My buddy just purchased a 2002 Viper and is looking to buy a new deeper lug track to handle off-trail conditions. He was considering a 1.25" or possibly a 1" if he decides to stud it.
While looking for a new track he found several deals on a 136" track with 1.25" lug. Since his ultimate goal was better off-trail floatation and performance, he started looking into a rail and tunnel extension kit.
For around $100.00 more than a 121" track he could purchase a Camo 1.25" lug 136" track along with rail extensions, tunnel extension and all the necessary hoses and hardware.
Question:
Will he be happy with this kit? Are the rail kits strong and durable or are they susceptible to problems?
What about gearing changes to handle the increase in rotating mass and larger contact area?
Are additional idlers necessary to reduce hyfax wear?
Will the 136" be a problem on those low snow days when we are forced to take the trails?
Can a 1.5" track be used without changing the drive axle or rolling the case?
Thanks in advance for any input.
While looking for a new track he found several deals on a 136" track with 1.25" lug. Since his ultimate goal was better off-trail floatation and performance, he started looking into a rail and tunnel extension kit.
For around $100.00 more than a 121" track he could purchase a Camo 1.25" lug 136" track along with rail extensions, tunnel extension and all the necessary hoses and hardware.
Question:
Will he be happy with this kit? Are the rail kits strong and durable or are they susceptible to problems?
What about gearing changes to handle the increase in rotating mass and larger contact area?
Are additional idlers necessary to reduce hyfax wear?
Will the 136" be a problem on those low snow days when we are forced to take the trails?
Can a 1.5" track be used without changing the drive axle or rolling the case?
Thanks in advance for any input.
from my experience, which isn't as much as most on this site, if the track you run has every window open spend the time and get anti-rachet drivers. if not that's alright too, every third open tend's to keep snow/ice on the clips and reduces hyfax wear, my opinion. i run a 1.5 camo challenger, stock nine's, re-geared, just pulled the heat exchanger protectors out, tunnel and front. rail extensions aren't much of an issue, but mtn. riders may say differently.
these day's you look at your trail cruiser model's and they are 136", so as far as comfort on trail, it may even be plusher than 121". if i had the time and money i would long track my viper also, but that is adding more weight to an already heavy sled. just my opinion, good luck, any ques. just give a shout!!
these day's you look at your trail cruiser model's and they are 136", so as far as comfort on trail, it may even be plusher than 121". if i had the time and money i would long track my viper also, but that is adding more weight to an already heavy sled. just my opinion, good luck, any ques. just give a shout!!
b1miller
New member
136" track
I put a 136" Hartman kit on my 2003 Viper. I was able to fit a 1-1/2" track, but had to remove the HE guards. I also geared down to a 20 tooth upper gear with the 38 tooth stock lower. I kept the stock drivers and added a rear HE for low snow conditions.
I can really notice a better ride, but need to replace front skis for a better bite and cornering.
Your buddy will like the 136" setup.
I put a 136" Hartman kit on my 2003 Viper. I was able to fit a 1-1/2" track, but had to remove the HE guards. I also geared down to a 20 tooth upper gear with the 38 tooth stock lower. I kept the stock drivers and added a rear HE for low snow conditions.
I can really notice a better ride, but need to replace front skis for a better bite and cornering.
Your buddy will like the 136" setup.
..SNAKEBIT..
VIP Member
where are you getting all that for $100 more?
I'm going to do my Viper with a 136 x 1-1/2 I hope.
still in the looking stages so any good prices could push
me that way, but I do think I want the 1-1/2 over the 1-1/4.
Also would like to leave the stock driver in, and remove the
protectors.
I'm going to do my Viper with a 136 x 1-1/2 I hope.
still in the looking stages so any good prices could push
me that way, but I do think I want the 1-1/2 over the 1-1/4.
Also would like to leave the stock driver in, and remove the
protectors.
WrdAl
New member
136 kit
Spend a little extra and get a Hartman kit. He now has an option that will move the whole rear suspension back and down thus lowering the track approach angle. That will make A LOT of difference in the powder that you're hoping to ride.
Spend a little extra and get a Hartman kit. He now has an option that will move the whole rear suspension back and down thus lowering the track approach angle. That will make A LOT of difference in the powder that you're hoping to ride.
dockter71
New member
Look in to the Mountain Performance also. Thay have some nice skid relocating kits also. I went with the MM extension with the flat rear cooler encase I go longer in the future. I have been riding in the midwest on a relocated skid with a 136x1.5 for 2 seasons and the hifax wear is dramatically reduced along with the deep snow performance is substanially better. With the relocated rear skid the extensions that are added are about half the length if you didn't relocate. The kit prices are almost the same but it just takes a little more install time. Then get some simmons skis and that thing will rail. I geared down intially and was disappointed with the top end and eventaully went back to the stock gearing. For trail riding I don't think it makes that much difference. Regardless of the gearing be ready for a reduction in top end. Some guys this makes a big deal with, but when your sled goes 105 with a long track do you need to go any faster? (versus 120 "speedo speed"on my stock SRX) Be prepare to have you buddies xc700 run by you out on the lake.