I am changing my track

[SNOMAN1174]

So I have read the multiple post on here about changing the track on an IQ chasis. I have a 08 D8 turbo 155" with the stock track, drivers and rails. This spring I shaved about 15-20 paddles climbing a steep face in which I was hooking up on some of the jagged rock under the snow. Didin't know it at the time but I quickly knew on the way back down. Anyway, so thus I am switching my track before this season.

I have a few Q's
* I have decided on going to the challenger extreme 2.5 155X15 now that they have it with 2.86 drivers. Will I need a Drop and Roll or anti-stab? I have seen so many post with conflicting answers. I don not want to trim my track at all what so ever.
* Mtnhorse- I saw in another post you suggested putting a 7 tooth avid with 3" pitch and a 156X15 I think. Maybe i am wrong but thought it was you. What do you suggest. I am going with a new track so new drivers or anything else required wont be a money issue as now is the time to do it.
* If it is as simple as going to 7tooth drivers for clearence with my chosen track will I need anything else or can I get away with just the track and drivers?

Thanks for the input guys. Went camping in La Plata Canyon (just west of Durango, CO) this past wekend and mu GPS recorded low temp of 36 degrees. Winter is coming quick

 

[mountainhorse]

Lots written about this.. but I'll try to give you my opinion and keep it simple.

Even the stock tracks are pretty tight at the top of the tunnel. Most rub during use at some point.

The stock track is rated at 2.4" but in reality is closer to 2.3" paddle height.

The Ch. Extreme is a true 2.5" so that small clearance is made even smaller.

A 156" Ch Ext. track is a 3" pitch track... Which which would allow you to use 7 tooth drivers which are only avail in 3" pitch.

7 tooth drivers are ONLY available in 3" pitch.

7 tooth 3" pitch drivers are smaller diameter than 8 tooth 2.86" pitch drivers and thus bring the lug tips down off of the roof of the tunnel.

The only 7 Tooth Drivers available are the Avid Combo drivers and maybe Wahl Bros... I highly recommend the new style Avid drivers... they engage the track better, run more smoothly and actually give slightly more clearance as the driver is not riding on top of the track window clips. (see the thread on the new style Avid drivers)

If you use the Avid Drivers, I highly suggest anti stab wheels in order to have peace of mind, especially with the 3" pitch track (bigger windows) and get a little less rolling resistance in use.

Make sure to run stock, or close to stock, tension for best performance from the track.

With just a minor difference in length, the stock 155" rails are able to be used with the 156"

Here is where it gets a bit sticky.

The 2.86" tracks are better quality tracks, made in one piece on a drum mold...the 3.0" pitch tracks are made in sections and vulcanized together. The track record of the 2.86 for durability is better.... all according to Bruce at Tracks USA.

If you go the 2.86" route, I suggest that you do the Holz Drop or FTX D&R... The Holz being conservative at 5/8" drop/no roll... the FTX being more radical to accommodate up to 3" tall paddles.

You can also do the Drop and run the 8 tooth 3" drivers with the 156" track.

Do not do the Drop and plan on using the 7 tooth drivers...your track will rub on the front swing arm cross tube.

My 2 cents.

 

[AndrettiDog]

If you go the 2.86" route, I suggest that you do the Holz Drop or FTX D&R... The Holz being conservative at 5/8" drop/no roll... the FTX being more radical to accommodate up to 3" tall paddles.

Any feedback on if that "more radical" D&R has been an issue in terms of reliability or any other problems?

 

[mountainhorse]

No Durability related issues that I have heard of from the 10 or so people that I know that have installed it... but it does however change the geometry to a higher degree and requires a skid setback.

 

[SNOMAN1174]

Good info. Sorry to start yet another thread on this but lots of info can sometimes become confusing and thats what was happening to me while searching this topic. Ok, so I have seen the thread about the holz D&R done by 600xc ( something like that). I think that is the route I will go. Holz D&R, 155x2.5 2.86 CE. You guys helped me make my final picks

 

[Jkinzer]

have over 2500 miles on my stock d8 with the ftx drop n roll and it has worked flawless, no issues at all and it doesnt trench anything like the stock poo's do. just installed it on my turbo sled a couple weeks ago and cant wait to hit the snow!

 

[600xc4me]

Good info. Sorry to start yet another thread on this but lots of info can sometimes become confusing and thats what was happening to me while searching this topic. Ok, so I have seen the thread about the holz D&R done by 600xc ( something like that). I think that is the route I will go. Holz D&R, 155x2.5 2.86 CE. You guys helped me make my final picks

You bet I did the Holz D&R. And just got the track installed this evening. Everything fits fine, other than I have a rubbing issue up front by the HRP chain case guard. Shouldn't be a big deal to fix. Finally got my track though. They were back ordered, so buy soon while guys still have them in stock. Lots of people were waiting for them.

You have seen the D&R topic, so here's a few completed pics. I will try and get nice clear pics or the clearance under the tunnel as well. But for now this is all I got this evening.

Sorry these are all more general sled pictures. I will try and get more detailed, better quality track/ completed D&R pics and add them to my topic.

Hope I could help.

 

[AKSNOWRIDER]

I too run the FTX D&R, with the 2.5 camo extreme and the stock drivers...at the tightest point in the tunnel I have at least 1 and 1/16th in clearence on the track...and while Curts kit is slightly more work..its minimal, and as for the suspension setback..personally I think the sled handles better..way less prone to wheelie, handles hits better and climbs on top in deep snow better(I do run the holz skid with floats and was running it before I did the D&R so I have a season each way..also I have ample clearencce to go to the bigger 3 in extreme if I choose to as well....good luck both kits are excellentkits..I do feel Curts kit gives you more options down the road as far as bigger tracks though....