Author Topic: Is it worth it  (Read 2232 times)

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Clemens1986

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Is it worth it
« on: January 12, 2020, 12:03:50 PM »
So the motor is out and waiting for crank seals, decided to check the skid for damage and make sure it’s functioning. Got the skid out no issues. Found that the spring adjustment bracket on right side of skid is split 3/4 through.
What is involved in swapping to newer Kawasaki skid. I have one. But am curious as to how to attach the plates on inside of tunnel. I’m in it to far now to abandon ship.

mswyka

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Re: Is it worth it
« Reply #1 on: January 12, 2020, 12:42:56 PM »
I am reading between the lines here.

The sled you are working on is a 78?  And the question is can you put a 79 or newer suspension in the sled?

We have a 78 Intruder and swapped in a suspension from a crashed 80 Intruder.  We made a hole drilling template from the 80 chassis and then transferred the spring brackets to the tunnel.  Works like a charm.  The template was pretty simple.  It may still be kicking around the garage.  If I find it I will post a photo.

Note that the LTD suspensions have different spacing between the front and rear mounting holes than do the non-LTD Invaders and Intruders.  So if your spare suspension is from a LTD it may require more adjustments.  I think that the hole spacing is closer on the LTD vari-ride suspension.
Intruders:  1978, 1979, 1981 Custom (Pink)
Invaders:   1980 440
Projects:    1981 Invader 440

Clemens1986

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Re: Is it worth it
« Reply #2 on: January 12, 2020, 12:49:07 PM »
The second skid is from a 79-80 340. I have access to multiple parts sled but all are newer and are 340’s. My intention was to take the slides from my 340 skid and put on my original and that’s when I found the broken adjuster.

mswyka

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Re: Is it worth it
« Reply #3 on: January 12, 2020, 01:53:09 PM »
The 340 and 440 skids are the same.  If you have the other chassis, then making a template should  be pretty easy.  I just checked the garage and could not find the one that we made.  But, if I remember correctly, we used the back edge of the front steel bulkhead and the inside edge of the footboard crease.
Intruders:  1978, 1979, 1981 Custom (Pink)
Invaders:   1980 440
Projects:    1981 Invader 440

Clemens1986

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Re: Is it worth it
« Reply #4 on: January 12, 2020, 01:59:53 PM »
Thank you so much, now I’ve got my work cut out for me.
Never done anything like this. But I’m gonna give it a go.

mswyka

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Re: Is it worth it
« Reply #5 on: January 12, 2020, 02:58:34 PM »
I am betting that you will do fine.

I would suggest using stainless steel rivets to attach the spring brackets.
Intruders:  1978, 1979, 1981 Custom (Pink)
Invaders:   1980 440
Projects:    1981 Invader 440

Clemens1986

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Re: Is it worth it
« Reply #6 on: January 12, 2020, 06:25:52 PM »
What would you suggest for a new replacement shock absorber. Both skids unfortunately have bum absorbers in them.
I will be going to the salvage sleds tomorrow to get the retainers for the new skid and developing a plan of attack.
Even with all the negative issues I’m running into this project, I can’t help but want to be in the garage.

mswyka

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Re: Is it worth it
« Reply #7 on: January 13, 2020, 06:34:42 AM »
This is the Dennis Kirk link for the parts unlimited shock.  Most of our sleds have this shock or a similar Kimpex shock.  We have found replacing the shock makes a noticeable difference in how the back end of the sled feels.

https://www.denniskirk.com/parts-unlimited/hydraulic-shock-absorber-04-238.p10121.prd/10121.sku

If you search this forum a bit I believe that there should be a reference to a gas shock.  I have no personal experience with gas shocks on these sleds.

Intruders:  1978, 1979, 1981 Custom (Pink)
Invaders:   1980 440
Projects:    1981 Invader 440

gixxer6

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Re: Is it worth it
« Reply #8 on: January 13, 2020, 08:05:35 AM »
If you are looking to swap in a 79-80 skid into a 78 Invader, I believe they will just bolt in with no modifications required.  If you are looking to swap in a Vari-Ride from an 81 (or any of the LTDs) it will require modifications.  At that point, unless you are a purist, I would suggest swapping in a ski from a 90's Polaris.  They ride better, and from what I hear they are an easier swap. 

Clemens1986

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Re: Is it worth it
« Reply #9 on: January 13, 2020, 08:57:00 AM »
I have given a lot of thought about putting a Polaris skid into this sled. I’ve been reading everything I can find about doing it. I definitely am not a purist.  At this point I’m heading to my uncles sled grave yard to see what I can find. And what would be easiest to accomplish.
My crank seals should be sitting on the kitchen table when I get home so I can progress with that end of the project.
One of many things I’m curious about as far as the Polaris swap goes is can I use the original drives from my sled or do they need to be changed as well. I know the location of skid changes slightly but couldn’t find a definitive answer in my readings.
Guess I should have started in August. 

gixxer6

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Re: Is it worth it
« Reply #10 on: January 13, 2020, 02:55:06 PM »
The stock drivers only need to be changed/altered if you are changing tracks. 

kawhead

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Re: Is it worth it
« Reply #11 on: January 15, 2020, 03:11:57 PM »
79 and newer [non ltd type] are bolt in except you have to mount the front spring brackets to the tunnel.ltd type bolt in in front, in the rear I take the tunnel brackets from the donor sled and replace them, done except for spring brackets