Rail Extension Advice

[garyl62]

Thinking about extending the track on my 2 sleds as I could re-use one of the tracks. I'm thinking about going from 128 to 136 on my F8, then taking the 128 track and extending my ZL 500 from 121 to 128. I'm normally a stock guy so I don't want to get into tunnel extensions and major things. Is it possible to make both of these extensions with just the rail extensions from places like Tracks USA or other vendors, or is would it be more involved then just a few bolts?

Will it be worth the time, money and effort? Mostly ride the trails but would like to start to go off the trail some if we can learn how and where.

Thoughts or ideas anyone?

 

[srt20]

You will have to change the drivers too. I dont know anything about cats, but maybe the shafts will interchange? Or maybe the gears at least?

 

[Hoosier]

Thinking about extending the track on my 2 sleds as I could re-use one of the tracks. I'm thinking about going from 128 to 136 on my F8, then taking the 128 track and extending my ZL 500 from 121 to 128. I'm normally a stock guy so I don't want to get into tunnel extensions and major things. Is it possible to make both of these extensions with just the rail extensions from places like Tracks USA or other vendors, or is would it be more involved then just a few bolts?

Will it be worth the time, money and effort? Mostly ride the trails but would like to start to go off the trail some if we can learn how and where.

Thoughts or ideas anyone?

I've been looking into doing this on my Fusion 600, since I need a new track anyway. I think I'm going to stick with the 121", but mainly since I don't want to dump much money into the Fusion because of the miles on it, etc. TracksUSA has been VERY helpful. One thing I learned was that I can extend my 121" to a 128" without a tunnel extension (just a rail extension), but if I go to a 136" I have to do the rails and the extension. Also, with the 128", I probably don't have to mess with gearing, while I probably would with the 136." TracksUSA said the rail extension part is very easy - just a few bolts as you said. I will probably end up just putting a better/more versatile track on the sled - like a Cobra, and ride it for a few years and then buy a crossover.

 

[garyl62]

I've been looking into doing this on my Fusion 600, since I need a new track anyway. I think I'm going to stick with the 121", but mainly since I don't want to dump much money into the Fusion because of the miles on it, etc. TracksUSA has been VERY helpful. One thing I learned was that I can extend my 121" to a 128" without a tunnel extension (just a rail extension), but if I go to a 136" I have to do the rails and the extension. Also, with the 128", I probably don't have to mess with gearing, while I probably would with the 136." TracksUSA said the rail extension part is very easy - just a few bolts as you said. I will probably end up just putting a better/more versatile track on the sled - like a Cobra, and ride it for a few years and then buy a crossover.

If I can go from 121 to 128 on the ZL without gearing or tunnel work I'd really consider doing that. I'm wondering if the same would be true for going from 128 to 136 on the F8. I'm always a little concerned though when I hear from someone trying to sell me something that "I'll be fine", or something is "very easy".

Still wonder if anyone has done ether of these and if it would be worth it if I'm on the trail most of the time.

 

[zimmbob]

I've done several extensions now on my own sleds and friends. I guess I don't see the point of the money and time and effort to gain essentially 3 inches of track on the ground. If you are going to do it, at least go to 136, that way you've gained 7 to 8 inches of track on the ground. That's worth the effor, and you won't notice any difference in riding on the trail (ie. pushing through the corners etc.) The rail extensions will likely tip up and help with that, but you'll gain a lot of traction in deep snow.

 

[mezz]

Gary, you shouldn't have to be concerned with gearing, however, I do question the driver size. Check with Tracks USA, they can give you the needed info on drivers for each sled & the rail extensions. You could also go to arcticcatpartshouse.com & look up both of your sleds for the driver info. Both of those sleds should be OK with the lengths you are considering without tunnel extensions. I extended my X-Fire from 136 to a 144 with an Ole's rail extension set & did not need to put on a tunnel extension nor did I need to change gearing. You can't even tell, very well made, easy to install. Unfortunately Ole's does not make the extension for either of your sleds, so try Tracks USA. Good Luck.-Mezz

 

[alwaysright]

Done a few of these as well, I wouldn't be concerned with gearing, when I did my fusion, I went from 121 to 136, I only regeared when I went out west, back home I rode stock gearing with very minimal difference. I do disagree with some others as I did notice more push through the corners but not enough to be a concern. If they have a tipped up rail option I highly suggest that as it gives you best bet for good trail charictaristics and added length for deeper snow off trail. TracksUSA kits are very good quality and IMO better than the SLP kits, haven't seen ole's so can't make a comparison to those but going with the tracksUSA kit, you won't be dissappointed.

