144 to 159 or 162

[cwrolson]

I'd prefer to do the 159 but let me know what you have. I'm looking for this for a build I'm doing for a friend of mine. I'm also looking for information on the best way to swap from a 144 to one of these tracks. I've been told you can use the stock rails by moving them back a bit and using big wheels? I just want to do this the best and most cost effective way that I can. Thanks

 

[doomama800]

My sled was a 144 and now is a 162. I bought a used set of 159 rails then moved them back 2" and works well. Put a longer tunnel extension on and bumber to tie it all together. Going with the 159 would be less work you wouldn't have to move all the suspension back like i did, or modify the tunnel extension. I put a 159 extension on and it still hit had to bend the mud flap bracket back to make it longer. I am going to move my suspension back to factory this fall and modify some rail extension to make up the difference since I think the suspension didn't work quiet the same. I am also moving it back to factory cause the 2 inches i moved the rail, left to much room between them and sprockets i speard the track, not good.

 

[mil81]

I got extremely lucky when I did mine. I found a guy parting out and RT and picked up the track and skid for a good price. At the same time I had a buddy who wanted my track and skid, so I bolted it in for nothing, except the $150 for the extension I am still waiting for.

I have hear of guy with longer tracks wanting to go shorter, so if you can find one of those guys just do a straight swap.

You best bet will be rail extensions and a tunnel extension though. You can't take up enough space moving the skid and doing a big wheel. (162-144)/2=9" of slack to take up.

 

[cwrolson]

The guy I'm doing this build for decided he wanted a 151. So, I have the track but still haven't done anything else on the build. Snow's coming time to get moving

 

[winter brew]

Longer cooler?

 

[cwrolson]

Longer cooler?

I don't need a longer cooler. I think I will just do a skid setback, some drop brackets and go from there. Just don't know if I "need" to use anti stabs. Also don't know for sure how far I should set the skid back, down or whatever

 

[mil81]

If you do a setback to the holes that are pre drilled on the inside of the tunnel and rear brackets (roughly 1") you won't need anti-stab wheels and it will work amazing. Then you will still need a big wheel kit to take up some slack

 

[cwrolson]

If you do a setback to the holes that are pre drilled on the inside of the tunnel and rear brackets (roughly 1") you won't need anti-stab wheels and it will work amazing. Then you will still need a big wheel kit to take up some slack

Any idea who would sell the right big wheel kit for application? MMP?

 

[mil81]

Honestly I have never looked to far into it. Do some googling, and searching these forums and you will find the info you need

 

[cwrolson]

Yeah, I'm not too worried about it. It's a snowmobile not a space shuttle, I'm sure I will figure it out.

 

[mil81]

That's a good theory, but sometimes these aftermarket parts are more than meets the eye. Lol. I have heard of some kits that mount the wheels a little too low and they end up taking more of a beating and breaking. So a guy does have to be a little bit weary. This is all hear say, as I say I have no experience with them

 

[cwrolson]

Yeah, I've seen that too. I don't think I will mess with wheels. Think I will just set the skid down and back in the front and do the same distance back in the rear. This is what skidoo did with the 02 model that runs the 144 rails with a 151 track. I hear they did that to get rid of the horrible approach angle that the early zx sleds had. I don't know, but whatever I do is going to be way better than what he has. I have a pretty extensive fabrication back ground so I am sure I will be ok

 

[Redsledhead]

What year sled?

 

[cwrolson]

I'm working on an 01 zx 144