Nikolai
TY 4 Stroke God
Spent a few hours searching Google and here prior to posting.
The Apex jackshaft is already hollow. I would like to look into gun drilling the driveshaft. Just want to get an idea of costs and if anyone knows a shop that is able to do it. Googled only produced a few large machine shops that won’t do it. Issue is drilling an already manufactured shaft, both shops want to drill hex stock first and then make the shaft after it’s drilled. Some very old threads from Hardcore Sledder and Amsnow forums tell me people have had it done before.
1. Has anyone had this done?
2. Idea of cost?
3. Shop that has drilled snowmobile shafts before?
4. Hole size? Would need to be drilled to use correct tap for either a 12mm or 14mm bolt to retain the gear.
The Apex jackshaft is already hollow. I would like to look into gun drilling the driveshaft. Just want to get an idea of costs and if anyone knows a shop that is able to do it. Googled only produced a few large machine shops that won’t do it. Issue is drilling an already manufactured shaft, both shops want to drill hex stock first and then make the shaft after it’s drilled. Some very old threads from Hardcore Sledder and Amsnow forums tell me people have had it done before.
1. Has anyone had this done?
2. Idea of cost?
3. Shop that has drilled snowmobile shafts before?
4. Hole size? Would need to be drilled to use correct tap for either a 12mm or 14mm bolt to retain the gear.
kinger
VIP Member
Might be best to have the shaft made from scratch. How many holes are you thinking?
Nikolai
TY 4 Stroke God
1 hole straight thru the center. I think with the newer hollow shafts there just isn’t much focus on the old stuff anymore.
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Gun drilling can cause areas of fracture due to the marks left internally from the drilling process. It is also very hard to drill an already manufactured shaft due to the fact that it is very difficult to keep the drilling centered perfectly in the shaft. Micro Belmont used to gun drill shafts, but they won't do it anymore.
KnappAttack
24X ISR World Drag Racing Champion
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2017 Sidewinder LTX-LE
We used to run gun drilled shafts. Never again. The little bit of weight saved is nothing and like Alan said, they break and twist off.
Nikolai
TY 4 Stroke God
Good to know, appreciate the feedback. Not going to bother looking into it anymore.
KnappAttack
24X ISR World Drag Racing Champion
- Joined
- Feb 19, 2004
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- 4,695
- Location
- Welch MN
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- USA
- Snowmobile
- 2023 Sidewinder LTX-LE
2017 Sidewinder LTX-LE
Shafts are one area I wouldn't skimp on. We ended up making oversized titanium shafts to keep flex and breakage at bay. They were heavy even being made of ti, but never broke them anymore and they didn't flex.