Introduction
Let's face it, when your side-by-side (SSV, SxS) rolls off the showroom floor it's not ready for the punishment you're going to throw at it. Plus, manufacturers are stubborn when it comes to fixing known problems - sometimes waiting years to incorporate fixes to well known problems. But upgrading your SSV/SxS doesn't necessarily mean you're fixing a problem part, it can mean improving a stiff ride, or strengthening weak points in the chassis. Using this guide, we'll help you identify some of the common body and chassis upgrades we see for Can-Am X3, Defender, Commander and Maverick Sport as well as Polaris RZR, Ranger and General side by sides. Keep in mind, that these are the most commonly found machines and if you're running a Yamaha RMAX, CFMoto Zforce or another SSV, the same recommendations apply, it just might be a little harder to find the upgrade parts.
Dirty Life is partnered with some of the top companies on the planet when it comes to upgrades. We've curated brands like Evolution Powersports, Shock Therapy, Thumper Fab, CT RaceWorx, and others that are top players in their respective areas. In this article we'll take you through different sections of upgrades to help you plan the upgrades to your machine.
From Stock to Stellar: Elevate Your Ride with Shock Therapy
For people who love the thrill of off-roading in a Side-by-Side (SxS), making sure the ride is comfortable and fast is the most important thing. Even though stock parts do their job, true enthusiasts know how important it is to add custom, high-quality improvements. So, Shock Therapy comes into play here. Shock Therapy is known for its high-quality suspension changes, such as finely-tuned springs and shock adjustments and new ways to improve sway bars. Upgrading isn't just about looks or small changes; it's really about changing the way your SxS rides and how comfortable it is. Even though stock shocks work fine for everyday use, they may fail on rough ground or in a lot of motion. On the other hand, Shock Therapy's solutions absorb impacts better, reduce body roll, and offer the most stable ride possible. This makes the car safer and easier to manage. Their special springs raise your car even more by giving it better ground clearance, better weight distribution, and a more responsive suspension, which is especially helpful when your SxS is full of gear. In the end, upgrading your suspension with Shock Therapy changes your off-road experience by giving you a seamless blend of safety and exciting performance on every track.
Elevate Your Off-Road Experience with Shock Therapy’s Dual Rate Spring Kit
For SxS enthusiasts, particularly those wielding a Can-Am X3 or Polaris RZR, the quest for optimal ride quality often begins with the right spring kit. While factory springs strike a balance between performance and budget, they often falter in challenging terrains and under rigorous conditions. Enter the Dual Rate Spring (DRS) kit from Shock Therapy. Crafted with precision, this kit is uniquely calibrated not just for specific models like the Can-Am X3 but also considers factors like driver weight, any additional aftermarket gear, and distinct driving styles.
Custom Calibration for Your SxS
Whether you're behind the wheel of a Can-Am X3, Polaris RZR, or another SxS model, the DRS kit is tailored to align with your vehicle's specifics, ensuring an unmatched ride experience.
Enhanced Ride Height
This doesn’t just boost ground clearance but also paves the way for larger wheel and tire installations, eliminating the need for lift kits that might degrade the ride's smoothness.
Superior Terrain Navigation
A heightened ride offers better visibility, allowing riders to tackle challenging terrains with increased confidence.
Optimized Performance in Rugged Conditions
Bid adieu to issues like suspension bottoming out or the dreaded rear-end bucking, especially in terrains with whoops or washboards. The DRS kit offers improved resistance against these challenges.
Uncompromised Durability
Unlike factory springs that might wear down over time, Shock Therapy springs promise durability even in the most demanding off-road scenarios, ensuring longevity and consistent performance.
The US-Made Promise
Not only are these springs tailored to your needs, but they also come with a lifetime warranty and the assurance of being manufactured right here in the USA.
For those serious about amplifying their off-road escapades, Shock Therapy's Dual Rate Spring Kit is an essential upgrade. It’s not just about altering your vehicle; it's about refining your entire off-roading experience.
Holding It All Together
As you gain experience and confidence with your machine, you may find your driving style changing. Drivers tend to drift a little more through the corners and hit slightly higher speeds as confidence grows. When this happens, the chassis of your Can-Am X3, Polaris RZR, or other sport side-by-side will take additional g-forces and weaken normally strong points. In particular, tires, rims, steering, suspension, a-arms and trailing arms all take a lot more punishment at higher speeds since they're the primary components connecting you to the ground.
We recommend looking at improving the front end stiffness first, where steering and control can make the difference in whether you're riding confidently on the trail, or out of control in the weeds. There are several key upgrades you'll need so you can rest easy that your machine will hold together.
Frame and Chassis Stiffeners
We recommend checking out the CT Raceworx "Bombproof" series of products for your Can-Am X3. Adding bolt-on systems like their Maverick X3 Bombproof Gusset kit and Bombproof Front Upper Shock Mount will improve the stiffness of the front end of your X3. By stiffness, we mean there will be less flex in your chassis that causes welds to fail. The CT Raceworx kit is unique to several other similar products on the market in that they're much easier for the do-it-yourselfer to install on their own.
Radius Rods
If you've ever searched for radius rods for your machine, it can be overwhelming because it seems like there's a hundred different radius rod manufacturers out there. What primarily separates radius rods are the strength, "high clearance" aspects of the rods, and the quality of the heim joint and uniballs in the kit.
Radius rods and their heim joints are very much the unsung heroes of your rear suspension. They don't look like much, but ask anyone that's bent one (and there are lots of people that have) and they'll tell you bending a radius rod can quickly destroy a day of riding. Radius rods take the brunt of the blow anytime your rear tires have lateral load like when you're drifting through a corner. But they also take every single punishing blow when your tire doesn't hit a rock or hole in the ground squarely (which is most of the time). That's why stock radius rods are the most common rear end failure point.
Because of all this punishment, we spent a long time researching and working with manufacturers to understand what makes radius rods different. We finally landed on the Nitro Racing Parts (NRP) radius rods for the Polaris RZR and Can-Am Maverick X3. Sure there's lots of others out there, but what we've found with the NRP kits is they offer a billet radius rod with lifetime structural warranty, the best high-clearance options with both the lower and middle rods bent for maximum clearance (on X3 sets), and they offer the option of FK JMX heim joints.
The best always comes at a cost, but when you're looking to spend money once and get the best bang for your buck, the NRP radius rods come highly recommended.
Where to Go From Here
There are tons of upgrades you can do to your machine. Follow along with our series of articles on how to upgrade your SxS/SSV:
