Lower Shock Rubbing Studs on XTX

[yamaha06]

I posted previously about bending studs on my trip North last weekend and was told to add more studs, I currently have 114 woodys gold diggers with all single backers. I have read a lot of people having there front lower shock worn down from rubbing the studs, and I have noticed mine is also being rubbed due to the stud pattern the previous owner used. I did a lot of searching and found many people have this problem but couldn't find a posting for a fix? Has anyone found a way to fix this? On mine the lower shock mount is just catching the center studs a tad.

 

[Grimm]

Relocate the offending studs closer to the rails. It will improve traction because the weight of the sled is concentrated on the rails more than the center of the track.

 

[yamaha06]

Relocate the offending studs closer to the rails. It will improve traction because the weight of the sled is concentrated on the rails more than the center of the track.

Ya the 2 closes to the center of the track are the offenders, I didn't know if moving them would be a bad idea since I will have a lot of holes in the track where the studs used to be. If I added more studs do you think I should use double backers and keep them closer to the rails?
Thanks Grimm

 

[mach9]

Another option is to guard the lower shock eye with steel spacers.
Longer shock bolt required. Stud backs rub on the spacers and rub less on the aluminum shock eye. Spacer diam. is larger than the shock mount.
Still a pain and its alot of work, since you'll most likely be pulling the skid to get the front shock out.
Also... Star Suspension has a different shock mount for the xtx that is slightly higher.
Again pulling the skid to install it.
What's easier? pulling and moving studs or pulling the skid?
If I keep this nytro a new track will eventually be installed and I'll be sure to stud it myself the right way next time around.

 

[yamaha06]

Another option is to guard the lower shock eye with steel spacers.
Longer shock bolt required. Stud backs rub on the spacers and rub less on the aluminum shock eye. Spacer diam. is larger than the shock mount.
Still a pain and its alot of work, since you'll most likely be pulling the skid to get the front shock out.
Also... Star Suspension has a different shock mount for the xtx that is slightly higher.
Again pulling the skid to install it.
What's easier? pulling and moving studs or pulling the skid?
If I keep this nytro a new track will eventually be installed and I'll be sure to stud it myself the right way next time around.

I really wish my track was studded right the first time also, I am starting to get pissed off with this sled, every time I look there is more work to be done, kind of regret selling the vmax now. My studs are easy to remove I just think moving the center studs out will really weaken the track, and I don't have plans on changing the track anytime soon since I have only put like 300km on this sled this year...

 

[bottlerocket]

Holes from the removed studs should have no issues.

 

[yamaha06]

Holes from the removed studs should have no issues.

Alright, well I will move the studs closer to the rails, if I add one more stud per row do you think that would be enough to help from bending them? And when adding more studs should I be keeping it symmetrical with placement so it doesn't offset the track?

 

[SSX600]

I pulled all the studs on my nytro for the same reason. The guy that studded it didnt know what he was doing. I am going riding for the first time this season up north and I hope that not having studs will not be a problem.

 

[mach9]

Sadly many Dealerships didn't know how to stud the XTX and fugged them right up.

 

[Groomer08]

why couldnt u put a pair of excell x wheels in the front inside location and get more space between shock and track/studs? i believe the wheel gives u at least a 1/8" more clearance then stock.
i did 2 xcells inside and 4 kimpex pros on the outside. all bolt on in stock locations.
x wheel from excell motorsports or ulmer, kimpex from mfgsupply.com
fyi 4 kimpex=2 xcells in price, but kimpex is too wide to fit between track nubs.

 

[mach9]

I have doo wheels 135mm in there and it didn't seem to help.

 

[Groomer08]

studs must be so long when track puts pressure on them they bow track inward rubbing the shock...im not studded and i picked up alot of clearance at the shock.

 

[Jimdevjr]

yamaha06, I have the same exact sled as you do. Bought it with 700 miles on it. Sled is literally brand new. Guy rode it like three times, and I know the guy well too. However, his dealer installed studs, and the pattern was in the middle. I knew something was fishy the second I looked at the track on the inside.

I will say, the worst problem ISNT the backs of the studs hitting the shock. When the backs hit the shock, it rips a nasty groove, and throws huge burrs. The burrs skin the rubber on the track. HORRIBLE HORRIBLE condition for a track.

That said, you are WAY better off removing those middle studs. I don't know where you can put them, but there better off in your toolbox than in the center, trust me. I caught mine early. Guy had only put 70 miles on it studded. Thank God. I ripped my skid out, and smoothed/polished any/all surfaces that were near the track. Took me awhile to fix the bottom of the shock, but it's better than ripping a track any day.

 

[Yamatario]

I just removed my skid shocks for new valves and seals and noticed the front shock was wearing on the bottom. I have a double stud down the middle. I will flip my shock when I put it back in as I already have 12,000 km on. l am also installing the Star Suspension kit for the XTX.

 

[yamaha06]

I am going to remove the 2 center studs closer to the rails, I think I figured out where to put my extra 30 studs let me know what you guys think

(the x are the original studs the o are the new studs I will be adding, the center studs will also be moved closer to the rails, does this look like it will work or will the track be to offset? I am also adding double backers for the new studs)