Mps install.

[silverram323]

So today I installed the MPS.
Found the installation instructions here http://www.barnofparts.com/MPS installation instructions R1.pdf


Fairly easy install took maybe 40 minutes in the garage. Most of the time is spent adjusting the skis, I went with 3/16" toe out.

I took it out for a little grass drag and there is definitely an improvement.

I also polished the aluminum rods before the install

 

[@123]

So today I installed the MPS.
Found the installation instructions here http://www.barnofparts.com/MPS installation instructions R1.pdf


Fairly easy install took maybe 40 minutes in the garage. Most of the time is spent adjusting the skis, I went with 3/16" toe out.

I took it out for a little grass drag and there is definitely an improvement.

I also polished the aluminum rods before the install


View attachment 131529 View attachment 131526 View attachment 131527 View attachment 131528

what this mod will do ? easier steering?

 

[silverram323]

what this mod will do ? easier steering?

http://www.barnofparts.com/mps-power-steering-new

 

[Soldier'spapa]

Nice write-up! Thanks for the pictures!

I have my sled in my shop adding a few goodies to it and am now preparing to install the MPS. I'm curious as to why we were given new outer tie rod ends? It seems the OE ends thread right in to the provided rods... Why not use the OE?

 

[Soldier'spapa]

Finished up my install yesterday.

Set the toe to ZERO as I will be installing Pilot 6.9 & Trackers.

 

[ROCKERDAN]

The red looks great. Nice!

Is Travis selling these painted/PC'd now too?

I have to admit, I was concerned with the lesser turn radius initially on this design, however with my stock sled up on lift, It sure seems like the skis turn VERY far from factory. Will be interested to get more feedback on this as the season rolls on.

Dan

 

[rnusr01]

View attachment 131855

Finished up my install yesterday.

Set the toe to ZERO as I will be installing Pilot 6.9 & Trackers.

What should the starting point be? Even, toe in, toe out, how does this affect handling?

 

[ROCKERDAN]

What should the starting point be? Even, toe in, toe out, how does this affect handling?

Trackers are the only setup that you want NO TOE.(Parallel) Due to their design.

Most typical carbides you would prefer 1/8" to 1/4" toe, however that matters where you measure from. On Pilots there are two spots where you place your tape measure(between the little nubs) and at thost points I prefer 1/8 toe as you are not at the extreme front/rear of skis.

Dan

 

[rnusr01]

Trackers are the only setup that you want NO TOE.(Parallel) Due to their design.

Most typical carbides you would prefer 1/8" to 1/4" toe, however that matters where you measure from. On Pilots there are two spots where you place your tape measure(between the little nubs) and at thost points I prefer 1/8 toe as you are not at the extreme front/rear of skis.

Dan

View attachment 131858

Thanks Dan. I would think toe in would provide a bit more stability while a toe out would dart more but also cut in harder during the initial turn in.

 

[Soldier'spapa]

The red looks great. Nice!

Is Travis selling these painted/PC'd now too?

I have to admit, I was concerned with the lesser turn radius initially on this design, however with my stock sled up on lift, It sure seems like the skis turn VERY far from factory. Will be interested to get more feedback on this as the season rolls on.

Dan

I primed and spray painted them. Rustoleum sunrise red. Red is a little off but I think it looks more like the blocks "belong" on the sled.

 

[ROCKERDAN]

Thanks Dan. I would think toe in would provide a bit more stability while a toe out would dart more but also cut in harder during the initial turn in.

you NEVER want toe "IN". That is a no no as they now fight against eachother and cause handling issues. You can instantly tell if a sled is TOE IN, as it will be near impossible to go straight. Toe Out is used to fight darting mostly, as toe out is not common in other wheeled vehicles and would show up quickly in your tire wear.

Dan

 

[Soldier'spapa]

Got the opportunity to ride my Winder on the trails for the first time this past weekend.... WOW! This is by far the best all around sled I have ever experienced. Love it!

Here is some feedback on the MPS: Looking at and understanding the physics of the system lends to an absolute conclusion that it will work as advertised. It does. I started out (first 40 miles) with the tie rods installed in the holes farthest away from the spindles. The ease of steering was greater than I recieve from my EPS Apex. My Apex was also on the trail and I had the opportunity to try them back to back.

Travis stated that the downside to installing this system is that the turning radius is reduced. Yes, this is true but at the same time there is a greater amount of handlebar travel required to move the skis. I found this wierd and did not like the feeling that the skis were pushing when in actuality they were not. I am sure that with a little time it would start to feel normal.

On the second trip out I moved the tie rods to the closest hole to the spindles and headed out. (I should mention that moving through the 3 mounting positions did not change the ski alignment so if you have this installed feel free to experiment. I checked that when I had the sled in my shop in Illinois prior to heading into the northwoods of Wisconsin.) I preferred this setting. Although the turning radious and handlebar throw are still altered, it felt much closer to "normal" and provides easier steering from the stock setup.

I did not ride this sled without the MPS installed so I will switch to the stock configuration, at some point, to compare and report back.

 

[**sj**]

I had a thought of rubber dipping the end links....but the paint looks good!

 

[hibshman25]

Got the opportunity to ride my Winder on the trails for the first time this past weekend.... WOW! This is by far the best all around sled I have ever experienced. Love it!

Here is some feedback on the MPS: Looking at and understanding the physics of the system lends to an absolute conclusion that it will work as advertised. It does. I started out (first 40 miles) with the tie rods installed in the holes farthest away from the spindles. The ease of steering was greater than I recieve from my EPS Apex. My Apex was also on the trail and I had the opportunity to try them back to back.

Travis stated that the downside to installing this system is that the turning radius is reduced. Yes, this is true but at the same time there is a greater amount of handlebar travel required to move the skis. I found this wierd and did not like the feeling that the skis were pushing when in actuality they were not. I am sure that with a little time it would start to feel normal.

On the second trip out I moved the tie rods to the closest hole to the spindles and headed out. (I should mention that moving through the 3 mounting positions did not change the ski alignment so if you have this installed feel free to experiment. I checked that when I had the sled in my shop in Illinois prior to heading into the northwoods of Wisconsin.) I preferred this setting. Although the turning radious and handlebar throw are still altered, it felt much closer to "normal" and provides easier steering from the stock setup.

I did not ride this sled without the MPS installed so I will switch to the stock configuration, at some point, to compare and report back.

Just curious what skis and runners you have on your sidewinder? Center spring preload setting?

 

[Soldier'spapa]

Just curious what skis and runners you have on your sidewinder? Center spring preload setting?

I have the Pilot 6.9's and aggressive Snowtrackers. I turned the center spring about 5 turns tighter than where it was from the factory. Since the skis were tracking well in loose snow I am going to go even tighter on that spring. Limiter straps are in the stock position (1 from longest).