Arctic Cat M 8000, Service Manual

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When riding in sticky snow (springtime or warm days) or
hill climbing on hard snow, it may be desirable to stiffen
the front arm spring tension. When this is done, weight is
transferred back quicker. The problem with too much
front arm spring tension is that the feel of the snowmo-
bile becomes very short. The reason for this is the front
arm becomes the pivot point between the spindles and
rear of the snowmobile. With dominant spring tension on
the front arm, the suspension is basically contacting the
snow from a point below the front arm to the skis or the
spindle pressure point. This makes for a very short and
darting snowmobile on the trail. This is especially true
when decelerating and the center of gravity is transferred
forward.
A method for adjusting the front spring tension follows.
 NOTE: The spring tension should be set as soft as
possible when operating on trails and in deep snow.
0729-662
FRONT ARM LIMITER STRAPS
Under no circumstances should the front arm limiter
strap be lengthened. If lengthened, it may cause shock
absorber travel problems.
The two limiter straps can be shortened to suit driving
style and some test driving time. With the rear arm in its
present mounting location, no advantage has been noted
from changing the strap length. If the front arm straps are
shortened, the result will be more ski pressure and
aggressive steering.
REAR ARM SHOCK SPRING (M/XF)
Proper adjustment of rear arm shock absorber spring
pre-load is necessary to get the most desirable ride.
The rear arm shock spring is adjustable for the terrain
conditions and driving style and weight of the operator.
The spring adjuster nut has been set at the factory so the
correct amount of threads are exposed between the
adjuster nut and the threaded shock body as an initial set-
ting.
Rear spring pre-load adjustment is accomplished by loos-
ening the adjuster nut locking collar (B) from the adjuster
nut (A) and using the Spring Adjuster Tool from the tool
kit, rotating the adjuster nut in whichever direction is
desired. Tighten the locking collar against the adjuster
nut.
0745-159
REAR ARM SPRING TENSION
The rear spring tension is adjusted for the weight of the
driver. Three possible adjustments exist.
1st block position - set for up to 150 lb
2nd block position - set for 150 to 200 lb
3rd block position - set for over 200 lb
SNO-595
 NOTE: When making any changes to the front or
rear suspension, the change should be made at both
ends to keep the suspension balanced. For example,
installing stiffer springs in front may require install-
ing the next step stiffer spring in back to keep every-
thing in balance.
ADJUSTING REAR ARM COUPLER
The rear arm coupler provides advantages over the stan-
dard suspension.
First, with the coupler system, ski lift under acceleration
is greatly reduced which provides improved handling.
Second, when riding through rough terrain, the rear sus-
pension arm receives some needed assistance from the
front arm shock and spring as the rear arm is fully col-
lapsed and locked up by the coupler blocks. The front
arm then starts to collapse the shocks and spring which
assist the rear springs. The result is a smoother ride for
the operator.
If additional coupler action is desired, the coupler blocks
can be set to the number 2 or 3 position. Each of the cou-
pler blocks has three positions numbered on the inside
surface of the block. When changing the block position,
change both to the same number. To make the coupler
adjustment, follow the procedure below.
1. Loosen the two cap screws that secure the coupler
blocks to the inside of the suspension rails.