suspension on a 80 liquifire

Technical topics related to machines powered by Kasasaki motors
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ihengineer76
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Real Name: Tom Rehberg
Location: SC Wisconsin

Re: suspension on a 80 liquifire

Post by ihengineer76 »

A good material for a stronger cross shaft would be some 4140 Chromoly. It has a high yield strength, but is still easily machinable, and easy to get for not a lot of cash.
1976 Liquidator - 970 mile raced sled
1975 340/S - I-500 raced sled
1978 440 Liquifire
AirborneX4Special
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Real Name: Pat
Location: N. IL

Re: suspension on a 80 liquifire

Post by AirborneX4Special »

tieszo6 wrote:On my 81 LF, I put a gas shock in the rear and also put a coilover gas shock on the front arm. Other members have done the same for their cross country racers. I think it was a significant improvement in ride quality on my sled.
Mark
What gas shocks did you use? I have used one from Parts Unlimited on the rear but never put a coil over on the front.
BrandoWI
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Joined: Wed Jan 22, 2014 10:51 am
Location: Port Washington, Wisconsin

Re: suspension on a 80 liquifire

Post by BrandoWI »

Joe what kimpex shock did u order for the rear by.chance ??? I looked all morning to cross reference the size its the shock absorber size alls it gives is the ski shock !!! Its the last pice to this big puzzle I need going to do ur idea if u dont mind any other picks would help. Thanks so much bud
1973 400
1980 liquifire
1982 trailfire
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JoeRainville
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Re: suspension on a 80 liquifire

Post by JoeRainville »

BrandoWI,

I used FOX shocks in both positions. The rear was modified by Carver Performance to have the same open and closed length as the factory shock. I think it started life as an overstock ZR 440 front suspension remote remote reservior shock. Kenny Waters "The Watersboy" worked out the details with Carver, but I think the valveing is close to a 98 Polaris XCR or such. It was shortened to fit, and Kenny made a set of bushings for the top and ordered sleeve bushing for the bottom of it. The front shock in the skid is another FOX unit, but it does not have the remote reservoir and came off a Polaris. Limiter straps were used to prevent overtravel, as that shock was only rebuilt, not modified. Kenny made each of us modified front arms to accept the upper shock mount. I will take a look and see what other pic's I have.

I hope this helps,
-Joe
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ljm
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Location: near Port Elgin, Ontario

Re: suspension on a 80 liquifire

Post by ljm »

Brando

Don't worry about it being a ski shock. As long as the dimensions are right it will work.
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BrandoWI
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Joined: Wed Jan 22, 2014 10:51 am
Location: Port Washington, Wisconsin

Re: suspension on a 80 liquifire

Post by BrandoWI »

Thanks jim. Ya just need 2 locate all the pieces to my big puzzle! The one thing I wish the tech book said is the open and close spech of the rear stock shock absorber. From what I have seen looks to be open 11.5 and close to be 7 ever give or take just a little but not all to sure on the spec. Well ill 2 go to my shop and fire up the CNC and go to work on in it this. This spring is going 2 consist of wielding fab time kids Turkey hunting and then start all over on the wifes trailfire cant wait !!!!! Alot of work but it pays off !!! Well and its fun as hell !!
1973 400
1980 liquifire
1982 trailfire
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