153-159 track extension. Anyone try it?

[fiddlersgreen]

I was looking on the hartman site last night and saw that he has a 153-159 extension kit. I will need a new track after this season and would like something other then the old MAV. I know i can get a challenger or power claw but my mav is cut down now and would have to cut one of these tracks as well due to my riding area.
I see i can get a 1.5 cross country 159 and change the drivers. If so would I have to get rail extensions or will some bigger wheels take up all that slack?
Do you guys think i would be better to get the 153 PC or challenger and cut it to 1.75 or go with the longer 159x 1.5 Cross country. I still would like to have good hook up in the fluff but am concerned what the PC and challenger would be like cut so much. With cutting the challenger .5'' i would loose all the gripping area and just have a flat, thick edge, but i guess thats the same with any cut track. I am not that impressed with the mav's hook up.
Any info or options for my sled would be greatly appriciated.
I appologize as I know track options are beat to death here but I couldnt find anything on the 153-159 in a search.
Thanks in advance
RG

 

[IDA rather b sledding]

Did you try this? I have been thinking about it as well. I see some XTX drivers on ebay cheap enough. I have a 159 on my RX-1 and really like it.

 

[Off Trail Mike]

FG:

Well....

Going from 7 - 8" wheels give you 1.5 inches on the wheel, and you have about 1.5" on you adjusters (with 0.3" remaining to tension track) which gives you approximately 3" + 1.5 or 4.5" of track length extension. so this set up wont work...you are still 1.5" short.

Now if you go to 9" wheels, it looks dooable. The wheels give you appoximately 3.14" of additional length, plus the 3" of adjustment space so you have it, but barely. It's gonna be really close, because I am assuming the track wraps 180 degrees around the back wheels, which it doesn't, so the actual adjustment will be slightly less.

I am not sure if they make a 9" wheel axle offset kit, but I wouldn't be suprised..

OTM

 

[Confused?]

I believe u can also mount the stock skid further back and us a 159 with stock rails... Not positive tho

 

[IDA rather b sledding]

Rail extensions are cheap enough, $100 bucks. Drivers with axle are $200 on ebay. A good used 159 another $250 to $400. Or used Cat 162 for $300 to $400 and extensions for $100. Makes a guy wonder.

 

[Off Trail Mike]

I believe u can also mount the stock skid further back and us a 159 with stock rails... Not positive tho

You can, but big job too. Since you need to move it back 3 inches, you will likely need new rear drop brackets and you'll be off the reinforcing plates up front...again new plates.

Moving the skid back would definitely help the approach angle though, as the 08/09 were really steep approach angle trench monsters. Unfortunately with the set back, the tipped up part of the rail would be nowhere near the track, and I would be worried about stabbing through and hyfax wear up front at the radius

Here's another option, you know IceAge make custom rails for $500, so you could get them to fit up perfectly with whatever track and approach angle you want.

No end to ways to spend $'s.

OTM

 

[fiddlersgreen]

All good sugestions....may just go with the 153-2.25 challenger or CE and cut it down. Would make things a whole lot easier.
Thanks again

 

[Northernboy]

I went with a 156" 2.5 CE by just upgrading to 8" wheels. I can switch between 153 and 156 without any changes besides the track adjustment.

 

[fiddlersgreen]

Was looking on Tracks usa earlier and saw the the 156 and was going to ask about that option.
So I take it you got the 16'' wide.
Did you yave much adjustment left on the adjusters?