KevinC
Newbie
Well, after reading all of the posts on installing Cat skids into an RX-1, I finally bought a complete 03 ZR skid frame this weekend. The ACT shocks were just service the spring of 05 and rear coupler blocks are already there. I might be coming back real soon asking some installation questions, but as of right now I have made the first big step!
My spine and kidneys will be happy to see the ProAction heading out of town!!
Thanks guys for the info.
Kevin Campbell
My spine and kidneys will be happy to see the ProAction heading out of town!!
Thanks guys for the info.
Kevin Campbell
nhrxrider
TY 4 Stroke Junkie
Thats great! I don't think I've seen anyone who went to a Cat skid say anything bad about them. I think your year skid came from the factory with the transfer blocks, but I'm not sure. I just know the dealer who installed my heavy springs (and told me about the transfer kit) said the newer Cats came with them. I also got the rail reinforcement kit, but I really don't think it was needed...I was just on a spending spree, and after my headaches with my stock skid, I would have spent anything for an improvement.
Let us know if you need any help. I've moved 4 times since I installed the Cat skid, and have lost the template, but plenty of guys on here have the template for where to drill the tunnel, and for making a rear bracket.
For the front holes, I used some aluminum sheet, aprox. 1/8" or slightly less, to reinforce around the holes since the tunnel is only 1 layer where you will be drilling. I held the plate on with several rivets. In the rear I made the plates out of steel, cut with a torch and ground nice and smooth, painted, and bolted in place with 3 bolts on each side. Use locking nuts or threadlocker for peace of mind. And when notching the heat exchangers, use a round hand file. I used a carbide burr wheel in a die grinder, and it caught the aluminum and ripped it open...bled Cat green on the floor! Dumb move, but they are repaired now.
Some have mentioned having to bend the fronts of the rails up slightly, but I didn't have to for some reason, and I have over 1000 miles on it since then without a problem. Check yours to see if they need bending or not when you install it.
By the way, if you have an '03 RX, you might as well upgrade the track as long as its apart. I just used the old track from my '95 ZRT and WHAT AN IMPROVEMENT IN TRACTION!!! It should tell you something when a 10+ year old Cat track works better than a brand new Yamaha track did. And the Cat track looks like new after 10 years and the Yamaha one was coming apart the first season, and had to be replaced the second season. I wish my sled came through with the Ripsaw.
Jim
Let us know if you need any help. I've moved 4 times since I installed the Cat skid, and have lost the template, but plenty of guys on here have the template for where to drill the tunnel, and for making a rear bracket.
For the front holes, I used some aluminum sheet, aprox. 1/8" or slightly less, to reinforce around the holes since the tunnel is only 1 layer where you will be drilling. I held the plate on with several rivets. In the rear I made the plates out of steel, cut with a torch and ground nice and smooth, painted, and bolted in place with 3 bolts on each side. Use locking nuts or threadlocker for peace of mind. And when notching the heat exchangers, use a round hand file. I used a carbide burr wheel in a die grinder, and it caught the aluminum and ripped it open...bled Cat green on the floor! Dumb move, but they are repaired now.
Some have mentioned having to bend the fronts of the rails up slightly, but I didn't have to for some reason, and I have over 1000 miles on it since then without a problem. Check yours to see if they need bending or not when you install it.
By the way, if you have an '03 RX, you might as well upgrade the track as long as its apart. I just used the old track from my '95 ZRT and WHAT AN IMPROVEMENT IN TRACTION!!! It should tell you something when a 10+ year old Cat track works better than a brand new Yamaha track did. And the Cat track looks like new after 10 years and the Yamaha one was coming apart the first season, and had to be replaced the second season. I wish my sled came through with the Ripsaw.
Jim
KevinC
Newbie
nhrxrider - thanks for the info, the more I can get the better this should go.
It looks like the only Cat ZR's that were available in 03 was the 800 and the 900, so I should have the heavy springs already on the skid...but I need to confirm. I did changed my 03 RX1 to a Ripsaw last year and man what a difference from the stocker.
I need to get the sheet aluminum and the steel plate and I will be read to do some damage!
Thanks Jim.
Kevin
It looks like the only Cat ZR's that were available in 03 was the 800 and the 900, so I should have the heavy springs already on the skid...but I need to confirm. I did changed my 03 RX1 to a Ripsaw last year and man what a difference from the stocker.
I need to get the sheet aluminum and the steel plate and I will be read to do some damage!
Thanks Jim.
Kevin