long-track project - help needed!

[Turtle]

OK - for all you Vector guys that have completed a long-track project (stretch to 136"), I've got questions for you, as I'm having problems with mine.

I'm working on stretching an '06 Nytro out to 136". I got the new track put in, and bolted up the extended skid. At that point everything was looking good - track was nice and loose, and the suspension cycled nicely.

When I installed the rear axle, it took every bit of muscle I had to get it in. The track tension was completely taken up just to get the rear axle in. The tension adjustment is as loose as it will go, and the track is as tight as a fiddle. Not only that, but the suspension will only move about 2" now - telling me that the track tension is limiting the suspension travel.

Did I do something wrong? Am I missing something here? Has anyone else had this problem?

 

[DaJudge]

Not to be a smart a$$, are you sure you have the track around the front axle right? If it isnt in the sprockets right you will have the same type of problem.

 

[Turtle]

Yep - checked that the driver engagement was right, and it is.

I doubt that I got the wrong track length (maybe it was a 133" or something). Because I ordered the 1.5"x136" Ripsaw track. And they don't make that track in a 133" or even a 128".

I used extensions from Tracks USA and I just got off the phone with him about this issue. And he told me that this does happen from time to time. He told me that tracks from Camoplast can sometimes vary in length by as much as 5%. So I vary well could have gotten a 136" track as short as 130".

He said that he I could mail the extensions back, and he would mill out some more adjustment. But before I do that, I'm gonna double check everything out to make sure I didn't screw something up.

But does anyone else have any other input?????

 

[sledheadgeorge]

Track length does vary, so measure it and if it is short exchange it. I have also seen differences in lug size from one track to another. They need a more acurate quality control process, for manufacturing.

 

[pro116]

Track

I had my 05 vector stretched out it has the same rails as you.My track was real tight too at first it will get broken in.

 

[Jack_Shaft]

Track length does vary, so measure it and if it is short exchange it. I have also seen differences in lug size from one track to another. They need a more acurate quality control process, for manufacturing.

You're trying to split hairs here dude. With as many variables as are present when stretching a sled, inconsistencies in track lengths would not be what I'd spend my time worrying about.

 

[BlgsRX-1mtn]

Did you get your problem fixed yet? If not, check the rail extension legnth. Your rail extensions should be right around 7.9" long (based of off MPI's web site). According to MPI's web site they use 5.3" for a 10" (141" to 151") track conversion. This means the there is .53" of rail added for every 1" of track length added. You added 15" which comes to 7.95" needed for the rail extensions.

Jim

 

[Turtle]

Yes, I did find out the problem. The track really is on the short end of the manufacturing tolerance.

It's actually 135". You may not think that 1" makes a difference, but that 1" took up all of my available adjustment.

You can see how my entire project turned out here:
http://www.ty4stroke.com/viewtopic.php? ... d4edd55261

 

[change_up]

How can they make a track a whole inch short??? i could understand up to 1/8" difference for a mass producing company. Maybe they should start paying closer attention to detail?

 

[BlgsRX-1mtn]

How can they make a track a whole inch short??? i could understand up to 1/8" difference for a mass producing company. Maybe they should start paying closer attention to detail?

The track would be off by about 1" if the lugs accidently got spaced at .02" less than the standard 2.52" spacing. The .02" might not be noticable as far as the drive sprocket teeth were concerned but, the adjustment for tension would be effected. A lug spacing 2.50" gives you a 135" track with 54 rows (2.52x54=136.08"). If the lug spacing was correct at 2.52" this would be physically impossible without having a fraction of a lug (135/2.52= 53.57 lugs).

Jim

 

[Jack_Shaft]

Yes, I did find out the problem. The track really is on the short end of the manufacturing tolerance.

It's actually 135". You may not think that 1" makes a difference, but that 1" took
up all of my available adjustment.

sledheadgeorge, I owe you an apology. I'm blown away that this even possibly happened.

 

[Indy]

This kind of crap always happens to me. You spent hours stretching your sled, and hours trying to find the problem, only to find out it was a bad part (track). Of course the manufacturer doesn't believe you, then you pay the shipping back. Not to mention your sled is taking up space in your shop. Did Camo even apologize? It seems every project I do has a problem like this and I have to wait for replacement parts. What ever happened to customer SERVICE?

 

[Turtle]

Bruce at Tracks USA told me that this does occasionally happen. He was willing to take the rail extensions back, and mill out some extra slot clearance for adjustment - free of charge. But he never mentioned taking back the track.

But since my brother owns a tool & die shop, we simply made the fix ourselves. It was a pain having to deal with it. But looking back, it wasn't that hard to fix.