Tunnel Protectors on RX-1 chassis - can you rip them out?

[Turtle]

Anyone ever rip out the tunnel protectors on the RX-1 chassis?

I've got an '06 Nytro that I'm in the process of long-tracking and I'm thinking of ripping out the tunnel protectors.

Last winter I noticed that a lot of snow/ice accumulates around the tunnel protectors. You must be carrying about 40lbs of crap for what sticks to those things. So with that in mind, I also wanted to remove them because I'm gonna put in a 1.5" lug track and wanted the extra clearance.

I'm not running studs, so that shouldn't be an issue. But has anyone else removed the tunnel protectors? Can the track come into contact with the exhaust system? Any other foreseeable problems?

 

[RedRX1]

I haven't looked under my sled in a while, but do you think there is any structural effect to removing these. I would be worried about the exhaust and track as long as you check on the track tension on a regular basis. I like to run mine loose, but you are gaining an inch or more of clearance by removing the guards. Also, you could replace these with a lower profile UHMW plastic that will shed the ice and snow and still provide some protection.

 

[Turtle]

I haven't looked under my sled in a while, but do you think there is any structural effect to removing these. I would be worried about the exhaust and track as long as you check on the track tension on a regular basis. I like to run mine loose, but you are gaining an inch or more of clearance by removing the guards. Also, you could replace these with a lower profile UHMW plastic that will shed the ice and snow and still provide some protection.

But if they really are in there for strength, wouldn't replacing them with UHMW be bad? UHMW doesn't have much structural rigidity to it... But you do bring up a good point, as I didn't think of that. I could always add some tunnel supports to the running boards. And maybe even a piece of aluminum angle to the corner of the tunnel on the inside to stiffen things up.

I just thought I would get rid of them because of how much crap gets caught up in them. When I took a peak up in there during a ride, I couldn't believe how much snow/ice was hanging on them. It must have been at least 40lbs!!!

Anyone else have any ideas?

 

[Srxspec]

Remove them. It's not a structual component. You simply have to remove the seat and gas tank to get at the rivets from the top side.

 

[LazyBastard]

As Srxspec said, they are NOT structural. Rip them out. I ripped mine out and the tunnel stays completely ice free. I removed mine without removing the gas tank, not a problem with the right tool (small angle grinder or dremel).

 

[Turtle]

Ripped them out last night! Thanks guys!!!

 

[mrtwostroke]

Any one tryed a 1,75 track with no protectors and stock 9cog drivers.

 

[LazyBastard]

The 8 tooth driver fits big tracks 2, 2.5"... the difference in the clearance between 8 and 9 tooth drivers is 0.4". If you remove ALL of the tunnel protectors, including the ones hidden by the front of the track, the added clearance will be over 1". Seems to me that the 1.75" track should fit on the 9 tooth drivers, but you might as well measure the clearance with a ruler before forking out the $$ for the track.