D7 Gearing - Do I need a new chain?

[corpeleven]

Changing my '08 D7 163 to a 19T on top. Do I need to get a new chain?

If so, would it make more sense to just go to a 42T on bottom instead? I'd rather go lower on gearing if I have to spend money on it. I had the 19 laying around in the garage.

Thanks guys.

 

[akrevrider]

Changing my '08 D7 163 to a 19T on top. Do I need to get a new chain?

If so, would it make more sense to just go to a 42T on bottom instead? I'd rather go lower on gearing if I have to spend money on it. I had the 19 laying around in the garage.

Thanks guys.

I put a 42T Team gear on from WPS for half of the cost of a stock gear. Same chain better low end and cooler clutch temps too.

akrevrider

 

[corpeleven]

Thanks, that seems like the right move. Which brand of gear did you go with? I notice they have several? Range from $43.00 to $60 for a 42T. What's better about a more expensive one?

 

[akrevrider]

Thanks, that seems like the right move. Which brand of gear did you go with? I notice they have several? Range from $43.00 to $60 for a 42T. What's better about a more expensive one?

I went with the Team gear. No other differences that I can tell.

 

[MORSNO]

The Team gears from WPS are the way to go...save a bunch of $$$

The factory chain is a 74 pitch. Yes, the 19 will work with your existing 41.

Here are the common gears that will work.
20/39 74
20/40 74
20/41 74 Stock
20/42 74
19/40 74
19/41 74
19/42 74 Mine
19/43 74

 

[corpeleven]

Thanks a lot, that's what I needed to know. I'll stick with the 19/41 for now, and if I need lower gearing I'll just go to a 42 on the bottom.

 

[MORSNO]

When I was contemplating swapping gears, they guys in the know, like Mountainhorse, recommended going with the 19/42 to help with low end torque and cooler clutches.

 

[AKSNOWRIDER]

If you have a well stretched stock chain you can run 19/43...but most stock chains arnt stretched enough to fit it..19/42 is noticable better(snappier) then the19/41 setup...if you are really high I would consider going even steeper to a 19/45 or 46 but that does require a chain change as well....I have run 19/42 since my sled had 500 miles on it, liked it much better then either stock or 19/41...(08 dragon 163)

 

[milehighassassin]

Something else to consider is if you have put some decent miles on your sled/chain, you might as well replace it now. For $70 or so it is cheap insurance. if you have 2k on your chain, I say replace it if you are changing the gearing.

 

[AndrettiDog]

I did a 19t on my 07 D7 and it was a great, cheap mod. The D7 lacks the torque of the D8 and other bigger motors. That lower gear will give you a little better approach on hill climbs.