Snowmobile Repair: suspension, gas shocks, bolt and nut

Question
I just purchased a 1991 mountain cat EXT 550. It seems to sit low on the track. It also bottoms out on the trail.Is there any adjustment to the suspension and how is it done?

Answer
Hello Stuart,

 It sounds like your sled is due for shock replacement. After 10 years or more, the shocks just are not going to hold up. There is a limiter strap(s) ( probably 2 of them, but they might not BOTH be adjustable, on your suspension. You can adjust it to your preferences. There is a good possibility that the strap is missing, you can go to this page:  http://www.brownsleisureworld.com/Parts/SNOWMOBILE/1991/1991ELTIGREEXTMOUNTAINCA...(0650-143-1991)/REARSUSPENSIONARMASSEMBLIES.htm  to view what I am speaking of. The way to adjust the strap is to take the bolt and nut out of it, and put it where you want it, generally it will be wise to lift the track off of the ground while doing this. Your best bet though, would be new shocks. You can get them here:  http://www.denniskirk.com/jsp/product_catalog/MMYSkuDisplay.jsp;jsessionid=OAEYH...    from Dennis Kirk for a very low price. In any case, you should get gas shocks. Your springs might be looking for a replacement, too, if they are, you can get them here:  http://www.denniskirk.com/jsp/product_catalog/MMYSkuDisplay.jsp;jsessionid=OAEYH...  .  Also, keep in mind that a sled of this age is not going to have alot of suspension compared with a new sled.  Hope this helps you out. Let me know if I can help you out at all with any questions concerning the new sled! Good luck with the Cat! --Arcticatman