I finally am completing my 01 RMK 800 project that I started last winter. It was a 144 and I swapped out with the rear skid of a 151. When I removed the suspension from the 151 doner sled, I measured the distances on the mounting bolts. I had to change from the original holes on the rear brackets from where my 144 skid was mounted (about 2 inches rearward and an inch down from original 144 placement), but something doesn't seem quite right. The track is tight (maybe 1/2 inch sag when lifted off the ground) with the rear idler tention adjusters completly backed off. I did also add an SLP 2 wheel kit with 8" rear wheels durring this build. So my question is did I do something wrong with the rear skid install/placement or is this just because of the 8" rear wheels? Also is 1/4 to 1/2 inch of track sag too tight? I really dont wanna go out and rip a track in half on the first ride. I'm thinking if its just because of the big wheel kit, maybe going to a 153" track would be a good option??
RMK Long Track Conversion Questions
- Thread starter flyguy_17
- Start date
You are taking up about 2 inches more track to go around the bigger wheels so I don't think you have a problem with your mounting locations. Normally when you measure sag you have to push down on the track with a 10lb force and then measure the sag. If it is free hanging with some sag I would think you will have to actually tension the track in order not to ratchet under load.
Ok another question is with the 8 inch wheels now the track is held about an inch or so below the rails/hyfax on the rear of the skid. A buddy of mine said he thought I needed to relocate the axle up so that the track position would be the same as with the stock wheels. Is this normal to have the axle in the same location with the big wheel kit and holding the track off the rails?
No, the track should be level with the skid rails. You can buy rear axels that allow you to run 8" wheels without modifications to your stock skid rails. I saw a set on here just recently but can't remember where right now. Your other option is to modify your skid rails, there are many kits out there to do that also. Maybe check the supension section of the swap meet.
Wow I now realize I'm an idiot. Dont know why I didn't think I would need to re-locate the axle for 8 inch wheels. I sure have learned a ot from this conversion. Ok so I have found a few options as far as offset axles but have not come across any rail modifications that dont inlude a rail extention. I have the slp 2 wheel axle kit (straight of coarse) and would like to possibly just do the rail mod if I can find one. Can anyone point me to a rail mod kit?
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