Glideman88

I really like my V-max but didn't like how low the rear end was. I had already custom mounted a set of '97 SX skis on the sled and this raised the front end another 2+ inches, making the rear sit even lower!

I didn't want to get too radical so I only did a 3" lift. I immediately noticed a major difference in the handling. The steering is much more responsive and the deep snow performance has improved too.

The whole project was very simple, and took me less than 2 hours. I probably could have done it a lot faster, but I had to take a couple required beer breaks during the process!

Here's the project:

1. Lift the rear of the sled up a couple feet. Slide a small floor jack under the track to lower and raise the suspension. Unbolt the rear section of the suspension and lower it to access the end-plates on the upper axle.


2. I used two 1/8" thick aluminum plates. Remove one of the upper axle end-plates to use as a guide to match up the holes. Then reinstall the end plate on the axle


3. Here is the plate with the pattern drawn on it prior to cutting. The lower holes are spaced 3" from the original ones. I used a cutting wheel on a angle grinder to make the initial cut-out. Then used a bench grinder and wire wheel to clean up the edges.


4. Here is a close-up of a bracket installed. First I bolted the brackets on the inside of the tunnel. Then I used the floor jack to raise the suspension up to match the holes on the end plates to the new hole locations on the brackets.


5. The finished product!

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1990 Arctic Cat Wildcat 700
1994 Yamaha VMax 600

Mudd25

Hey there. I just picked up a '94 vmax 600 w/ only 1400 miles on it. The lack of travel and hieght of the rear was the first thing that stood out to me as well. Did you have to make any other adjustment to the suspension and/or track? I noticed in one of your earlier threads you asked about different length shock. Did you end up replacing? Have you adjusted the stock one to give it more travel? Thanks...

lunnex

What did you use to raise the front of your mackine? I find mine is very nose heavy aswell.

Glideman88

I'm still using the stock length shocks, with the lower pivot bolted into the stiffer setting (forward holes) on the skid. Prior to doing this project, the sled would bottom out once in awhile....it hasn't done it since.

I also have all three limiter straps set at the longest length and both shocks turned out a little past half way.

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1990 Arctic Cat Wildcat 700
1994 Yamaha VMax 600

IndianRvrShiver

Not a big Yami fan, but that sled looks good!! Gun metal gray?
Are you saying you're getting more travel?? How do you get more travel by simply lowering the rear mounts??

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2003 AC F5 (Jr's Dec 07 SOTM & 2008 SOTY)
2003 AC F7 EFI SP (April 06 SOTM)
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"It's a public access forum, you post stupidity, expect to get flamed." - RJ Gleason

Glideman88

I used 1997 SX skis, they are about 2" narrower, slightly shorter and a lot lighter than the stock skis. the pivot holes are about 2" higher, but the saddle is almost 2" narrower, so I had to cut it out and lower it to accomodate the V'max's spindles.

I can take some close up pics, if anyone is interested.

Here is a pic of the sled with the new skis before I installed the drop brackets.

Attached Thumbnails

 

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1990 Arctic Cat Wildcat 700
1994 Yamaha VMax 600

Glideman88

Thanks, that is gun metal "hammered" paint and charcoal black "high temp" paint. The hammered paint hides a lot of scratches and flaws! The best thing is, if it does get scratched or scraped again, all I have to is re-spray the area.

No, there is NOT anymore travel...it still rides like a mid-90's sled. Luckily there is a lot of padding in the seat!

But it did eliminate the bottoming out and seems to do better in deeper snow.

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1990 Arctic Cat Wildcat 700
1994 Yamaha VMax 600

IndianRvrShiver

That's what SnoRida's sled SHOULD look like!! But if he made it like that, it would only be a good lookin' gas hog!! LOL
Is yours a big user, as well?

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2003 AC F5 (Jr's Dec 07 SOTM & 2008 SOTY)
2003 AC F7 EFI SP (April 06 SOTM)
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"It's a public access forum, you post stupidity, expect to get flamed." - RJ Gleason

Glideman88

I'm getting 11-12 mpg. From what I've read, that is pretty good for these machines.

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1990 Arctic Cat Wildcat 700
1994 Yamaha VMax 600

IndianRvrShiver

His gets about half of that!!

__________________
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2003 AC F5 (Jr's Dec 07 SOTM & 2008 SOTY)
2003 AC F7 EFI SP (April 06 SOTM)
********************

"It's a public access forum, you post stupidity, expect to get flamed." - RJ Gleason

w muller

Glideman 88, It looks like you have a upgraded track. what track do you have? that rear mod looks great I wonder how it would work if you hadn't raised the front end 2". I have a 95 vmax and may try it.

Glideman88

The previous owner replaced the track, but I can take a look to see what brand and lug-size it is.

I think this mod would give a stock height V-Max an awesome raked look!

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1990 Arctic Cat Wildcat 700
1994 Yamaha VMax 600

SnowRida

That's because I had needle issues in the carb. I alway's got 10-11 before.

That's sweet looking! I should do that to mine!
Is 1/8" aluminum plate strong enough for the bumps? What about going with 1/4" plates, any issues?

__________________
SnowRida
Against the wind, let the cowboy's RIDE!

Yamaha V-Max
02 MXZ 600
97 Polaris Indy Trail Touring


Official Sled of the Month Judge

lunnex

w muller, I have at least a 5"drop bracket on my machine and it looks great, puts a lot of wieght on the fromt ski's so you can turn like stink. hard on the carbides though.

SnowRida

Any problem with the track size at all going 5"?

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SnowRida
Against the wind, let the cowboy's RIDE!

Yamaha V-Max
02 MXZ 600
97 Polaris Indy Trail Touring


Official Sled of the Month Judge

lunnex

No problems at all, and their is still lots of adjustment left. I just put a new aggressor 1" on it and still no problems. I made mine out of 1/4" steel plate with a piece welded on to go under the running boards for extra support. It looks like a large piece of t-bar.

Glideman88

Good question....Actually I re-measured the plates last night and they are closer to 3/16" and the plates are holding up very well. I figure that using the original end pieces on the axle also gives the aluminum plates added strength.

Using 1/4" plates are also an option, but I'm thinking it would be a very tight squeeze to get the axle slide in between. Unless the end-plates are removed and the axle is bolted directly to the drop plate?


** W Muller asked about the track: It is a 1.25" Complast track, not studded....yet.

__________________
1990 Arctic Cat Wildcat 700
1994 Yamaha VMax 600

MI_Thumb_08

Nice Sled!!Great idea..I would like to do the same with my 95 V-max..any ideas where to get the plate?

Glideman88

I got my plates out of a scrap bin at work. You can get aluminum at most hardware stores but it's usually kind of pricey.

Check the Yellow Pages for a scrap metal dealer in your area....

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1990 Arctic Cat Wildcat 700
1994 Yamaha VMax 600

MI_Thumb_08

Thanks,can't wait to do this..my sled bottoms out all the time and I already adjusted the shocks.