Hygear Slicast A-arm Issue

[1975FA]

1975, what was in the "update kit" other than extra washers?

The update kit is more flat washers and a thin locknut. You end up with 6 washers on the outside and one on the inside under the locknut.

 

[Mountaintech]

I was not unhappy with the 08 geometry. I purchased the Slicast arms more out of curiosity rather than a possibly fix to a problem. I've rode the newer Nytro's and by far mine out performs any I've rod so far.

I checked the caster angle with the cam set at index #2 and compared it to the other side with the stock a-arm installed and there was no measurable difference. With the 6 shims you are running an additional 3 degrees of negative camber which can't be adjusted out and I feel is to much. So the biggest issue I have with these a-arms is that I purchased them under the assumption that would add more adjustability. From my discussions with Hygear so far I believe they are genuinely interested in my concerns and insured me they would keep me informed on their findings.

How many degrees caster did you have? How much caster adjustability? What's your ski stance?

 

[grizztracks]

Hygear says the zero index on the cam is the stock caster setting for both 08 and 09+ sleds which can't be true. I don't remember the actual caster angle because I was more interested in the difference between stock and the slicast arms. I also didn't spend a lot of time getting accurate measurements because the cam could be rotated further to add more caster if needed. However, I'm not sure if there was enough indexing to add the 4 degrees to match the 09+ geometry. With the changes in the lower a-arms and spindles, I don't know why they would think the new geometry upper a-arms would work one the stock 08's. They obviously discovered that the Slicast arms are to short for the 08 so they added 6 washers to shim the ball joint out as far as possible but it still came up short and all those washers look cheap. I was disappointment and frustrated with what I was seeing so I pulled them and reinstalled the stock arms. The arms are on there way back and I'm sure Hygear will take more accurate measurements.

 

[Mountaintech]

The only way to properly align a front end is with a gauge. It can easily be used for both caster and camber.

 

[grizztracks]

I have the same gauge.

 

[Mountaintech]

Gotcha. What's your ski stance?

 

[grizztracks]

With the stock a-arms installed it measures approximately 42 3/4" center to center at the spindles. I should have taken some more accurate measurements with the Slicast arms before sending them back but with the other issues I've had already this season I just wanted to get it back together.

 

[Mountaintech]

Well, at least you guys have snow.

 

[Mountaintech]

With the stock a-arms installed it measures approximately 42 3/4" center to center at the spindles. I should have taken some more accurate measurements with the Slicast arms before sending them back but with the other issues I've had already this season I just wanted to get it back together.

Would you prefer a wider ski stance?

 

[grizztracks]

Do You have something in mind or is that a general question? I've never thought about making any changes in the ski stance other than moving the spindle spacers and gaining a slightly wider stance. After seeing the slycast arms on my Nytro I have considered building my own adjustable version that would use a heim joint similar to what other aftermarket arms use rather than the OEM ball joint.

 

[Mountaintech]

I have something in mind. Wondering if the trail riders are happy with their stance, or might want to go a little wider.

 

[grizztracks]

ski stance measured on top of the ski, center of spindles:

2008 RTX - 42 3/4"

2009 SE- 42 1/4"