 

[srt20]

121 136 144 = 2.52 pitch
120 137 146= 2.86 pitch
128 141 =3.0 pitch

 

[mezz]

121 136 144 = 2.52 pitch
120 137 146= 2.86 pitch
128 141 =3.0 pitch

Nice srt! Well, the research is done for you, now you have to decide whether you want to change the drivers on them or not. BTW, is your F8 a newer model with the 15" wide track? If not, SOL (So out of luck).-Mezz

 

[garyl62]

Nice srt! Well, the research is done for you, now you have to decide whether you want to change the drivers on them or not. BTW, is your F8 a newer model with the 15" wide track? If not, SOL (So out of luck).-Mezz

yes it is the 15" track. Now I just need to decide if I really want to spend the 700 bucks or so it will take to buy 1 track and 2 sets of rail extensions. Cash is a little tight already and I don't want to eat into any of what I've got set aside for trips this year, but we did want to try a little more off trail riding and thought this would be a good investment.

 

[ezra]

if I was taking on your project I would be over at snow west looking for a used 136 skid and track some one over there has had to bought a crossfire this yr and put a real track under it then just take your newer 128 and bolt it in to the zl now u have a pile of good used wheels/ bushings /and some parts to sell.

 

[xc500mod]

I postEd earlier about extending my 2010 iq shift 600 from a 121" to 144". Beside extending the tunnel and rails as well as putting on the new track will I have to change the gearing? Sorry to hijack the thread, but I figured its kind of related.

I don't want to spend the $700 dollars on the tracks USA parts and then find out have to put in more time and cash to complete the project.

If you have any words of wisdom let it flow.

Thanks!

 

[garyl62]

if I was taking on your project I would be over at snow west looking for a used 136 skid and track some one over there has had to bought a crossfire this yr and put a real track under it then just take your newer 128 and bolt it in to the zl now u have a pile of good used wheels/ bushings /and some parts to sell.

Sounds like a good idea to look into, but you've got me on "snow west". What/where are you talking about?

 

[ezra]

http://www.snowestonline.com/forum/

 

[ezra]

http://www.snowestonline.com/forum/showthread.php?t=320081 some 136 that will work well for u good price

 

[garyl62]

Thanks for the info ezra. Decided I'm riding this year with what I've got unless something really great comes along. I'll start looking for some parts and pieces mid to late season and make it a summer project next year. Also decided that I like your idea about replacing the entire skid rather than just buying some rail extensions so thats my plan.

 

[ezra]

I dont know if that is a good plan. the best chance of early snow is if the majorty of riders have there sleds tore apart mid project

 

[garyl62]

I dont know if that is a good plan. the best chance of early snow is if the majorty of riders have there sleds tore apart mid project

Took me a couple reads without any hearing any voice inflections, but I'm picking up what your dropping down.

 

[zimmbob]

Thanks for the info ezra. Decided I'm riding this year with what I've got unless something really great comes along. I'll start looking for some parts and pieces mid to late season and make it a summer project next year. Also decided that I like your idea about replacing the entire skid rather than just buying some rail extensions so thats my plan.

Just be careful with this. I thought the same thing when I went from 144 to 155 on my sled, and found a great deal on rails.... then, after putting it all together, realized that the rear suspension connection to the tunnel on a 155 is 3 inches further back than a 144, and my whole suspension was squashed and out of whack. Had to drill new holes in the rails to get it to line up properly. Sucked trying to figure it out.

 

[alwaysright]

I postEd earlier about extending my 2010 iq shift 600 from a 121" to 144". Beside extending the tunnel and rails as well as putting on the new track will I have to change the gearing? Sorry to hijack the thread, but I figured its kind of related.

I don't want to spend the $700 dollars on the tracks USA parts and then find out have to put in more time and cash to complete the project.

If you have any words of wisdom let it flow.

Thanks!

Why not just take the $700 and upgrade?? Find a shift 144?? That's what I'd do.