fleet man
New member
I got a 97 SX skid for a song and wish to install it in my 95 Vamx 600. Upon primary visual inspection I can see that there needs to be some mods done to the tunnel. IE hole redrilled. 
Would anyone happen to have the dimensions needed to do this swap?
Two years ago I swapped an Xtra 12 into a 83 SRV540, (oh ya baby) but I had all the measurements off the donor sled.
Would anyone happen to have the dimensions needed to do this swap? Two years ago I swapped an Xtra 12 into a 83 SRV540, (oh ya baby) but I had all the measurements off the donor sled.
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Before you go drilling holes, I would really consider a different skid. I dont think the difference in ride quallity between your 95 skid and the short travel pro-action skid will be worth the effort. Just my opinion, but I have had both.
You can get some really good deals on Ebay, under $250 in many cases for a newer Cat , Polaris or Ski-Doo skid that will make a huge difference in the ride(oh ya baby!!) lol.
Good luck in which ever way you decide to go!
You can get some really good deals on Ebay, under $250 in many cases for a newer Cat , Polaris or Ski-Doo skid that will make a huge difference in the ride(oh ya baby!!) lol.
Good luck in which ever way you decide to go!
fleet man
New member
Yaaa.... I guess one could equate it to taking one step up one the suspension ladder instead of getting a newer skid and taking 4 or 5 steps up.
I must be able to gain something here though. The SX appears to have more travel and it is coupled differently. I don't know the exact travel difference. I know the aftermarket skids are the way to go but I can't see dropping that much money into a 12 year old sled. Although she is a sweet and strong runner.
I must be able to gain something here though. The SX appears to have more travel and it is coupled differently. I don't know the exact travel difference. I know the aftermarket skids are the way to go but I can't see dropping that much money into a 12 year old sled. Although she is a sweet and strong runner.
fleet man
New member
ok, now I'm confused....
This is the skid I got for a good price. I was told it is out of a 97 SX. Can you tell by looking at it if this is true? I want to replace the skid in the Vmax next to it. I did some preliminary measurements and my tunnel is 17-1/2 inches ID. The skid on the floor measures 1 inch narrower at 16-1/2 inches. How am I supposed to make up that inch difference?
Then the second question is this. I was told by board members to go with a newer skid than the 97. Well, here is one for auction on ebay (right photo) that is supposed to be an 04 ViperS skid. Well it looks an awful lot like the one I got. Exactly to be honest. Now I'm totally confused.
Linky Link
This is the skid I got for a good price. I was told it is out of a 97 SX. Can you tell by looking at it if this is true? I want to replace the skid in the Vmax next to it. I did some preliminary measurements and my tunnel is 17-1/2 inches ID. The skid on the floor measures 1 inch narrower at 16-1/2 inches. How am I supposed to make up that inch difference?
Then the second question is this. I was told by board members to go with a newer skid than the 97. Well, here is one for auction on ebay (right photo) that is supposed to be an 04 ViperS skid. Well it looks an awful lot like the one I got. Exactly to be honest. Now I'm totally confused.
Linky Link
The 97 SX skid is a short travel suspension(8"), and the Viper S skid is a long travel(11.5"). They have similar geometry, but different amount of travel.
The Viper s skid has non-rebuildable shocks.
The long travel will give a little more plush ride in the bumps at cruising speeds, but at high speed mogul mashing, IMO theres little difference.
The Viper s skid has non-rebuildable shocks.
The long travel will give a little more plush ride in the bumps at cruising speeds, but at high speed mogul mashing, IMO theres little difference.
Dave_Vmax600
New member
what about swapping viper shocks into that skid? that would make it better...and worth swapping.
boondoctor
New member
fleet man
New member
Thanks, I'll check it out.
Edit: I seen the swap in the tech section, but there are no measurements. Boondoctor, what did you use for measurements for the front pivot shaft mount? The site just shows a few pics.
Edit: I seen the swap in the tech section, but there are no measurements. Boondoctor, what did you use for measurements for the front pivot shaft mount? The site just shows a few pics.
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braindead1684
Member
Make sure to get or make tunnel re-informent plates you might get away without them but its best to play it safe.
boondoctor
New member
I will see if i still have the specs, if not i can possibly get the actual measurements of the sled. As for reinforcement plates, i we used the originals if memory serves me correctly.The suspension was in my sx700, long travelled with updated viper shocks. Its cool to see the 4 with the skies in the air 6-8 inches.