Marshall Motoart transformed a 2011 Polaris RANGER 6X6 into the six-passenger “Spider Monkey,” an outrageous custom build featuring turbo power, adjustable air suspension, seven 32-inch tires, dual winches and a massive Wet Sounds audio system.
Marshall Motoart’s Polaris RANGER 6X6
Marshall Motoart took the already unusual 2011 Polaris RANGER 6X6 and turned it into one of the most ambitious utility side-by-side builds of its era. Known as the “Spider Monkey,” this heavily modified RANGER combined expanded passenger capacity with turbocharged performance, adjustable air suspension and enough equipment for extended off-road adventures.
The centerpiece of the project was Marshall Motoart’s 5.5 cage kit. The custom structure added seating for three rear passengers, including full legroom for two occupants, while retaining a large storage area at the back of the machine.
This was much more than a stretched RANGER with extra seats. A K&T Performance turbo system reportedly doubled the engine’s output, while six Legend air shocks allowed the ride height to be adjusted from the cockpit. Custom suspension, extended chromoly axles, seven beadlock wheels and 32-inch SuperATV Terminator tires completed the imposing chassis.
The Spider Monkey was also equipped for long days away from camp. RotopaX containers carried additional fuel, a raised tent provided an elevated place to sleep, and front and rear winches added recovery capability. An extensive PIAA lighting system illuminated the trail, while the custom Wet Sounds stereo ensured the RANGER would be heard long before it arrived.
Dimensions and Chassis
- Base vehicle: 2011 Polaris RANGER 6X6
- Wheelbase: 119 inches
- Height: 83 inches lowered and 88 inches aired up
- Ground clearance: 19 inches
- Track width: 75 inches
- Overall length: 164 inches
- Overall width: 75 inches
- Graphics: Marshall Motoart
- Suspension: Marshall Motoart
The custom suspension and chassis modifications added approximately six inches to the RANGER’s width and wheelbase, creating room for the oversized tires while increasing stability.
Turbocharged Performance and Drivetrain
- Turbo system: Custom K&T Performance Garrett turbocharger
- Intercooler: Air-to-water intercooler
- Clutching: Supreme Tool custom primary and secondary clutches
- Axles: Six custom Summers Brothers Racing 4340 chromoly axle shafts
- Power steering: Unisteer
- Charging system: RPM FAB 65-amp alternator
K&T Performance developed the custom Garrett turbocharger and air-to-water intercooler system, which was said to double the RANGER’s power. Supreme Tool recalibrated the primary and secondary clutches to transfer that additional output to the ground.
Summers Brothers Racing supplied six custom 4340 chromoly axle shafts. Each axle was extended to work with the wider Marshall Motoart suspension.
Legend Air Suspension
The RANGER used a Legend Air Suspension LPR62-FR kit consisting of six air shocks, two air-pressure gauges and a high-flow onboard compressor. The system gave the driver control over suspension pressure and ride height without leaving the vehicle.
Seven Tires and Beadlock Wheels
- Tires: Seven 32-inch SuperATV Terminator tires
- Wheels: Seven 14×9 SuperATV four-piece aluminum beadlock wheels
- Spare mount: Marshall Motoart Spin Spare mount
The six driven wheels were joined by a full-size spare mounted at the rear. Marshall Motoart’s Spin Spare mount allowed the seventh wheel and tire to rotate with the vehicle’s movement, adding another distinctive visual element to the build.
Six-Passenger Cage and Seating
- Cage: Marshall Motoart 5.5 cage kit
- Front seat: Triple X Industries custom RANGER bench
- Rear seat: Triple X Industries bench for the 5.5 cage kit
- Rear grab bar: Marshall Motoart
- Top: Marshall Motoart Sunbrella canvas cover
The custom cage provided seating for three additional passengers and left room for cargo behind the rear bench. Triple X Industries supplied matching front and rear benches, while a rear grab bar gave the added passengers a secure handhold.
Wet Sounds Audio System
JSI Audio Extreme fabricated a custom enclosure for the subwoofer and 6×9-inch speakers. Blue interior lighting illuminated the enclosure and helped make the audio installation a visual centerpiece of the build.
- Four-channel amplifier: Wet Sounds SYN4, rated at 200 watts × 4 RMS at 4 ohms
- Monoblock amplifier: Wet Sounds SYN1, rated at 850 watts × 1 RMS at 4 ohms
- Front speaker pods: ATV-RAN-XS650 RANGER pods with XS-650 speakers
- Subwoofer: Wet Sounds XS-XXX 12-inch competition subwoofer
- Rear speakers: Wet Sounds PRO 696RS 6×9-inch HLCD speakers
- Equalizer: Wet Sounds WS-420 four-band EQ with two independent zones, microphone and auxiliary input
Lighting, Bumpers and Recovery Equipment
- Front bumper: Marshall Motoart Stinger Series bumper
- Overhead light bar: Marshall Motoart
- Overhead lights: Seven PIAA RS600 HID driving lights
- Front bumper lights: PIAA 520ATP lights
- Front winch: Superwinch Terra 45SR
- Rear winch: Superwinch Terra 45SR
- Winch rating: 4,500 pounds each
- Horn: PIAA sports horn
The custom Stinger bumper housed a front winch and auxiliary lights. Seven PIAA HID lights across the overhead bar provided long-distance illumination, while the bumper-mounted lights covered the area immediately ahead of the RANGER. A second 4,500-pound Superwinch at the rear provided recovery capability in either direction.
Adventure Equipment
- RotopaX storage and fuel containers
- Elevated tent system
- Large rear storage area
- Sunbrella canvas roof
With extra fuel, recovery equipment, substantial storage and a tent mounted above the ground, the Spider Monkey was built to carry six people well beyond the trailhead. It remains a memorable example of how far a Polaris RANGER 6X6 could be transformed when utility, performance and show-truck styling were combined in one project.
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