Snowmobile Polaris 550 IQ Shift / 550 IQ 136 / 550 IQ LXT (2013 year). Manual - part 8

34

THE PERFECT FIT

IQ Rear Suspension Adjustments

Suspension Coupling

On all POLARIS snowmobile rear suspensions, there are two torque 
arms that control the movement of the rail beam. Prior to the advent of 
suspension coupling, these torque arms could move independently of 
each other. Rear suspension coupling links the movement of the front 
and rear torque arms to each other. 

There are two types of rear suspension coupling.

Front To Rear Coupling and the Front Rear Scissor Stop 
(FRSS)

The front rear scissor stop (FRSS) couples the movement of the front 
torque arm with the rear torque arm and limits the amount of indepen-
dence between the movement of the front torque arm and the rear torque 
arm.

When hitting a bump, the front torque arm starts to compress. The FRSS 
links that movement to the rear torque arm, causing it to compress and 
raise the rear suspension up as one, allowing the suspension to hit the 
bump only once and reducing kickback. 

The factory setting is usually adequate for all riders and conditions.

35

THE PERFECT FIT

IQ Rear Suspension Adjustments

Suspension Coupling

Rear To Front Coupling and the Rear Rear Scissor Stop 
(RRSS)

The rear rear scissor stop (RRSS) couples the movement of the rear 
torque arm with the front torque arm and limits the amount of indepen-
dent movement between the rear torque and the front torque arm.

Adjusting the RRSS either allows more weight to transfer to the rear for 
more traction, or allows less weight to transfer to the rear, resulting in 
improved cornering performance. An adjustment dot is located on the 
RRSS. This dot is on the longest end of the scissor stop. 

Rear Rear Scissor Stop (RRSS) - Attributes

Moving the RRSS to a higher position will have the following effects on 
the suspension:
• Reduced weight transfer
• Improved chatter bump ride
• Improved cornering performance

• Increased load carrying capacity (2-up)

36

THE PERFECT FIT

IQ Rear Suspension Adjustments

Weight Transfer During Acceleration

The preferred method for controlling 
weight transfer during acceleration is 
by adjusting the rear rear scissor stop 
(RRSS). The factory setting is the 
best for most trail riding conditions.

To decrease weight transfer under 
acceleration (for improved corner-
ing), rotate the RRSS to a higher 
position.

To increase weight transfer or ski lift 
during acceleration, rotate the RRSS 
to a lower position. 

Tip: Your dealer can help you with initial 

setup and additional setup instruc-
tions to help you achieve your opti-
mum ride. A scissor stop tool is also 
available from your dealer.

HIGH

LOW

LOW

MEDIUM

FRSS

RRSS

37

THE PERFECT FIT

Traction Products

Carbide Skags

A skag is a replaceable bar attached to the underside of the ski to assist 
in turning the snowmobile and to prevent ski wear caused by contact 
with roads and other bare terrain. Use carbide skags with studded tracks 
to help maintain proper vehicle steering and control. See page 93.

If your snowmobile has carbide skags, it may be necessary to add track 
studs to maintain proper vehicle control. Maintain a proper balance 
between the number of studs and the length of carbide on the skags (the 
more studs you use, the longer the carbide on the skags should be). See 
your dealer's track studding chart.

Inspect skags frequently. Worn skags may reduce steering and braking 
control on hard-packed snow and ice. Replace worn skags to maintain 
proper balance and vehicle control.

WARNING! Loss of control can result in serious personal injury or death. 
Proper balance of traction products on the skis and track must be maintained to 
obtain proper vehicle control on hard-packed snow or ice. See your dealer for 
assistance.

Wear Strips

To avoid excessive tunnel wear, tunnel wear strips must be installed 
whenever track studding is used.

Install the appropriate wear strip kit. See your dealer.

Wear strips are designed for a specific stud length. See your dealer's 
studding chart for recommended traction accessories.

NOTICE: Whenever wear strips are relocated, be sure there's adequate stud 

clearance to the tunnel. Lack of clearance may result in damage to 
tunnel.