Let’s agree on something: the Polaris General is an absolute beast of a machine, a true do-it-all UTV. But if you’ve pushed it hard on rocky trails or through deep whoops, you’ve probably felt its one major weakness—the factory shocks. That jarring, bottoming-out sensation or the bouncy, uncontrolled ride can turn a great day into a painful one.
Here at FatBoysOffroad, we promise to fix that. This isn’t just another parts list; this is your complete guide to a successful polaris general shock upgrade. We’re going to break down why it’s the single best mod you can make, what your options are, and exactly how to do the job yourself.
In this article, you’ll get a masterclass on choosing the right shocks for your riding style, a step-by-step installation walkthrough, and the pro tips you need to tune your new suspension for a ride so smooth, you’ll wonder why you didn’t do it sooner. Let’s get to work.
Why Your Stock Shocks Are Holding You Back: The Core Benefits of a Polaris General Shock Upgrade
The shocks that come on your General from the factory are designed to meet a price point and serve the “average” user. For enthusiasts who demand more, they quickly reveal their limitations. Understanding these shortcomings highlights the incredible benefits of a polaris general shock upgrade.
Stock shocks often use lower-quality oil and internal components that can’t handle repeated, aggressive impacts. This leads to a phenomenon called shock fade, where the shocks lose their damping ability as they heat up, resulting in a pogo-stick ride.
Unlocking a Plush Ride
The most immediate benefit you’ll feel is a massive improvement in ride quality. High-quality aftermarket shocks from brands like FOX, Walker Evans, or Elka are engineered with superior valving and larger oil capacity.
This allows them to absorb small trail chatter and massive G-outs with equal composure. The result is less fatigue for you and your passengers and the ability to ride faster and longer in comfort.
Gaining Unshakeable Control
A proper shock upgrade does more than just soften the bumps; it keeps your tires planted on the ground. This translates directly to better traction, more predictable handling, and reduced body roll in corners.
Instead of feeling like you’re just along for the ride, you’ll feel connected to the machine and confident in its ability to tackle any obstacle you point it at. This is one of the most important polaris general shock upgrade tips we can offer: control equals safety.
Increasing Capability and Preventing Damage
Constantly bottoming out your suspension isn’t just uncomfortable—it’s damaging. Every harsh impact sends a shockwave through your frame, ball joints, and other components.
Upgraded shocks with better bottom-out resistance and properly matched spring rates will prevent this. Many aftermarket options can even provide a slight lift, giving you more ground clearance to clear rocks and ruts without smashing your skid plates.
Choosing Your Weapon: A Breakdown of Shock Options
Navigating the world of aftermarket suspension can be daunting. The key is to match the shock technology to your budget and how you ride. Let’s break down the main categories to help you make an informed choice.
Emulsion Shocks – The Budget-Friendly Boost
Emulsion shocks are the simplest design, where the nitrogen gas and shock oil are mixed together inside the main shock body. They are a definite step up from stock but are more susceptible to shock fade during long, hard rides as the oil becomes aerated.
These are a great option for the casual trail rider or someone on a tighter budget who still wants a noticeable improvement in ride quality.
Piggyback & Remote Reservoir Shocks – The Pro’s Choice
This is where true high-performance lives. In these designs, the nitrogen gas is separated from the oil by a floating piston housed in an external reservoir (either attached to the shock body, or “piggyback,” or connected by a hose, or “remote”).
This separation prevents aeration and shock fade, providing incredibly consistent performance even under the most punishing conditions. They also offer more tuning options, like high and low-speed compression adjustment, for those who want to dial in their ride perfectly.
To Rebuild or Replace? The Shock Therapy Option
Don’t want to shell out for a full set of new shocks? There’s another excellent route: have your stock Walker Evans or FOX shocks professionally rebuilt and re-valved by a specialist like Shock Therapy.
They can install improved internal components, change the valving to match your specific needs (machine weight, cargo, riding style), and install new dual-rate springs. This is often the best bang-for-your-buck, delivering custom-tuned performance for a fraction of the cost of new high-end shocks.
The Complete Polaris General Shock Upgrade Guide: A Step-by-Step DIY Installation
Ready to get your hands dirty? This is a job most DIYers can handle in an afternoon with the right tools and a patient approach. This section covers how to polaris general shock upgrade safely and effectively in your own garage.
H3: Tools & Safety First
Before you start, gather your tools. Safety is non-negotiable. Never work under a machine supported only by a jack.
- Floor jack and heavy-duty jack stands (rated for the weight of your General)
- A quality torque wrench
- Socket and wrench set (metric and standard)
- Breaker bar for stubborn bolts
- Wheel chocks
- Blue threadlocker (Loctite)
- Safety glasses and gloves
Step 1: Secure the Machine
Park your General on a flat, level surface like a concrete garage floor. Chock the wheels on the end you aren’t lifting first.
Using your floor jack, lift one end of the machine at a time using a solid frame point. Place your jack stands securely under the frame and slowly lower the machine onto them. Give it a firm shake to ensure it’s stable before proceeding.
Step 2: Remove Wheels & Old Shocks
Remove the lug nuts and take off the wheels to get clear access to the suspension. Now, locate the upper and lower shock mounting bolts.
These bolts can be very tight. You may need your breaker bar to get them started. Once loose, remove the nuts and bolts and carefully slide the old shock out of its mounts. Repeat for all four corners.
Step 3: Installing the New Shocks
Take your new shock and slide it into place. Most aftermarket shocks are directional, so pay close attention to the instructions to ensure reservoirs are facing the correct way to avoid interference with tires or suspension arms.
