Intruder Suspension Lift

[Metalman]

I thought I saw a topic on here at one time about how to lift the suspensions on Intruders or Invaders, just glanced at it then but there may have been a new bracket involved.

 I just came home with a couple more parts sleds, one is an 81 Invader and the other is a 80 Intruder. I got thinking about the suspension lift when I noticed the vari-ride suspension on the Invader and wondering if it would fit on my 79 Intruder.

Any input would be much appreciated.

[JosephNiemi]

i think it should bolt in,  says the '82 intruder came with vari-ride.

http://www.vintagesnowmobiles.50megs.com/PP12531.html

[Trucker]

You would need to get the brackets from the invader to make it work. the vari ride in the 82 intruder was basically a sticker added to the old suspension not a true vari ride like the LTD or 81 invader

[jimvw57]

If you want the real Vari-ride suspension you have to add the spring adjustment brackets to the rear. The Invader style suspension doesn't use them.

My 82 Intruder has the regular Invader suspension with a Vari-ride sticker on it.

I have added the rear suspension spacer bracket to a couple of Invaders and it is not too difficult to do.  Just be aware that it DOES NOT give you more travel, just a bit higher seat height off the ground. And the tunnel doesn't drag on the ground either.

[Mad Kaw]

jim, do those brackets help with bottoming out???

[jimvw57]

not really, it won't add more travel, just raises the tunnel higher. useful if the running boards are dragging in the snow.

 If the sled bottoms out on bumps, it would be better to stiffen the spring setting or replace it with a new one.

[Mad Kaw]

my bad,, i wasn't very specific about "bottoming out"...

my skid doesn't really bottom the travel out,,, its more the track hitting the tunnel

i have a 192 stud 1" camoplast track and when it hooks up hard (usually does) the track will rub the tunnel,,, also does it on bumps (spring set to highest)... the studs aren't long enough to shred the tunnel but the sound is what gets to me

but its all a moot point now because im putting some on anyways while i have my skid out to fix the rear brackets that completely separated from the rails

[Mad Kaw]

got em on & back together & i'm loving the difference so far... i can finally set my rear spring a little softer and hooks up even better than before... seems to steer better too with the little extra weight on the skis...

i used 3" x 2" 1/4" aluminum L-bracket and riveted them to the running boards... i'll probably clip the corners over the summer to make 'em look a little better...

[jimvw57]

You got the general idea!  keep an eye on that aluminum for bends or breaks. I went with steel just to make sure it would hold up (so to speak) to the abuse. Also watch the running board area for cracks too.

[mswyka]

We have fabricated a few to mimic the OEM style.  They take the existing steel tunnel reinforcement and add an additional plate that is welded to the steel and riveted through the existing steel reinforcement.

[jimvw57]

NICE!!!