2018 Polaris Ranger Rockford Fosgate PMX8 and Elka Stage 2 Shocks

Just a quick update video of the 2018 Ranger Rockford Fosgate audio system and Elka Stage 2 Shocks...
The audio system consisted of that Rockford Fosgate PMX8 with Hideaway main unit. I used Polk Audio 6 1/2" Components in the front and 6 1/2" Polk DB series rear speakers. Each pair of speakers was run by a MB Quart 400.2 amp. The subwoofer is a WetSounds AS-8 with built in 350 watt amp. So there are 3 amps in the system. It REALLY POUNDS if wanted!
The Video also shows the Elka Stage 2 Shocks with the High Lifter 3" Lift Kit. Sorry I didn't get to fancy on the video production but if you have questions, please post below. Thanks for watching!

[@mingomane1]

Love this rig. I have the crew version of this. Just ordered a 3” lift and 2” wheel spacers. I’m really thinking I need to upgrade the shocks to really make it the ultimate trail rig for the family.

[@russtew1]

I'd really like to hear more about the performance on the shocks you purchased

[@Longslyde1]

Normally factory shocks come in too soft on my prior Rangers needing more dampening ability. In this case, the factory shock were springed pretty stiff IMHO. I actually lightened the spring rate slightly and had Elka tune the shocks to the weight of the machine. I love the way it handles now. Not too stiff, not too light, and balanced in-between when I have the extra weight of the doors and when they are off. My last unit was 2017 General. This handles almost the same as that unit now with the Elka's. Best thing to do, because one person's shock may not be another's, is to weigh the machine in its most common form. Front and rear separately if you can, and get with a company like Ishock.com. Darren took pretty good care of things. Once you have the weight of the machine, you tell them how you ride (aggressive or slow, etc.) And they will set up the correct valving. Good luck!

[@moselymcdowall1877]

It looks more better with the doors but i understand the extra lb

[@jew0182]

These new rangers are amazingly nice and seem to be way better quality than anything Polaris has put out in the past. Very nice ride you have there. As someone who’s owned a general and rangers and you seem to be a older responsible adult can you speak to Polaris quality/reliability?? I have always loved the ranger midsize 570 for a long time now but I have been very cautious and hesitant to pull the string on one. I currently ride a pioneer 500. (Grew up with Honda and just trust the brand) but really like the rangers specifically the midsize 570. Thanks and nice video and ranger you got there.

[@Longslyde1]

I would say Polaris did a pretty good job on the new style Ranger. I've had 3 other Rangers prior to this and had pretty good luck with all of them. The General I had was was the only unit that had multiple recalls on it although I never experienced any problems related to said recalls. I work on a lot of units for people and although there are problems that can arise, I don't see it very often on machines that are taken care of. These machines as a whole get a bad rap anytime anything breaks but a guy has to look what they are put through lol! The new Style Ranger is head and shoulders above the older units in terms of ride, roominess (that's a noticeable difference when you sit in them), and overall solid feel. I don't think you'd be disappointed in it. At least they upp'ed the standard warranty to a full year now from the 6 months they used to be. Still too short for what they get for these machines but it does say a little bit to the quality if they are willing to go a little longer on coverage. They usually wouldn't do that if they expected a huge claim rate. Good luck on whichever way you decide!

[@carlosw4227]

so they will work on a northstar, the shocks. i have 30 in maxxis tires on mine.

[@Longslyde1]

Yes they will

[@centurion1023able]

I gotta know how you got the GT GRANT steering wheel installed??!!!...

[@Longslyde1]

Just buy any Grant steering wheel you like and use the EZ GO golf cart installation kit. It's the same spline as the Rangers. 👍

[@omerogarcia4779]

How did you connect your pmx8

[@Longslyde1]

If you are asking where I grabbed power from, I did install the roof power bank from Polaris. That's where the main power comes from.

[@omerogarcia4779]

@@Longslyde1 how did you connect the amps to the pmx8bb

[@Longslyde1]

@omerogarcia4779 the amps can take line level inputs from the head receiver. So speaker wires can feed the amps.

[@joshuabandrewbutler]

Is that the sliding back glass? What's your opinion of it if so? I've been thinking about getting it but unsure

[@Longslyde1]

I like it. The only thing that is a bit off is, if you have the stereo installed in the roof so the rear view mirror mounts lower, the slider bar of the window hampers the view. Not a deal killer, bit worth noting. The sliding rear glass works great with the tilt out glass windshield for windflow.

[@rideyamaha4lifeyz133]

Why did you get rid of the general for the ranger

[@Longslyde1]

rideyamaha4lifeyz I do a lot of work around the yard. The General was a little tough to get in and out of all the time and i did miss the size of the box. The General was a great trail machine though. Now that this is the same power, I got the best of both worlds now. Just my personal preference really. The General was a good machine...

[@robbyurbanek1851]

I was thinking of going with the Walker Evans shocks...any thoughts that might sway me differently?