Install the mounting bolts, but don’t fully tighten them yet. Apply a drop of blue threadlocker to the bolt threads and snug them up. You’ll do the final torque once the machine is back on the ground with its full weight on the suspension.
Step 4: Reassembly & Final Torque
Reinstall your wheels and hand-tighten the lug nuts. Raise the machine slightly off the jack stands, remove them, and lower it back to the ground.
Now, with the suspension settled, use your torque wrench to tighten the upper and lower shock bolts to the manufacturer’s specified torque value. This is a critical step! Finally, torque your lug nuts in a star pattern to the correct spec.
Dialing It In: Polaris General Shock Upgrade Best Practices for Tuning
Installation is only half the battle. The real magic happens when you tune your new suspension. Following these polaris general shock upgrade best practices will transform your ride from good to perfect.
Setting Your Ride Height (Preload)
Preload is the tension on your springs when the shock is fully extended. It’s your primary tool for setting ride height. Your shock manufacturer will provide a recommended starting measurement.
Adjust the threaded collars on the shock body to increase or decrease preload. Adding preload raises the vehicle, while reducing it lowers the vehicle. Aim for the recommended ride height with you and your typical gear in the machine for the best results.
Understanding Compression Damping
Compression damping controls how fast the shock compresses when you hit a bump. Many high-end shocks have separate adjustments for high-speed (sharp, sudden impacts like rocks) and low-speed (slow, rolling bumps and G-outs) compression.
If you’re bottoming out, add a few clicks of compression. If the ride feels harsh over small bumps, back it off a few clicks. Always start from the manufacturer’s recommended baseline setting.
Mastering Rebound Damping
Rebound controls how fast the shock extends after being compressed. This is crucial for preventing the machine from feeling like a pogo stick. Too little rebound, and the machine will feel bouncy and unsettled. Too much, and the suspension can “pack down” over a series of rapid bumps, getting progressively harsher.
Find a section of whoops or repetitive bumps. If the rear end is kicking up and trying to pass the front, add a click or two of rebound. Make small, one-click adjustments at a time.
Avoiding Pitfalls: Common Problems with Polaris General Shock Upgrade
Even a straightforward job can have hiccups. Here are some common problems with polaris general shock upgrade projects and how to troubleshoot them.
Issue: The Ride is Too Stiff or Too Soft
This is almost always a tuning issue. Don’t be afraid to experiment. Go back to your baseline settings and adjust one thing at a time (preload, compression, or rebound) and test it. Keep notes on what changes you make.
Issue: Clunking or Popping Noises
The first thing to check is bolt torque. Re-torque all your shock mounting bolts to spec. If the noise persists, check your shock bushings for wear and ensure the shock body or reservoir isn’t making contact with any other components through its full range of travel.
Issue: Leaking Seals
A brand new shock should not leak. If you see oil on the shock shaft right after installation, contact the manufacturer. On older shocks, this is a sign that it’s time for a rebuild. Don’t ignore it—a shock without oil is just a spring.
Long-Term Performance: Your Polaris General Shock Upgrade Care Guide
High-performance shocks are an investment. A proper polaris general shock upgrade care guide ensures they last for years. This is also where sustainability comes into play.
Regular Cleaning & Inspection
After every ride, wash the mud and grime off your shock shafts and bodies. Dirt and grit are the number one enemy of shock seals. A clean shock is a happy shock. While cleaning, inspect for any signs of leakage or damage.
Understanding Service Intervals
Unlike your car’s shocks, high-performance UTV shocks are serviceable and require periodic rebuilding. Depending on how hard you ride, this is typically recommended every 1-2 years. A rebuild involves replacing the oil, seals, and any worn internal parts, restoring them to like-new performance.
A Note on Eco-Friendly Practices
Thinking about a sustainable polaris general shock upgrade? It’s all about maintenance. Rebuilding your shocks is far more eco-friendly than throwing them away and buying new ones. You’re reusing the most resource-intensive parts (the bodies, shafts, and reservoirs) and only replacing small wear items. This long-term approach saves you money and reduces waste.
Frequently Asked Questions About Your Polaris General Shock Upgrade
How much does a Polaris General shock upgrade cost?
The cost varies widely. A professional rebuild and re-spring of your stock shocks might cost $800-$1,500. A set of new, high-quality piggyback shocks can range from $2,500 to over $4,000, depending on the brand and features.
Can I install new shocks myself?
Absolutely. As outlined in our guide, this is a very manageable DIY project for anyone with basic mechanical skills and the right tools. The key is to prioritize safety by using jack stands and a torque wrench.
Do I need a spring compressor for this job?
If you are buying complete shock-and-spring assemblies (coilovers), you will not need a spring compressor. If you are only replacing the shock body and reusing your springs, or installing a new spring kit on your existing shocks, you will need a heavy-duty spring compressor and should exercise extreme caution as compressed springs store dangerous amounts of energy.
What’s the difference between a shock upgrade and a lift kit?
A lift kit primarily uses bracket extensions or taller springs to raise the vehicle’s height, but often does little to improve ride quality. A shock upgrade is focused on performance and ride control. While some performance shocks may provide a small amount of lift via preload adjustment, their main purpose is superior damping and handling, which is a far more significant upgrade.
Upgrading the shocks on your Polaris General is, without a doubt, the most transformative modification you can make. It enhances comfort, control, and capability all at once. By choosing the right setup and taking the time to install and tune it correctly, you’re not just bolting on parts—you’re unlocking the true potential of your machine.
Now get out there, dial in that ride, and conquer the trail. Ride safe!
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