Help - Extending track to 136" VS. taller lug 121" track

[snowman72]

Looking for some valid opinions on an update to my sled I am contemplating. I have a '99 'doo S chassis with a 583 engine and stock .88" x 121" track. I am considering adding a Tracks USA rail extension kit and a new 1" x 136" x 1" track to give the sled better off trail flotation and to smooth out the bumps a bit better. 90% of the time I ride trails, but when I do go off trail I could use more traction/flotation.

OR

Can I get good off trail traction with a 121" x 1.25" lug track, without sacrificing the ability to keep the slides lubed up when trail riding with a taller lug?

I helped my brother convert his Polaris XLT to a 136" witha 1" lug and it made a big difference in overall ride quality and hook-up. I have not seen a very good complete tunnel extension set up for Ski-doo's yet. Found tunnel extensions, but the exisitng bumper will be too short to attach to the extension and the original tunnel. With the Polaris we were able to get the extension, trim and bumper pieces to make it look like it was from the factory, not added.

Anyone with experience with either set up that can lend advice would be most appreciated.

Thanks!

Here is a picture of my sled, it's a '99 Formula 583 Deluxe

 

[Dave_B]

If you ride 90% on the trails, I would just say upgrade to an 1.25" Ripsaw. I had an 07 IQ 600, rode alot of offtrail with that track and had no issues. If you plan to do more than 50% off trail, do the extension with the 136 1.25 to 1.50" track. Otherwise, save your money.

Dave

 

[snowmobilewildman]

Bang for the buck, would be going with the new 121 track. If most to all of your riding is groomed trail. You have the rear suspension set-up to your liking, or is it in need of some work? If it isn't soaking up the bumps, shock issues, setting issues, of week springs?? The 121 track will cost less and is less of a hassel to install.

 

[goneaway]

i went with a 1.25" and love it. no problems with slides either.

 

[indy_500]

I'd go with the 1 3/8 cobra

 

[misty_pines]

A few years ago I extended my 02 MXZ from 121" to 136" and added an Ice Ripper 1.25" lug track. I used the Tracks USA kit for the tunnel and rail extensions and bought the track from them also. I love the set up for the trails and it's much better off-trail also. Absolutely no problems with premature hyfax wear. If you go with the 136" extenstion, I would add a 1.25" lug track or the Cobra track as Indy mentioned.

 

[indy_500]

I haven't been as impressed with my ripsaw as I thought I would be. I like my dad's hacksaw more. I'd go with the cobra the 2nd time.

 

[Polarice]

I just switched out a .92 track for the 1.352 Cobra. I got with the openings all the way around. So far I like it but this weekend will be the real test. I'll let you know what I think.

My track is also 121" and I got the cobra from Ken's for $417 with shipping included.

The other sled I have has a 1.25 Ripsaw (Dave's old sled) and it also does really well. I'm thinking the Cobra will do better.

 

[Hoosier]

I haven't been as impressed with my ripsaw as I thought I would be. I like my dad's hacksaw more. I'd go with the cobra the 2nd time.

Too much grip on the ripsaw? Just wondering. I had one on my last sled and thought it was too grippy and wouldn't slide at all when I wanted it to. It was on a 500 though.

 

[snowman72]

Bang for the buck, would be going with the new 121 track. If most to all of your riding is groomed trail. You have the rear suspension set-up to your liking, or is it in need of some work? If it isn't soaking up the bumps, shock issues, setting issues, of week springs?? The 121 track will cost less and is less of a hassel to install.

Suspension is set up very well for the way I ride and no need for repairs. Just put in lighter rear springs this year and it made a big diference, the original one's were too stiff. Being a heavier sled, the track needs more bite when in loose snow.

 

[snowman72]

I haven't been as impressed with my ripsaw as I thought I would be. I like my dad's hacksaw more. I'd go with the cobra the 2nd time.

