Length: 16:37
Date: June 29, 2023
Today, we’re going to walk you through the process of installing SuperATV’s Atlas Pro A-Arms on a Kawasaki KRX 1000. Before we head to the shop and get our hands dirty, let’s talk about why these A-arms are a top-tier upgrade.
Right away, you’ll notice that the Atlas Pro A-arms are built for strength. They’re constructed using 38mm tubing, which equals 1.5 inches in diameter—a big upgrade in durability compared to OEM arms. These arms also come with fully adjustable pivot blocks, allowing you to fine-tune your camber for better ride performance and handling. You’ll also have options for a wide range of heavy-duty ball joints, depending on your riding style.
To begin the installation, the first step is to lift your Kawasaki KRX 1000 and safely remove the front wheel and tire. This provides you full access to the suspension components you’ll be replacing. Use proper safety precautions when lifting your vehicle. Always work on a stable surface with wheel chocks and jack stands as needed.
Once the wheels are off, start by removing the cotter pin from the front axle. Follow that up by using a 27mm socket to remove the castle nut and washer from the axle shaft.
Next, move to the tie rod end. Remove the hardware that secures the tie rod to the knuckle. If your machine already has SuperATV products installed, the hardware and brackets may differ slightly from stock. Most removal steps will still apply, but pay close attention to details like brake line routing and fastener type.
Now that the tie rod end hardware is off, remove the tie rod from the steering knuckle. To stay organized, reattach any loose hardware back onto its original threads so nothing gets misplaced during the installation process.
Using a 10mm socket, remove the brake line bolt that attaches it to the A-arm. Keep your hardware organized by reattaching the bolt into its hole once removed.
Then, remove the remaining brake line brackets. This machine already has SuperATV A-arms, so your hardware may differ slightly from stock components. Once all brackets are free, lift the brake caliper and rest it on the differential to get it out of the way.
Pull the hub off the spindle and set it aside. Make sure to grab the washer behind it, which is essential for wheel bearing pressure.
Next, locate the lower ball joint. Remove the cotter pin and loosen the castle nut, but don’t remove it completely yet. Use two hammers to strike both sides of the lower A-arm near the ball joint. This will cause the ball joint to separate from the knuckle. Once it pops loose, remove the castle nut and let the lower A-arm hang freely.
Move to the sway bar link and remove the nut securing it to the A-arm. Reattach the nut back to the link for safekeeping.
Next, use a ratchet strap to lift the A-arm as high as possible. Then, remove the shock bolt and reinsert the hardware back into the shock to avoid losing it. Secure the shock high and out of the way using the strap. This will give you better access to the axle and ball joint areas.
With the A-arm elevated, gently pull the axle from the hub. Do not let it hang loosely—this can damage the CV joints. Instead, rest it across the tie rod, which also gives you more room to reach the upper ball joint hardware.
Begin by removing the cotter pin and loosening the castle nut on the upper ball joint. Let the steering arm rest against the A-arm and crack it loose by striking the joint until it separates. Once it’s loose, fully remove the nut.
Now remove the A-arm mounting bolts. It helps to remove the plastic actuator cover for better access to the bolt heads. This allows you to use an impact gun instead of a hand wrench, speeding up the process significantly.
Once the A-arms are off, you’ll need to remove the OEM bushings. Start by inserting a socket extension into the sleeve and tapping it to remove it. Then, take a flathead screwdriver, angle it sideways, and tap down until the rubber bushing begins to slide out. Repeat the process for all bushings.
Now it’s time to prep your new SuperATV Atlas Pro A-arms. You can reuse your OEM bushings, but we recommend buying a SuperATV bushing kit for better fitment and longer life.
Apply a small amount of lubricant and tap the bushings into place using a dead blow hammer. Insert bushings on both sides of each A-arm. Once installed, slide the metal sleeves into the bushings.
Set the completed arms aside or get ready to install them. Repeat the same process for both the upper and lower arms.
Locate the grease zerk ports on your new arms and thread in the zerks. Tighten them fully with a wrench to ensure proper fit. These allow you to easily service the bushings after installation.
One of the most powerful features of the Atlas Pro A-arms is their fully adjustable pivot blocks, found on the upper arms. These allow you to correct camber after installation.
Here’s how it works:
Always adjust both pivot blocks equally on each side to keep your alignment balanced.
Position the lower A-arm onto the frame and insert the supplied bolts and nuts. Once the A-arm is secured, slide the steering knuckle back onto the upper ball joint. Tighten the nut using the technique of pulling up on the knuckle to preload the stud, which helps avoid spinning when using an impact tool.
Slide the axle back into the wheel bearing. Then, release the ratchet strap and lower the shock back into its mount. Insert and tighten the shock bolt to secure it.
If you’re using SuperATV ball joints, press the lower ball joint into place and tighten the castle nut. Reinstall the bearing washer, slide the hub back into position, and mount the brake caliper using the original or supplied hardware. Tighten the caliper bolts fully.
Secure the brake line using either the factory clips or the hardware included in the A-arm kit. Reconnect the sway bar link. Then, reinstall the axle nut and washer, torque them to spec, and insert a cotter pin to lock it in place.
Reinstall the front wheel and tire, and torque the tie rod end hardware using a 19mm socket. Once everything is fully tightened and verified, you’re ready to move on to the other side of the vehicle.
Repeat all steps on the opposite side of the vehicle to complete the installation. Double-check all fasteners and ensure everything is tightened to manufacturer-recommended specs. That’s all there is to it for installing SuperATV’s Atlas Pro High Clearance Forward Offset A-Arms on your Kawasaki KRX 1000.
Be sure to check the description for links to the parts used in this install and don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more how-to videos. Thanks for tuning in and we’ll catch you in the next one!
