Cracked Suspension Rail

[Vector LTX GT 08]

Found out that I have a cracked Rail on my 08 Vector ltx gt. How hard is it to replace a rear suspension rail? The crack is in a place that can not be welded, as the inner idler wheel is right by the crack. I am going to get a new rail, just wondering how long to replace it. Thanks

 

[DGZRT]

I just did mine two weeks ago. It busted right on the back idler wheel. I disassemble the rail and had it welded up. I had to locate and re-drill the hole but that's not hard at all. Next I installed "Barn Of Parts " Rail saver kit. http://www.barnofparts.com/Rail-Savers-for-136--Mono.html . he has good instruction on the website and it took me only a couple of hours to put it all back together. The only hard part to getting the Cross Shaft by the front idler wheels out. This is a long bolt that spans both rails . I had to tip the suspension on its side and spray it up with PB Blaster and let it sit over night. The next day I installed the nut on the end and tapped it with a dead blow hammer and nothing! so then I used a impact on the other end and spun the long bolt inside the Aluminum cross shaft. This along with some more wacks with the hammer and the bolt came off. when I reinstalled the long bolt I coated it with Antiseize before installing it in the cross shaft.

It looks good and It's stronger than the original.

 

[Vector LTX GT 08]

I just did mine two weeks ago. It busted right on the back idler wheel. I disassemble the rail and had it welded up. I had to locate and re-drill the hole but that's not hard at all. Next I installed "Barn Of Parts " Rail saver kit. http://www.barnofparts.com/Rail-Savers-for-136--Mono.html . he has good instruction on the website and it took me only a couple of hours to put it all back together. The only hard part to getting the Cross Shaft by the front idler wheels out. This is a long bolt that spans both rails . I had to tip the suspension on its side and spray it up with PB Blaster and let it sit over night. The next day I installed the nut on the end and tapped it with a dead blow hammer and nothing! so then I used a impact on the other end and spun the long bolt inside the Aluminum cross shaft. This along with some more wacks with the hammer and the bolt came off. when I reinstalled the long bolt I coated it with Antiseize before installing it in the cross shaft.

It looks good and It's stronger than the original.

I see what you mean by that, but as you can see in the picture. I am probably going to need a new rail. It is a very big crack, see the pics.

 

[DGZRT]

I'm 100% sure it can be welded and retain it's strength. Mine had a crack in the shape of a "V" right under the washer that hold the Idler bracket on . Contact Travis at Barn of parts Great guy and If nothing else he will have a used rail for you. I'm running Ski Doo Idlers which have a larger Dia to help with Slider wear. If I didn't add the extra bracing it would just crack again. Adding the extra Cross shaft in the rear like the Mono 2, has takes the extra twisting and flex out of the rails. The Steel rail braces adds all the strength you need.

 

[Vector LTX GT 08]

I'm 100% sure it can be welded and retain it's strength. Mine had a crack in the shape of a "V" right under the washer that hold the Idler bracket on . Contact Travis at Barn of parts Great guy and If nothing else he will have a used rail for you. I'm running Ski Doo Idlers which have a larger Dia to help with Slider wear. If I didn't add the extra bracing it would just crack again. Adding the extra Cross shaft in the rear like the Mono 2, has takes the extra twisting and flex out of the rails. The Steel rail braces adds all the strength you need.

Good to know thanks.

 

[steiner]

A cross shaft located near those idlers will prevent that rail from cracking again. I have had mine welded and then added a reinforcement plate as well as a cross shaft.

 

[Vector LTX GT 08]

A cross shaft located near those idlers will prevent that rail from cracking again. I have had mine welded and then added a reinforcement plate as well as a cross shaft.

Where can u get the cross shaft? Thanks

 

[steiner]

Where can u get the cross shaft? Thanks

BoP has a kit to reinforce the rail and a cross shaft as well.
http://www.barnofparts.com/Rail-Savers-for-136--Mono.html

 

[Vector LTX GT 08]

Ok, thanks

 

[hibshman25]

I can sell you just a cross shaft by itself if you don't want the whole kit.

I can repair your cracked rail if you have no good welder local. My father has welding shop.

 

[Vector LTX GT 08]

I can sell you just a cross shaft by itself if you don't want the whole kit.

I can repair your cracked rail if you have no good welder local. My father has welding shop.

Thanks, but I have a brand new rail I just bought. I can not buy the rail saver kit this year, as I have put a lot of money in my sled. I figured I will not jump it this year, or ride it hard over the bumps. I do know why the original rail cracked, I took it off of a few good jumps. . Next year is a whole different year for upgrades. And I prob will be getting the cross shaft, and rail saver. Just not this year. Thanks guys for the help.