Suspension setback question on 08 153 to fit 156

[SN162]

Want to upgrade to a challenger 156x15x2.5 on my 08 M1000. First I wanted to buy a big wheel kit to suck up the extra track length, then I noticed there is another hole about an inch behind where the front of the skid is mounted to the tunnel from the factory, so I could move the drop bracket back about an inch at the same time I install my VE tunnel kit, then I could keep the factory wheels because it looks like I have plenty of room in adjustment to suck up the rest of the slack.

So my question is, will setting the skid back 1 inch change the performance of the sled in a bad way?

 

[TheBreeze]

track

that track should fit without any modifications. Just take up the slack with the track adjuster bolts.

 

[polarisfornow]

if you're doin the full boondock tunnel you really don't even need the drop brackets. when i did mine i just moved the skid back into that hole and drilled the new ones in the boondock extension. I haven't decided yet how to adjust the suspension on the skid for this new mod. Even though there is some pretty extensive info on this mod I didn't feel like my situation was ever really figured out. BTW... they call that mod the geo mod. Anyways I've found that run the front shock pretty stiff and run the rear really soft. seems to get up on the snow pretty good that way.

 

[0neoldfart]

Suspension setback

Want to upgrade to a challenger 156x15x2.5 on my 08 M1000. First I wanted to buy a big wheel kit to suck up the extra track length, then I noticed there is another hole about an inch behind where the front of the skid is mounted to the tunnel from the factory, so I could move the drop bracket back about an inch at the same time I install my VE tunnel kit, then I could keep the factory wheels because it looks like I have plenty of room in adjustment to suck up the rest of the slack.

So my question is, will setting the skid back 1 inch change the performance of the sled in a bad way?

Moving the skid back without changing front track shock spring rate will result in more front arm pressure, and slightly heavier steering. Dropping the front arm to the lower hole will improve weight transfer, but you risk stabbing the track with the rails if you run it loose.
I put a 156" x 2.5" on my wife's M8 last season, and used an offset axle with 9" rear wheels to get the desired track adjustment. No disappointments, sled works much better with the Camo Extreme. You will have to reverse the track clips and trim down the outer rubber nubs to clear the reverse DD case on the 08. Hope this helps you.

 

[SN162]

Moving the skid back without changing front track shock spring rate will result in more front arm pressure, and slightly heavier steering. Dropping the front arm to the lower hole will improve weight transfer, but you risk stabbing the track with the rails if you run it loose.
I put a 156" x 2.5" on my wife's M8 last season, and used an offset axle with 9" rear wheels to get the desired track adjustment. No disappointments, sled works much better with the Camo Extreme. You will have to reverse the track clips and trim down the outer rubber nubs to clear the reverse DD case on the 08. Hope this helps you.

I was planning on bolting the rear of the skid to the lower hole on the factory drop bracket to compensate for the front being lower, which would help with track stabbing, but also increase ski pressure. And by changing the spring rate, I would assume to loosen it up? I guess the better question to ask you is...Do you think it would actually help the performance of the sled if I did this setback project, or should I save some labor and just put bigger wheels on like you did?

thanks

 

[Flatbed]

Setback

I have an 07 Dragon that I put the 156 Camo on. It had the 155 Pol. track Originally. I barely had enough track ajustment with the adjuster bolts to make it work. I made some longer bolts and ground out the the rear of the adjustment slot for more adjustments if I need to. I also have an 06 M7 that I might do the same conversion to. Try to get away from moving your skid back to far. Do the big wheel conversion first. If you do decide to move your skid back be prepared to adjust all of your shocks and suspension settings. I have moved alot of suspensions back on older sleds in the past and have found out that it changes the handling and trenching dramatically.

 

[Frostbite]

Now if they'd just make a 156 x 2 1/2" Powerclaw, I'd be first in line!