Tunnel twist - How much is normal or acceptable?

[TurboSportTSi]

I just bought a used RMK Pro 163 that had a bit of a lean to the left side. When I pick the sled up from the front bumper, the left side is definitely heavier, which I know is normal and exacerbated by a lightweight muffler. I had the nitrogen charge re-filled & bumped up the preload on the front springs, which basically leveled out the front end.

The rear of the tunnel is still not level though, by about 1/4". The front track suspension mounting bolts are about the same height on each side (within ~1/16"), and the rears are about an 1/8" off, which jives with the 1/4" difference at the back of the tunnel.

I also just noticed that the track has more clearance to the left rear suspension mounting point than the right, and the right side has rub marks. The track appears to be slightly off on alignment, which I will address, but I'm wondering if there is a larger issue here.

I see no kinks, buckling, bends, etc. on the tunnel or any suspension mounting point. I have not yet pulled the skid out, but nothing looks bent or cracked in the linkage, from what I can see. Before I go much further down the rabbit hole, I wanted to see if this is even worth worrying about. I just haven't ever looked at a sled and noticed the rear bumper being visually crooked. This one stands out to me. Shut up and ride the dang thing or dig deeper?

Before anyone asks, I have not even really ridden the sled yet so I don't know if the handling is off...and I am likely not good enough to tell anyway. When I got it, the camber (adj a-arms) and toe were way off, so fixing that was top priority and I've only done a very non-serious and non-technical shakedown ride since then.

 

[Sheetmetalfab]

I just bought a used RMK Pro 163 that had a bit of a lean to the left side. When I pick the sled up from the front bumper, the left side is definitely heavier, which I know is normal and exacerbated by a lightweight muffler. I had the nitrogen charge re-filled & bumped up the preload on the front springs, which basically leveled out the front end.

The rear of the tunnel is still not level though, by about 1/4". The front track suspension mounting bolts are about the same height on each side (within ~1/16"), and the rears are about an 1/8" off, which jives with the 1/4" difference at the back of the tunnel.

I also just noticed that the track has more clearance to the left rear suspension mounting point than the right, and the right side has rub marks. The track appears to be slightly off on alignment, which I will address, but I'm wondering if there is a larger issue here.

I see no kinks, buckling, bends, etc. on the tunnel or any suspension mounting point. I have not yet pulled the skid out, but nothing looks bent or cracked in the linkage, from what I can see. Before I go much further down the rabbit hole, I wanted to see if this is even worth worrying about. I just haven't ever looked at a sled and noticed the rear bumper being visually crooked. This one stands out to me. Shut up and ride the dang thing or dig deeper?

Before anyone asks, I have not even really ridden the sled yet so I don't know if the handling is off...and I am likely not good enough to tell anyway. When I got it, the camber (adj a-arms) and toe were way off, so fixing that was top priority and I've only done a very non-serious and non-technical shakedown ride since then.

I bet the left side lower A arm is slightly tweaked.

 

[TurboSportTSi]

I bet the left side lower A arm is slightly tweaked.

Even with the front end leveled and the tunnel still off?

The A-arms both look pretty good - no obvious impact points, but who knows! I did have to adjust the camber (rod end stick-out) on both sides asymmetrically, so maybe you're on to something.

 

[Sheetmetalfab]

Even with the front end leveled and the tunnel still off?

The A-arms both look pretty good - no obvious impact points, but who knows! I did have to adjust the camber (rod end stick-out) on both sides asymmetrically, so maybe you're on to something.

I've just seen the backside of the lower A arms bend down slightly and make that side sag.

 

[volcano buster]

Your description makes me believe that the PO rode on the left running board more often. I'm not sure if that affected the front geometry or not.
It sounds like you plan to pull the skid. Give everything a good look and check the weld points on the lower structure of the front skid arm. These are known to crack at the weld and bend or break.

 

[TurboSportTSi]

I've just seen the backside of the lower A arms bend down slightly and make that side sag.

I only really examined the forward portion of the lower A-arms. I'll check out the rear portion and see if there's any marks in the powercoating or odd bends.

Also, forgot to mention, after I leveled the front with spring preload, I disconnected one side of the swaybar to see if there was any torsion on it and there was not, so that is ruled out as well.

 

[TurboSportTSi]

Your description makes me believe that the PO rode on the left running board more often. I'm not sure if that affected the front geometry or not.
It sounds like you plan to pull the skid. Give everything a good look and check the weld points on the lower structure of the front skid arm. These are known to crack at the weld and bend or break.

Replacing that arm sure would be an easy fix! Once this arctic front passes, I'll pull the skid and get a better look.