Tips/Tricks reinstalling rear skid on 01 MXZ

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redbirds5

New member
Hello,
I am looking for advice and/or tips on re-installing my skid on a 2001 MXZ600. I've looked around the forums, with no luck, because I remember a post in the past regarding easier just to tip the sled onto it's side? Also, another that discussed using a ratchet-strap to compress the rear shock & springs? I'm sure there are some good tricks or tips that are out there to make this a little easier...

I already have the 2 front bolts in & secure - just having difficulty with the last 2 in the rear.

Thank you in advance!

Any pics of suspension compressed with strap would be appreciated!!!
 
indy_500

indy_500

Well-known member
Use your legs... push the skid around with your legs while you try and install the rear bolts. Take the tension off the torsion springs too.
 
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michaeladams

New member
you just haven't said all the magic words yet,keep trying.i'd tell you the ones that work best for me but they vary by the person
 
legend02

legend02

Active member
Ratchet strap inside the skid to pull together and align the rear, so you can get the bolts in as you have the front in already.
 
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mjkaliszak

New member
Here is my method, I just happened to be doing this tonight. I use a floor jack, come along to the bumper , and a pry bar between the track & inside the tunnel , prying directly on the Tunnel Protector. SEE pic, multiply ways to adjust . 1 hand on the pry bar & 1 hand screwing in the bolt.
 
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ezra

Well-known member
when changing tracks buy my self usually 2 or 3 times a yr I have a remote control hoist in the garage if you don't have on go to harbor freight and buy one less than 120 bucks I use all the time.I install front arm bolts first then lower sled till close to rear arm holes they never just line up.now I use a cordless impact driver and start to tighten the track until the holes line up usually banjo tight. allot more ez than pulling springs and trying to hold those in place when trying to get a bolt and nut started on the spring slide.the tie strap thig works allso but also a pain in the arss and still a buch of prying yanking swearing and bitching. have never done a float I bet those would be a breeze just let out the air and re fill when done
 
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mjkaliszak

New member
Like I should have explained in " My Method " similar to Ezra's. I use a hoist for the tunnel, A floorjack for the skid ( once 2 front bolts are in ) and a prybar to compress the rear torque arm inbetween the top of the track and the inside of the tunnel. This allows you to move both components up & down easily then fine tune the rear skid bolt holes with minimum pressure. It has been a while since I have done the "wrestling everything" manuver. I also use a flat 12" X 12" board on the floor jack head for more surface area.

I think I might retire my come along hoist and beat feet to Harbor freight to get a remote hoist like Ezra has. Another suggestion is to make sure your skid is functioning correctly before install. I had an old T-Cat that was froze up in 1 of the pivot points, man I had to take the skid to the local shop and tell them " I don't know why but I can't get it ". It was a shameful day, I also had it loaded with fresh studs which dug into my knees, legs , arms, ect... I was pretty embarassed, to say the " least ". Felt better after they found the froze up PP. Sometimes when you struggle with something over & over, it is good to have a fresh set of eyes look at it.
 
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xcr440

Well-known member
Years ago, like in the 70's, my dad made a special pry bar just for this. About 24" long, with two sections of chain on it with hooks, welded to the bar. One on the end, the other about 4-5" up from the end. Put the hooks on each mountable cross member, lean on it, and insert bolt.

I know, you probably don't have one, but it works soooooo easily once you have it, and its very easy to make if you have any welding skills, or know someone who could weld it for you.
 
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kpagel

Member
I use a different method and it works good for me so here is how i do it.
1. turn sled onto side
2. slide skid into track
3. rotate track and skid into sled
4. put bolt in front
5. put bolt in back
6 turn sled over to the other side
7. put in front bolt
8. put in back bolt
9. roll seld upright
10. tighten all 4 bolts
a friend of mine taught me this and it works well for me all by myself. Just make sure you have something on floor to set sled on so you dont scratch it! GOOD LUCK
 
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