Where to install ice scratchers on Viper - Snowmobile Forum: Your #1 Snowmobile Forum

steveg_nh · 01-15-2013, 10:42 AM

Hi All,

I'm looking for some opinions. I bought a set of Duraflex ice scratchers for my Viper, as a lot of my riding is packed trails and ice, so I don't want to have an overheating issue or hyfax cooling issue.

In looking at my track, since I have two forward idler wheels, I'm not sure of the best place to mount them. I read that the further forward the better. I would really like to not remove one of the idler wheels. I'm wondering if in front of the front most wheel is too far forward, as it's a bit on the upswing of the track frame. I'm talking about just in front of the little black "nub" (bolt) you can see in front of the forward wheel.

I'm also assuming if I don't want to remove a wheel, my only option is to drill mounting holes. Should I be concerned about that at all? Will it weaken anything? I need to figure out a way to get a good point started so the drill doesn't walk as I start drilling.

Any thoughts on the project are appreciated. He's a pic of the sled and a link to the ice scratchers I bought. Thanks!

Duraflex Ice Scratchers | Between the Lines Designs

**RJ Gleason** · 01-15-2013, 03:08 PM

Take off the rear pair and install there.

steveg_nh · 01-15-2013, 05:52 PM

Doesn't that somehow reduce the support for the track though? I've read about people removing wheels, but I figure they wouldn't have put two sets there if they didn't think they were needed.

Thanks

yamadad4 · 01-15-2013, 09:13 PM

mount those as far forward as you can to the second set of idlers. you dont want to go forward of the front idlers as the scratchers will get caught in them or both. take advantage of that blank space on the rails between the back set of idlers and the rear axle.

assuming you have the rear heat exchanger, this location will be fine if those scratchers actually kick enough snow up. you may consider some ski mount scratchers if yhose dont seem to work out.

no problem removing the idlers if you want, nothing lost there as far as track support. some offset brackets from pioneer performance will help with your hyfax wear.

steveg_nh · 01-15-2013, 10:28 PM

I believe my heat exchangers are directly under my feet under the running boards. A buddy told me if it gets hot to pack snow on the running boards to help with cooling.

But are you talking about this location? Where I marked it with the red arrow/circle? That's not too far back?

So if you can just remove a set of wheels without an issue, why are they even there?

**RJ Gleason** · 01-16-2013, 07:15 AM

Where you marked would work.
The paired sets are for better support at the curve of the rail, removing the rear pair will not decrease that support as much as removing the front pair.
And it would also remove the necessity to drill any holes for mounting.

yamadad4 · 01-16-2013, 07:30 AM

thats the spot i was referring to. if you want to go a bit further up the rail and maintain the extra idlers, simply reverse them. the bracket holding the wheel to the rail can be reversed to the inside of the rail along with the wheel. its a direct fit, no alterations.

take a look in your tunnel at the rear and see if there is a rear exchanger. one of the best ways to add extra cooling to that sled is the addition of this rear exchanger. if you dont have one, consider adding one. its an easy upgrade.

steveg_nh · 01-16-2013, 09:47 AM

Thanks everyone. So you're talking about moving the wheels inside the rail? Then where would you put the hole, between the wheels? Do you think there's much advantage to putting it there, vs behind the second wheels? About a 4" difference...

**RJ Gleason** · 01-16-2013, 11:57 AM

Put is as close as you can get the nut on still.

steveg_nh · 01-16-2013, 05:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RJ Gleason

Put is as close as you can get the nut on still.

Not sure I follow, sorry. You mean as far forward as I can, but with the rear wheel flipped to the inside of the rail??

yamadad4 · 01-16-2013, 07:17 PM

it would be up to you to determine of the extra 4" is worth the effort. you need to factor in the fact that style of scratcher "bounces" around as it is not a spring style being more fixed to a location. that being said, you dont want anything that rotates in its line of fire as it will catch and bind in given conditions. dont set yourself up for this potential.

only takes a few minutes to flip the wheels to the inside of the rails(dont forget loctite), your mounting hole for the scratchers should be dictated by where your can clear a drill. in your instance, the hole can be easily drilled from the inside of the rail out, you just need clearance from the 90* fixed end on the scratcher to the closest wheel.

simple to mock up, hold the scratcher up on the rail and see where it clears everything. dont forget that you "store" the scratchers on top of the rails and free clearance is needed at this attachment point as well.

steveg_nh · 01-16-2013, 07:56 PM

Thanks. We actually got some snow today, so once I clear stuff up I'll get it out of the trailer and see where I should put it. I had no idea you could move the wheels though!

Thanks everyone.

yamadad4 · 01-16-2013, 08:29 PM

some things you never know until you try, some things people who have been there and done that will share.

some prefer the confined perimeters, some push the edges. i am an edgy type.

steveg_nh · 01-16-2013, 08:37 PM

LOL. I'm in the middle of that range!

steveg_nh · 01-27-2013, 07:22 PM

Well just realizes I do have a rear heat exchanger. And after riding all day on ice yesterday with no issues, I think these are really just going to help keep the hyfax cool and lubed. I still haven't installed them.

yamadad4 · 01-28-2013, 06:47 PM

you will be surprised at how much better the cooling will be with those installed, although not familiar with that particular type.

if it were me, i would have them installed and at the ready. if the track isnt kicking anything up, your heat exchanger needs arent being met.

steveg_nh · 01-28-2013, 09:49 PM

I know, I really want them on. It's been so darn cold here though, that unless I get the sled back onto it's dolly and into the garage, it's not happening.

That, and being a little hesitant to drill to holes in my track rails.