2016 Can-Am Outlander 850 Suspension Parts: Upgrade and Replacement Guide

If you own a 2016 Can-Am Outlander 850, you know it’s a capable utility ATV, but the factory suspension may not meet every need. Upgrading or replacing suspension parts can dramatically improve handling, comfort, and durability. This guide covers the key components, common upgrades, and how to choose the right parts for your riding style.

Understanding Your 2016 Can-Am Outlander 850 Suspension

The Outlander 850 features a double A-arm front suspension and a multi-link rear suspension with a sway bar. The stock setup is designed for a balance of comfort and load capacity, but it may feel soft for aggressive riding or insufficient for heavy loads. Knowing the specific parts allows you to target upgrades effectively.

Front Suspension Components

The front suspension consists of upper and lower control arms (A-arms), ball joints, tie rods, and a front shock absorber. The stock shocks are Sachs or KYB units with moderate damping. Common wear items include ball joints and bushings. Upgrading to aftermarket control arms with heim joints or stronger ball joints can enhance alignment adjustability and strength.

Rear Suspension Components

The rear uses a multi-link setup with a trailing arm, radius rods, and a rear shock. The rear shock is often a Sachs unit with piggyback reservoir on some models. The rear sway bar helps reduce body roll. Many owners upgrade the rear shock to a unit with adjustable compression and rebound for better control under load.

Common Upgrades and Replacement Parts

When upgrading suspension, focus on the components that affect ride quality and durability most. Below are the most common parts replaced or upgraded.

Shocks and Struts

Shocks are the first upgrade for many Outlander 850 owners. The stock shocks are adequate but can be harsh on rough trails. Aftermarket options include:

• Elka Stage 3: Offers adjustable compression and rebound, plus a true remote reservoir for consistent damping. Ideal for trail riding and occasional jumps.
• Fox Podium: Known for plush ride quality and tunability. The FOX Podium QS3 has three quick-click settings for different terrain.
• Walker Evans Racing: Popular for desert and aggressive riding with robust construction and many adjustment options.

If you’re replacing worn stock shocks, consider upgrading rather than buying OEM replacements. High-quality aftermarket shocks often last longer and improve ride quality.

Control Arms and Ball Joints

Control arms (A-arms) are often bent by rocks or weakened by fatigue. Upgraded control arms are typically made from chromoly or high-grade aluminum. Features to look for:

• Reinforced ball joints: Many aftermarket arms use greasable ball joints that are stronger than stock.
• Adjustable joints: Some arms offer camber or caster adjustment, letting you fine-tune alignment for better handling.
• Heim joint replacement: Some high-end arms use heim joints for maximum articulation, but they can be louder and require more maintenance.

Popular brands include Glock (Glock Motorsports), Stroker Customs, and Dale's Performance. When replacing control arms, also replace ball joints and bushings to ensure a solid assembly.

Sway Bars and Bushings

The sway bar reduces body roll in corners, but the stock sway bar may be too thin for heavy loads or aggressive riding. Upgraded sway bars from brands like Hawk's Tech or Tri-Motion are thicker and come with tougher bushings. Polyurethane bushings reduce slop and improve responsiveness. If you install lift or drop kits, you may need sway bar relocation brackets.

Choosing the Right Parts for Your Riding Style

Your riding style and typical terrain should drive your suspension choices. Here’s how to match parts to your needs.

Trail Riding vs. Dune Riding

• Trail Riding: Prioritize comfort and control. Look for shocks with adjustable compression and rebound, like Elka Stage 3 or Fox Podium QS3. Stock control arms are often fine unless you encounter many rocks. Consider skid plates to protect suspension components.
• Dune Riding: Focus on bottom-out resistance and heat dissipation. Remote reservoir shocks are essential to prevent oil fade. Stronger control arms help withstand hard landings. A heavier sway bar may not be needed since dunes involve less body roll.

Heavy Loads and Towing

If you carry heavy loads or tow a trailer, upgrade your rear shock to a unit with higher damping force and a reservoir. Adding a lift kit can increase ground clearance but may require longer shocks and brake lines. Sway bar upgrades become more important to control body roll with a loaded rack or hitch.

Installation Tips and Considerations

• Torque specifications: Use a high-quality torque wrench. All suspension bolts must be torqued to factory specs after installation. Failure to do so can lead to loosening or failure.
• Alignment: After replacing any suspension component, take your Outlander to a shop for a proper alignment. Many dealers can align ATVs. Incorrect alignment wears tires quickly and causes handling issues.
• Lubrication: Grease fittings on aftermarket parts should be lubricated every few rides. Use a high-quality grease gun with synthetic grease.
• Inspect regularly: After hard rides, check for loose bolts, bent rods, and worn bushings. Early detection prevents costly damage.

If you’re not comfortable with suspension work, hire a qualified mechanic. Improper installation can be dangerous.

Final Recommendation

For most 2016 Can-Am Outlander 850 owners, a good start is upgrading the front and rear shocks to a mid-level adjustable brand like Elka Stage 3 or Fox Podium. If you ride aggressive trails or dunes, also invest in reinforced control arms with greasable ball joints from Glock Motorsports. For heavy loads, add a thicker sway bar and polyurethane bushings. Prioritize parts that match your typical riding conditions, and always perform regular inspections. With the right suspension upgrades, your Outlander 850 will handle better and last longer.