Your thoughts on stiff steering.

[shawnj]

On my wifes 08 APex 121" it has woody duallys, studded, shimmed skis, it really has hold of the trail, BUT, shoulders get sore, and even when I rode it for a while I could feel the xtra strength required to turn(not as much in looser snow). Now, I shimmed skis in off season, so I really cant remember what is was like before I did this or if this has anything to do with it at all. Now, on my 2010 apex 136", I did the same shims, I have the woodys slim jims. It does not grab into, or lock into the trail as the 08 does. Is there something that can be done on my wifes to lessen the strength required yet not loose too much control. I know limiter strap maybe....

 

[shawnj]

The other thing I should of asked, If I wanted mine(2010) to bite a bit more, ??what should I do first? thanks.

 

[steiner]

Check the busings on the steering linkages. My 08 Vector had an issue with the bushing above the reverse lever. After removing,cleaning and greasing it the issue was gone.I also went thru the three other bushings. cleaning them and greasing them. If its still stiff steering after that then I would suggest Snowtrackers. Lessen steering effort while moving. No darting. Have the bite you need in the corners.

 

[Irv]

On my wifes 08 APex 121" it has woody duallys, studded, shimmed skis, it really has hold of the trail, BUT, shoulders get sore, and even when I rode it for a while I could feel the xtra strength required to turn(not as much in looser snow). Now, I shimmed skis in off season, so I really cant remember what is was like before I did this or if this has anything to do with it at all. Now, on my 2010 apex 136", I did the same shims, I have the woodys slim jims. It does not grab into, or lock into the trail as the 08 does. Is there something that can be done on my wifes to lessen the strength required yet not loose too much control. I know limiter strap maybe....

You don't say what length your duallies are nor where your limiter strap is at?

On my 08, the stock strap position was the second hole, I have now tightened it up to the 3rd but I am after more pressure on the ski's.
If I had too much then I would I would have backed it off to the first hole.
(longest)

 

[shawnj]

Ok I measured carbide length. On the 08 it is 4 inches of carbide, approx a foot long runner about 1/4 inch deep on woody duallys.
The 2010 has 6inch carbide, same length of runner appro
s, and 1/2 inch depth on the slim jims.
The limiter strap is same spot on both sleds. If u look at front of strap there is 3 open holes , looks like bolts are in the 4th and there is a fith hole above that, if that makes any sense. Thanks.

 

[Ak Yammy]

Sounds like now that you have it shimmed with an agressive carbide you have the 08 set up with a bit too much bite. With an agressive setup they will really work your shoulders with all that engine weight over those skis. Could let out limiter or go back to stock less agressive carbide but would probaly not want to do that with studs. Could also rasie up the front with more spring/air (if you have floats) pressure on front shocks as well, but this couldbe at the expense of some inside ski lift. Sounds like you need to do the opposite on your sled (the '10) as you said you want more bite so tighten limiters and drop front end untill arms are parallel to the ground. Basically get some weight off the front end of the 08 and more on the '10. Fine tune the 08 to get a balance between easy steering but with out corner push.
Hope this helps.

Of course check all steering components also.

Also how are transfer rods set?

 

[blue er]

hard to get it both ways, my 121 setup with slim jims was pull up one hole on limiter (increases ski pressure, reduces transfer) set a-arms almost level, adjust transfer rod to 3/4 to full max, 1/8th shim under ski set toe out 1/8th to 1/4 , make adjustments as required.
Second option put curve xs skis on your wifes sled with the L.E (leading edge) 4 inch carbides it'll steer like it's a 100 pounds lighter and handle awesome and pretty much dart free (almost feels like power steering the change is that drastic)

 

[shawnj]

Unfortunatly we don't have much snow, just ice , here so I can only test my changes when we are away. Pain in but. Be nice to do the changes in my warm garage take for a spin and put back in for any other changes. I thing I have close to 1/4 inch shims on our skiis. I don't know if I could get the strap any tighter on the 08. I know there is another hole there but not much slack around upper shaft to tighten strap. Ifi start with somethin simple, would it be add some spring pressure up front? I have them pretty loose currently.

 

[blue er]

Unfortunatly we don't have much snow, just ice , here so I can only test my changes when we are away. Pain in but. Be nice to do the changes in my warm garage take for a spin and put back in for any other changes. I thing I have close to 1/4 inch shims on our skiis. I don't know if I could get the strap any tighter on the 08. I know there is another hole there but not much slack around upper shaft to tighten strap. Ifi start with somethin simple, would it be add some spring pressure up front? I have them pretty loose currently.[/quote
whitch sled?

 

[shawnj]

Loose on the 08.

 

[blue er]

try loosning limiter strap 1 hole, that will take away some spring pressure and add some transfer

 

[blue er]

try loosning limiter strap 1 hole, that will take away some spring pressure and add some transfer

 

[shawnj]

I think I have the transfer rod set up on both as per instructions I found on this site somewhere. I don't play with this stuff enough to get a full understanding on what each adjustment does. I might try loosening the 08 to the last hole,looks like it will be hard to do but the hole is there so must go. And on the 10 I may tighten one hole. One little step at a time. Thanks.

 

[Ak Yammy]

Straps are easy if you do a little trick drive the front of the track on to a 2x4 it will push up the front of the rails and slack out the straps. Easy peasy.
Lengthen straps on the 08 shorten on the 10. I only asked about transfer rods on the 08 as maybe they were set for a lot of transfer and could be throwing a lot of weight on the skis in the corners under braking to make the problem worse. Probbly best to leave the rods somewhere in the middle and call it good. After straps are done on the 08 if it's stll heavy fine tune by adding more spring/air to front shocks to get more weight off the front to see if that helps. Will have to be careful with this as it may then get suspension too stiff for her and may get more inside ski lift in corners.

 

[shawnj]

Thanks for everyone and their time on your lengthly explanations. I have started with the strap. I have loosened the 08 one hole and tightened the 2010 one hole. Will be a week or so until I get a good chance to try it unless a miracle happens around here and the snow gods show me some powder. I double checked spring tension on front shocks. Both are set a very minimum. I can actually grab spring and lift out of lower seat very easily. I cant go looser, but can go tighter if required.