96 VMAX 500 control rod broke?!

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nfrantz007

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I just bought a 96' VMAX XT 500 and after a my first few hours of riding the control rod broke! Curious if this is a common problem or if anyone has heard of this happening. I'll post some pics so you can see exactly what part I am talking about. (The pics are of the lower half of the control rod... the other half is still hanging on the sled)

Thanks
 

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Wow, That looks like the transfer rod connector peice. Did you hit something or some serious ditch banging? If that broke like that, what shape is the W-arm in?
 
either you had a really really hard hit or it took a hit at a different angle to make it do that. i'd pull the skid and start checkin it all out for other damage
 
From what I could tell with the track on, the W-arm and other suspension bits appear to be in good order. The piece that sheared off had to have been from a rough hit....snow was packed pretty hard. The piece from the picture was damaged b/c it got caught in the track....which is unfortunately how I found that it had in fact broke. Looking at the solid "core" of the rod it appears to have had an air pocket in it....which is most likely why it broke.

Sounds like this is pretty rare...which is good after I just order a replacement at 135 bucks.

Thanks for the replies.
 
There are other cheaper options including used parts from others on here or over at the Vmax site. You may also consider upgrading to a long travel skid such as comes out of a Viper which could greatly enhance the ride. They typically sell on here for $300.
 
Wasn't there a recall or somthing back in '96 with the xt's and the PA's T/R's??, i think i remember somthing like that, there was an updated
rod avalible..
 
Order has not yet posted so it sounds like I should put it on hold and ask around for used parts. If anyone has any other part/upgrade suggestions I would be glad to here them. I live on the east coast so my season is about over and I plan to tear the sled apart and do some upgrades/general maintenance.
 
Also when I ordered the parts they had replacement part numbers...which must be due to a the recall mentioned earlier.

thanks again everyone. this forum is incredible!
 
Another Question...

I have been trying to do my homework here and have read about bender's adjustable transfer rods. Does anyone have any info for on them for the 96 pro action sleds? or know a good place to pick them up?
 
Good luck trying to find a set of them for the 96 xt. I picked up a set of the first design of the modified transfer rods. They transfer much better. I've heard of a set coming up every now and then on here but I haven't seen many in the last 2 years or so. If you're thinking of doing much work, ie rebuilding shocks, springs, idlers, etc, you may be better off checking out a newer take out. Assuming you weren't buying someone else's problems.
 
Check prices on a used Viper or SXR (not SRX) skid on here. You may as well spend the money on a newer model skid that has longer travel.
 
Thanks for the input Ding. I am considering your suggestion and would like to know a few more things if you dont mind. First off not to sound like such a newbie but what are you referring to when you say"skid". Secondly a list of parts I would need to find would be great in case I cannot find everything from the same sled. \\
Again I appreciate everyones help. Hopefully by next season I'll be on the other side of these conversations.
 
The entire rear suspension. You take yours out and drop the new one in. First time it is a little harder, as it can be stubborn. Depending upon where you live someone on here may be able to help you. It will be like a new sled.
 
There was definatly a recall from Yamaha on this. The replacement part was much more robust. If I remember right Bender, Hauck and other manufacture made replacements that worked better. depending on price of these parts and your ability to work on sleds should make this decision. A replacement rear suspension will make a big imrovement but takes some time to instell. replacing the rods will get you back up and running but you probaly won't see much improvement in ride quality.
 
Ok... I'm pretty sure I will just replace the rear suspension. I already have the lower control rod pieces coming (thanks maxdlx) so if anyone has any viper/sxr parts they want to get rid of I am on the market.

Will this require a new track?

Thanks!
 
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