Removing tunnel protectors for track clearance

[1975FA]

I'm putting a 1 1/2" intence track in my 08 RTX. I just figured out I have to remove the protectors off my front heat exchanger. Do I need to take the ones off the top of the tunnel also?

 

[1975FA]

I got the protectors ground off the front heat exchanger so I gained that clearance. Now do I need to pull the ones that go the lenth of the tunnel? It looks like I have clearance, but I can't be sure till I put the skid back in. Can somebody here tell me if they have to go?

 

[09nytro]

I think some guys are cutting the track down in that spot....do a search I think there are pics on the post to.....I'm sure you shouldn't have to cut much

But I know there was a post on this

 

[radianguy]

I didn't think you had to remove protectors for a 1.5" track.

 

[dremmick]

I would remove the tunnel protectors they significantly reduce ice build up!

 

[NFLD-Nytro]

I got the protectors ground off the front heat exchanger so I gained that clearance. Now do I need to pull the ones that go the lenth of the tunnel? It looks like I have clearance, but I can't be sure till I put the skid back in. Can somebody here tell me if they have to go?

That's a shame. I don't know why people recommend doing that, as it's completely unnecessary, and means that if you, or the person you eventually sell the sled to, ever wants to stud it it will be a much more expensive and complicated procedure.

I don't think it would've been necessary to do with a 1.5" track at all, but with a 1.75 you just have to notch the track where the heat exchanger protectors are.

And you do not need to remove the tunnel protectors at all, though as someone said, you may wish to do it to reduce ice build up.

I made a plywood template and just cut 1/2 an inch out of the lugs. Probably took less time than it would to grind off the heat exchanger protectors, and if I want to put my studded track back on, I can do it.

 

[09nytro]

There it is.......

 

[1975FA]

I got the protectors ground off the front heat exchanger so I gained that clearance. Now do I need to pull the ones that go the lenth of the tunnel? It looks like I have clearance, but I can't be sure till I put the skid back in. Can somebody here tell me if they have to go?

That's a shame. I don't know why people recommend doing that, as it's completely unnecessary, and means that if you, or the person you eventually sell the sled to, ever wants to stud it it will be a much more expensive and complicated procedure.

I don't think it would've been necessary to do with a 1.5" track at all, but with a 1.75 you just have to notch the track where the heat exchanger protectors are.



And you do not need to remove the tunnel protectors at all, though as someone said, you may wish to do it to reduce ice build up.

I made a plywood template and just cut 1/2 an inch out of the lugs. Probably took less time than it would to grind off the heat exchanger protectors, and if I want to put my studded track back on, I can do it.

I had the front shaft in and the chaincase all reassembled, when I got under the sled to tighten the set screws on the left side bearing I found I couldn't turn the track. I hated to cut on the brand new track. Your template is a good idea though. For the riding I do studs don't amount to much, but I hate to butcher stuff up. I'm going out to finish setting the front shaft in the bearings and put the skid in before I put the chaincase back together.

 

[ken0la]

If you wish to carry around less weight aka ice - remove your tunnel protectors... (of course you should consult with crystal ball or skull, to see if picks are in your future) ('')

 

[mcamzr]

Sorry for the question but just to clarify, a 1.5 inch track will NOT fit on a stock 2009 RTX 121 without modification to the tunnel protectors? I ask becaurse I've read it both ways on the site and heard it both ways from track sellers.

 

[1975FA]

Sorry for the question but just to clarify, a 1.5 inch track will NOT fit on a stock 2009 RTX 121 without modification to the tunnel protectors? I ask becaurse I've read it both ways on the site and heard it both ways from track sellers.

I will second that. I had to remove the tunel protectors on the front heat exchanger. I left the ones on top stock. I just made 121 mile run on tug hill. I like the 1.5 Intense track.

 

[mcamzr]

Sorry for the question but just to clarify, a 1.5 inch track will NOT fit on a stock 2009 RTX 121 without modification to the tunnel protectors? I ask becaurse I've read it both ways on the site and heard it both ways from track sellers.

I will second that. I had to remove the tunel protectors on the front heat exchanger. I left the ones on top stock. I just made 121 mile run on tug hill. I like the 1.5 Intense track.

Woops. I wrote that wrong. Can you put a 1.5 track on a RTX 121 with out taking off the protecters off? Some say yes and some say no. Did you just remove them or did you have to to make the track fit?

 

[09nytro]

If you have to mod something I would do what NFLD nytro did and mod the track ....just in case you or someone you sell it wants studs.....

 

[1975FA]

If you have to mod something I would do what NFLD nytro did and mod the track ....just in case you or someone you sell it wants studs.....

I used a grinder with aluminum wheel to take most of the square box tube off the front heat exchanger. I like the Nytro and do not see it leaving anytime soon. I'm not a fan of studs and just had the heat exchanger welded because of the studs in the old track that came on the sled. So how well did those protectors really work? When I get done with sleds they are pretty well used up, so I will cross that bridge when I come to it.

 

[09nytro]

Right on