Chassis differences between an 04 MTN and a 02 Shorty

[dirtjumper895]

Hey all, I am wondering what differences are in the tunnel and bulkhead between a 2004 Viper Mountain and a 2002 Viper 121.

Specifically, is bare chassis wider or longer than the other? Does one have more holes in specific areas than the other?

So far, the only things I have noticed are the Sway bar on the 02, not on the 04 MTN, the tunnel protectors and front cooler protectors on the 02 and not on the 04 MTN, the rear cooler differences, and the shape of the back of the base tunnel, before the extension.


The only rear suspension hole I use on the 04 Mountain is the front most hole.

I have not gotten out the tape measure yet to start measuring differences, but once the 04 is stripped i will start measuring and building the 02 Chassis to the 04 Mountain measurements.



Thanks!

 

[snowdad4]

for starters, off the top of my head, the front arm of the skid is mounted further back on the mtn than the shorty, by several inches. so backing plates would be needed or relocated, as well as the mtn sled rear drop brackets. there may be some trimming of the rear of the tunnel to accept the factory extension, as well as some fabricating for the mounts on the rear hose covers. the front radious, control and tie rods are longer on the shorty, making for a wider ski stance. got the 03 mtn viper available if you need some comparison measures, same tunnel as the 04 mtn. other than that, it is not a direct bolt on, but close.

 

[Ding]

You've already discovered most of the differences. The tunnel bracing is different and the mount plates are different including how they are stepped to fit over the bracing. I have both tunnels sitting here if you need any specifics. I have a sled that I swapped a 121 tunnel for the Mtn tunnel. It is a bit of work of course, but then all of the stock Mtn mounts can be used. Of course I then swapped skids, so that benefit was lost in the shuffle. The front heat exchanger is a key part in the rigidity of the frame, while you have it down I advise checking the rivets out and replacing any that are coming loose.