Rear Skid Install

[cnybrian]

Had to partially remove the rear skid to correct a bolt issue on the exhaust clamps under the seat. When I originally replaced the donuts with copper ones the bolts snapped. Instead of ordering new clamps and bolts I just drilled out the threads and put in a bolt/nut. Long story short, replaced the muffler with a Skinz and ordered new OEM clamps and bolts.

Before I dropped the rear skid I made sure to ratchet strap the suspension in place so all the bolt holes would line up properly. Now I am in the process of reinstalling everything and now the upper mounting holes are not lining up. Either the straps stretched or something moved.

Track tension is loose, control rod is unbolted on one end.

I cant tighten the ratchet straps anymore and the rear arm will not pivot forward any further. Its only off by 1/2" at most. What am I missing or doing wrong?

 

[mbarryracing]

Put another ratchet strap on and draw that rear arm towards the front arm

 

[gitrdun]

I hate when that happens, EVERY TIME! I find it is easier when reinstalling than when undoing. You might be able to put a set of channel pliers on it and pull it over to line up, OR take the straps off and raise or lower your back end with the comealong till it lines up.

 

[Stubbs]

Unbolt one end of the transfer rod and you should be able to manipulate that arm any direction you want without the ratchet straps.

 

[CaptCaper]

Unbolt one end of the transfer rod and you should be able to manipulate that arm any direction you want without the ratchet straps.

I do it that way too... once the front bolts are in the middle on (shown in the photo) is easy to do with the transfer rod unbolted and raising or lowering the machine a little.

 

[cnybrian]

Put another ratchet strap on and draw that rear arm towards the front arm

Thank you. I have tried a 3rd strap. I currently have 2 straps and neither one will tighten any further. When I put a 3rd one on, it actually pulls the arm up and *backwards*!

 

[cnybrian]

Unbolt one end of the transfer rod and you should be able to manipulate that arm any direction you want without the ratchet straps.

Transfer rod is unbolted on one side and the arm wont pivot forward any further.

 

[xrayjohn]

I had to unbolt the shock before I could even get the front bolts in. Once I did that, the ratchet strap and raising an lowering th rear end did the trick.