The arrival of the Can-Am Commander 1000 introduced a new level of performance to the recreational side-by-side market. Among its most notable features was Can-Am’s Torsional Trailing arm Independent (TTI) rear suspension, a design adapted from the company’s ATV lineup.
Instead of the double A-arm rear suspension commonly used by other UTVs of the era, the Commander’s TTI system used trailing arms designed to reduce scrub and unwanted camber changes as the suspension moved through its travel. Up front, Can-Am equipped the Commander with double A-arms featuring dive-control geometry. The stock suspension provided 10 inches of wheel travel at both ends.
That was a strong starting point, but Todd’s Custom Billet saw considerably more potential in the new Commander platform.
TCB Commander +4-Inch Long-Travel Suspension
Todd’s Custom Billet developed a chromoly +4-inch long-travel suspension kit for the Can-Am Commander. In addition to increasing the vehicle’s track width, the system extended the wheelbase by approximately 3.25 inches and increased suspension travel to more than 14 inches.
The longer wheelbase and additional wheel travel were intended to help the Commander remain more composed through rough desert terrain, whoops and uneven trails. The wider stance also improved stability compared to the stock configuration.
TCB designed the kit to reuse the Commander’s original mounting hardware, helping simplify installation. This particular Commander retained stock-length Elka Stage 4 piggyback shocks and used heavy-duty TCB 300M axle shafts to accommodate the increased suspension width.
More Than a Suspension Build
Todd’s Custom Billet also equipped the Commander with several of its fabricated accessories. Opening doors provided additional occupant protection while preserving convenient access to the cab. A custom front bumper added protection, while a bolt-on rear cage expanded the structure over the cargo area.
Additional equipment included a billet rearview mirror, Crow harnesses and a Rigid Industries LED light bar. Together, the upgrades turned the then-new Commander into a more capable and distinctive desert-oriented build.
Build Specifications
- Can-Am Commander 1000
- Todd’s Custom Billet chromoly +4-inch long-travel suspension
- More than 14 inches of suspension travel
- Approximately 3.25-inch wheelbase extension
- TCB 300M axle shafts
- Elka Stage 4 piggyback shocks
- Todd’s Custom Billet opening doors
- Todd’s Custom Billet front bumper
- Todd’s Custom Billet billet rearview mirror
- Todd’s Custom Billet bolt-on rear cage
- Rigid Industries LED light bar
- Crow safety harnesses
TCB Commander Long-Travel Suspension Details
Custom Doors and Rear Cage
Additional Build Photos
Elka Stage 4 Shocks
Elka Stage 4 piggyback shocks supplied the damping for this Commander. The shocks featured adjustable high- and low-speed compression damping along with rebound adjustment, allowing the suspension to be tuned for different terrain and driving conditions.
An Early Can-Am Commander Performance Build
Completed shortly after the Commander entered the market, this Todd’s Custom Billet project demonstrated how quickly the aftermarket embraced Can-Am’s new platform. The combination of a wider stance, longer wheelbase, additional suspension travel and adjustable Elka shocks created a Commander better suited to aggressive desert driving than the stock machine.
It also helped establish the Commander as more than a recreational utility vehicle. With the right suspension and safety upgrades, Can-Am’s first side-by-side could be transformed into a serious performance build.
Related model: Can-Am Commander 1000 X overview and specifications
