Track Studding

[whitley1983]

So I think I'm going to go ahead and stud the track on my 78 440 Invader. I've figured out that I'll need tunnel protectors and how tall of studs I'm going to use and how many, my question is about the templates for distribution of studs. The Woody's stud site has many templates but none of them are for older sleds and I'm at a total loss for how to distribute the studs as I know that "scratch" patterns are very important. Does anyone have any old templates or know where to get ones that will work on an Invader track?

[whitley1983]

Also, are the Kawasaki tracks 1-ply or 2-ply?

[mswyka]

Good morning.  We have added carbides and studs to all our sleds and find that they make a world of difference.  We have used Extreme Max 0.875 with great success.  The price point is good and they are fairly easy to install.  We have added OEM Kawasaki tunnel protectors and added either the OEM Kawasaki lift brackets or our own similar fabricated lift brackets.  If I did it correctly, the instructions for the Kawasaki kit should be attached to this message.

Extreme Max track packs come with templates.  We use 2 studs in every other track segment.  I think that it totals 48 studs - not too many, but they make a significant difference.

[gixxer6]

I've ran 96 studs on my Invader with good results.  It's a standard 121" 2.52 track, so most classic style templates will work. 

The stock tracks are 2-ply. 

[whitley1983]

Hey thanks for that tunnel protector install document that answers a lot of questions. I’m just surprised they run over top of the heat exchanger. I mean I know that’s the most important part to protect but I just figured it would have a big effect on how effective the coolant system was. Can I get away with just tunnel protectors and not install the lift brackets?

[whitley1983]

Also do you know anyone who has the brackets?

[whitley1983]

Also, with those .875 studs, how far above the lugs does the stud protrude? and how deep are the lugs on your track? Mine measure 5/16"

[whitley1983]

Aaaaand one more question, what's the measurement of the difference between the stock rear suspension bracket hole and the one that you installed for the studs? Like if I had to get one fabricated so I know where to have the hole drilled

[gixxer6]

Just tunnel protectors are sufficient. 

[mswyka]

What I find is that with the stock suspension position the tunnel can bottom out and the track can scrape the inside bottom of the tunnel.  Tunnel protectors will save the tunnel and the heat exchanger but the suspension will lose some of its, already minimal, travel distance.  I have a pattern for the lift brackets that I can post later.

The position of the tunnel protectors aligns with the skid rails so essentially there would  be no studs in that row.

The tracks that we are studding are stock Kawasaki tracks.  The studs stick up about another quarter inch.  I can measure later to verify.

[mswyka]

I went through my files and the pattern for  the bracket is eluding  me.  Tomorrow I  am travelling up to camp where we have the sled with the OEM bracket.  I will plan to get a measurement. 

[mswyka]

Here is  a picture of our 78 with the OEM bracket.  My measurements have the new mounting hole 1 - 5/8 inch below and 1/8 inch forward of the old position.

[whitley1983]

Can anyone tell me the height of the OEM tunnel protectors?

[mswyka]

I will need to measure

[mswyka]

I am measuring right around 15/16 inch