My son's sled is a 440 L/C Polaris with a 1" hacksaw, it does excellent on trails, especially hard pack but not as good of a grip off trail.

 

[simonsr1]

I have a 2002 edgex 600, I upgrade to a 1 1/4 ripsaw, I got say this track is awsome, especially on hard pack, hooks up really well, allso works very well off trail, the only problem I have is is it grips so well, some times I have a hard time in the twistys, it tends to push, because the traction is so good

 

[mn_mxz]

I have extended 2 121" sleds to 136" using TracksUSA stuff. The first sled was a 2000 MXZ 600 and the second is a 05 MXZ 600HO. I will not buy another 121" sled. I think that the ride quality of the longer track is much better on the trail. We ride a lot every year and have had no issues with hyfax wear. We run a 1.5" lug on my wife's sled and a 1.75" lug on my renegade, we have never had any issues with hyfax wear.

When I extended the 2000 MXZ I went from the same track you have now to a 136" X 15" X 1.25" track that came off a renegade. It made a world of difference on trail and off. The 1.25" hooked up much better and it took the loose rear end feeling away. Off trial the sled would go through a lot of stuff. I think that you would be happy going with a 136" track. I would go with at least a 1.25" lug.

If you decide not to extend I would at least upgrade to a 1.25" lug track, it will help you sled feel more planted on the trail.

 

[snowman72]

All good advice....Thanks!

 

[snowchief]

Have bought 136 extensions through tracks usa before unreal the difference will never run a 121 again handles just as well through the twistys real smooth on the bumps pry not the best off trail but works just fine for a happy medium

 

[crispyknite]

ZX chassis

I say the same thing as MN MXZ said, If you look at my profile I put a FAST M10 136" on and a 1.25" challage track and love it. It takes out the small bumps and sticks to the trail real good. But had to put a longer heat exchanger in the tunnel so it cools off better. I got a used one from a renegade. No overheating anymore.

 

[snowman72]

I say the same thing as MN MXZ said, If you look at my profile I put a FAST M10 136" on and a 1.25" challage track and love it. It takes out the small bumps and sticks to the trail real good. But had to put a longer heat exchanger in the tunnel so it cools off better. I got a used one from a renegade. No overheating anymore.

Interesting about the overheating problem from just extending the track. Nerver would have thought that would have been an issue. Never have had a problem on my current sled, even in warm temps of the late winter.

 

[mn_mxz]

I have had any over heating issues with my extended sleds. I think that you should be fine as long as you ride in good snow conditions.

 

[skiroule]

I concur with others that have recommended the 136" route if you're looking for a little more stability. Since you're riding trails 90% of the time, a 136 x 1.25 should do fine - don't go shorter than 1.25.

I see that people have had different opinions about the Ripsaw, which is what is on my 05 Renegade and I have to say I'm pretty disappointed with the performance. It's OK on the trails but it just seems to break loose quicker than other 1.25's I've owned (including 121's) and I'm really nervous with it in the deep stuff. I would look at some other brands/models. Even though the Renegade is my primary trail machine, I'm looking at a 1.75 Powdermax for next year to give me a little more bite off trail.

Not sure what to tell you about the tunnel extension. They're readily available for the REVs but I don't know about a 99. I'm sure someone out there has done it.

Good luck

 

[Grant Hoar]

Snowman 72

For most bang for your buck, just do the track change. I have two sleds, both 98 Vmax 700's. One has the standard Yamaha 3/4" track, the other has the Yamaha optional 1.5" track and wider skis.

On trail which is about 90% of the time, there is no difference in hyfax wear. Much better on-trail traction both accelerating and braking with the taller track, will never go back to a short lug height track on future sleds.

Off trail, which is one weekend a year at the Ride-In, they are two completely different sleds. You will be completely amazed at how much difference the deeper track makes in deep snow traction. I am able to try hill climbs and deeper snow riding now that I wouldn't have even dreamed of before