: Use a floor jack to lift the front or rear of the Traxter and place your jack stands securely under the frame.
- Remove Wheels and Tires: Get them out of the way to access the suspension components.
- Disconnect Suspension: You’ll typically need to disconnect the shocks, sway bar links, tie rods, and A-arm bolts. Keep track of all your hardware!
- Install the New Components: Bolt on the lift brackets, new A-arms, or other parts according to the instructions. Use a dab of blue Loctite on critical suspension bolts.
- Reassemble: Reconnect everything, leaving the bolts snug but not fully torqued yet.
- Repeat on the Other Side: Follow the same process for the other side of the vehicle, then move to the opposite end (front or rear).
Post-Installation Checks: The Critical Final Steps
You’re not done yet! This part is crucial for safety.
- Torque Everything to Spec: With the vehicle’s weight back on the suspension, use your torque wrench to tighten every bolt to the manufacturer’s specified torque value.
- Check Tire Clearance: Turn the handlebars from lock to lock to ensure your new, larger tires don’t rub on any suspension components, plastics, or the frame.
- Get an Alignment: A lift will throw your wheel alignment, specifically the toe setting, way off. This will cause poor handling and rapid tire wear. A simple tape measure alignment can get you close, but a professional alignment is highly recommended.
Common Problems with Can-Am Traxter Lift Kits, Suspension and Tuning Parts (And How to Avoid Them)
Knowledge is power. Being aware of potential issues is the best way to prevent them. Here are some common problems with Can-Am Traxter lift kits, suspension and tuning parts.
Premature Axle and CV Joint Wear
The Problem: A lift kit increases the operating angle of your axles. Steeper angles put immense stress on the CV (Constant Velocity) joints, leading to clicking sounds and eventual failure.
The Solution: Don’t go overboard with your lift height if you don’t need it. For lifts over 3 inches, strongly consider investing in high-quality, heavy-duty aftermarket axles designed for steep angles.
Incorrect Ride Angles and Handling Issues
The Problem: A poorly designed kit or incorrect installation can lead to a harsh ride, poor steering response, and unstable handling at speed.
The Solution: Buy from reputable brands known for good engineering. During installation, double-check that all components are seated correctly and get that post-install alignment done. It makes a world of difference.
Forgetting the “Supporting Mods”
The Problem: Many owners install a lift and big tires, then wonder why their Traxter feels sluggish or they keep shredding drive belts. They forgot the “tuning” parts!
The Solution: Factor a clutch kit into your budget from the very beginning. It’s not an optional accessory; it’s a necessary component to make the entire system work correctly and reliably.
Can-Am Traxter Lift Kits, Suspension and Tuning Parts Best Practices & Care Guide
Your upgraded Traxter requires a bit more attention to stay in top shape. Follow this Can-Am Traxter lift kits, suspension and tuning parts care guide for long-term reliability.
Regular Inspection is Non-Negotiable
After every hard ride, do a quick walk-around. Look for loose bolts, damaged CV boots, or any signs of unusual wear. Catching a small issue early prevents a major failure on the trail.
Torque, Torque, and Re-Torque
After your first 25-50 miles of riding, you must go back and re-torque all the suspension hardware you touched. Things can settle and loosen up, and this is a critical safety check.
Cleaning and Lubrication
Mud and grime are enemies of moving parts. Keep your suspension components, especially shock shafts and A-arm bushings, clean. If your aftermarket parts have grease zerks, use them regularly according to the manufacturer’s schedule.
The Rise of Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Can-Am Traxter Lift Kits, Suspension and Tuning Parts
The off-road world is also thinking about its footprint. While “eco-friendly” might not be the first thing you think of, there are ways to make smarter choices.
Choosing Quality Parts That Last
The most sustainable Can-Am Traxter lift kits, suspension and tuning parts are the ones you don’t have to replace every year. Investing in high-quality, well-engineered components from reputable brands means less waste from broken parts ending up in a landfill. A part built to endure is inherently more sustainable.
The Link Between Proper Tuning and Efficiency
An often-overlooked aspect of being eco-friendly is efficiency. A properly clutched machine transfers power to the wheels more effectively, reducing belt slip and wasted energy. While your lifted Traxter won’t be a Prius, ensuring the drivetrain is optimized means you’re getting the most out of every drop of fuel.
Frequently Asked Questions About Can-Am Traxter Lift Kits, Suspension and Tuning Parts
How much lift do I really need for my Traxter?
This depends entirely on your riding style. For general farm use and light trails, a 2-3 inch bracket lift is perfect for clearing small obstacles and fitting slightly larger tires (e.g., 28″-30″). If you’re into serious mud bogging or rock crawling, a 4-6 inch lift or even a portal gear lift might be what you need to fit 32″+ tires.
Will a lift kit void my Can-Am warranty?
This is a gray area. Legally (in the U.S., under the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act), a manufacturer cannot void your entire warranty just because you installed an aftermarket part. They must prove that your specific modification directly caused the specific failure you are trying to claim. However, expect a dealer to be hesitant to cover a blown differential if you’re running a 6-inch lift and massive mud tires.
Do I absolutely need to change my clutching after installing a lift and bigger tires?
In our expert opinion, yes. You can technically drive without it, but you are putting extreme stress on your drive belt and clutch components. You will experience sluggish performance, poor back-shifting, and a high likelihood of burning up belts. A clutch kit is the single best supporting modification to protect your drivetrain and restore performance.
Upgrading your Traxter is a journey, not a destination. By planning your build, investing in quality components, and taking your time with the installation, you can build a machine that’s both more capable and more reliable.
Remember to follow safety protocols, double-check your work, and perform regular maintenance. Now get out there, conquer that terrain, and ride with confidence. Happy trails!
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