[@Longslyde1]

No those are good shocks also, I've used them before. The key thing is make sure they are valved and springed correctly for the weight of your machine. I sent the weight of my machine loaded up with accessories on it to Elka so they could tailor it correctly. If any shock manufacturer says here's a "universal" shock that will work, be a little leary.

[@jordanharley]

Where did you get the double din overhead setup? Thanks

[@Longslyde1]

it was a single cut out to fit. It doesn't fit as well as I'd like it but it serves the purpose for now. I got the kit from EMP (Extreme Metal Products) and modified everything to fit.

[@robbyurbanek1851]

where can I get a set of running boards like that?

[@Longslyde1]

Those are the Polaris accessory boards available at the dealer.

[@mingomane1]

What box did you use for this? Was it custom made?

[@Longslyde1]

It was a single dinn box from EMP (Extreme Metal Products). I had to modify it to work in this application as well as cut out the front to fit the double dinn head unit. It's not the idea thing to use but there wasnt a lot of options out there when I did this. Ymmv.

[@billcurry8982]

I'm sorry dude but the last thing I want to hear when I'm trail in off road is a freaking radio Just saying the last thing I hope you're not driving banging your head up-and-down

[@Longslyde1]

Lol! I actually don't, most of what i use it for is when I'm using it around the yard.

[@billcurry8982]

@@Longslyde1 OK TW that's acceptable

[@CarFanatic5]

how do you like the stage 2 elkas I just ordered some.

[@Longslyde1]

Love 'em! Shocks are a personal preference, but these turned out about perfect for me.

[@CarFanatic5]

@@Longslyde1 ok great to hear. Did it soften the ride on trails? Do you run away bars?

[@Longslyde1]

@@CarFanatic5 Took me a second to see what you were saying there lol! But I got it. The Elka's keep the machine from bottoming out and bouncing on the trails too much. More controllable imo. And yes I do run the sway bars. It runs out at almost 80mph tach'd out on the roads (I have the Gilomen mods in it) so the sway bars were a must for me for handling. Maybe for trails, disconnecting the sway bars would be ok and make a softer feel.

[@CarFanatic5]

@@Longslyde1 I plan to do gilomen. I wish someone made a sway bar easy disconnect for when your trail riding.

[@michaelmann2171]

Where did you get the gear selector

[@Longslyde1]

Its actually a shift knob from the old style Ranger modified to fit the new one. I dont think they make that billet one for the new style yet...

[@owensagsolutions9106]

Nice setup! Would the elkas fit without a 3” lift?

[@Longslyde1]

Owens Ag Solutions yes absolutely!

[@owensagsolutions9106]

Where do you recommend getting them from?

[@Longslyde1]

Owens Ag Solutions I got mine from Darren at IShock.com. He did a good job of handling the deal. If possible, make sure you weight your machine loaded up as you're going to use it. ELKA will need the total weight to set up the springs and valving...

[@darrenmcgarvie4351]

Thanks for the mention TW! Mind if I ask what name your order was under? I would like to look up the build specs we did to help point another customer in the right direction. Thanks again!

[@chadvanorden5602]

Where did you get that rear window guard?

[@Longslyde1]

Polaris Lock and Ride accessory.

[@angelitotototo]

How do the shock absorbers feel? Are they softer?

[@Longslyde1]

Actually, on the 2018, the stock shocks are really soft from factory. Too soft in the rear for sure. These firmed the ride slightly and made it handle better imo. If you drive pretty slow all the time the factory's work pretty well. If you do any trail riding and carry some gear, they may be too soft. The Elkas made the machine handle like I wanted. Shocks can be pretty subjective so you will have to see what you like and dislike about the factory shocks. Then get with Darren at Ishock.com. he can let you know if the Elkas can provide an improvement that fits what you're looking for. ;)

[@standoff2mengame33]

How maney is it

[@Longslyde1]

Sorry, I dont know what you are asking there. :/

[@standoff2mengame33]

💵how much is this ?$$

[@Longslyde1]

@@standoff2mengame33 there were a lot of modifications done after the initial purchase of the machine. I haven't kept track but it's pretty easy to get over $25k into these really fast...

[@mattkendrick4357]

What size wheels and tires are you running?

[@Longslyde1]

14x10 M21 Lok wheels (5+5 offset) with 28 x 12 x 14 Carlisle Versa Trail ATR tires.

[@tjf1531]

Where did you get the stereo box that's on the roof?

[@Longslyde1]

It's from Extreme Metal Products. I don't see it on their site but Summit still shows it. It's for a single dinn radio that I modified to fit the double dinn radio and it BARELY fits just so you know. Here's a link so you can at least see it... www.summitracing.com/parts/emm-10593-wo-ste?seid=srese1&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI5tnrpeXI7QIVEPDACh1L9QW2EAQYASABEgJg6PD_BwE