Suspension and Track Swap for 77 Liquifire

69camaro · Post by **69camaro** » Sat Mar 08, 2008 1:15 am

Has anyone done a rear skid and track swap on a 77 Liquifire? I would like to make a nice rider out of it. For example, for next year's HOF ride. I am going to put the track from my 77 into my 76 Liquifire. I have a perfect track and rear skid from a 81 Liquifire. I do know the track is 4 inches shorter. I really want to use a rubber track and a skid with more travel for a rider. Thanks Duane

kenwaters · Post by **kenwaters** » Sat Mar 08, 2008 9:05 am

Duane,

Joe R and I shamedly admit to doing this with two Liquifires using Trailfire suspensions. I have to say, if you can find a 78 suspension and use the 84 Cat track that is still available, You probably will get a better ride (since the geometry was set up for a 121" track) and be able to point a wagging finger at us.

TASKY · Post by **TASKY** » Mon Mar 10, 2008 8:58 am

Rich could you post or send those suspension mounting location specs to me. billtasky@hotmail.com

Thanks TASKY

69camaro · Post by **69camaro** » Tue Mar 11, 2008 12:02 am

Ken, which 84 Cat model would that track be from? Thanks. Duane

69camaro · Post by **69camaro** » Tue Mar 11, 2008 12:04 am

Rich, could you put that in FAQ. Thanks. Duane

69camaro · Post by **69camaro** » Wed Mar 12, 2008 10:46 pm

Ken, did you use a all rubber 80-84 Liquifire track or did you use a cleated Trailfire track with the Trailfire skid? Do the early and late model Liquifire axles interchange? Also how did these sleds seem to perform. Thanks Duane

kenwaters · Post by **kenwaters** » Fri Mar 14, 2008 2:56 pm

Duane,

The Arctic Cat track I was talking about is for an 80-81 and 84 Panther. It is a 16 inch wide track, with 3.29 drivers which means you will have to use an 80-84 Liquifire drive axle.

69camaro · Post by **69camaro** » Sat Mar 15, 2008 1:48 am

Ken, is this track 121" which means you use the stock 76-77 suspension or a 78. Or do you use the 80's Liquifire suspension? Duane

kenwaters · Post by **kenwaters** » Sat Mar 15, 2008 8:49 am

Duane,

The Cat track would be for the 78 suspension.

JoeRainville · Post by **JoeRainville** » Sat Mar 15, 2008 4:13 pm

Duane,

That 121" Cat track should work on a 76-77 or 78 Suspension since all those sleds used the same orginal 121" track on the same slide rail centers.

The hack that Kenny described earlier was when we each had 76-77 LF's with Trailfire rear skids on the original 121" track. They rode nicer, but the suspension sat too far back from the drive axle. The result was the track jumping over the front of the rail, locking up the sled. I have pic's of Kenny's sled doing this. This was also about 14 years ago, we were young and dumb, and DO NOT recommend doing this swap.

-Rainville

B)

Post by **WinnipegStPaul9** » Sat Mar 15, 2008 4:58 pm

JoeRainville wrote:This was also about 14 years ago, we were young and dumb, -Rainville

B)

Soooooooooooooooo are you older and smarter, or............older and _____er. Signed: Just Curious

69camaro · Post by **69camaro** » Sun Mar 16, 2008 11:58 am

Ken, Dennis Kirk has that track still available, but they say it is a 2.52 pitch. Now the big one. Trying to get someone to sell a 78 rear suspension

Duane

River Rat · Post by **River Rat** » Sun Mar 16, 2008 3:24 pm

Duane.. I will sell you a 78 suspension for $450.00

It comes with a complete sled attached and will throw in another complete cyclone of your choice,,3 to choose from 2-76's 1-77 with liquifire motor in it..

Sorry..Don't want to take it out.. Frankie

kenwaters · Post by **kenwaters** » Sun Mar 16, 2008 4:46 pm

Duane,

All 76-78 Liquifires, Cyclones had a 121 X 15.5 X 2.52 pitch (with the rail centers being 7.625") track. That is why the Cat track(121 X 16 X 2.52 pitch with 7.5" rail center to center distance) is being suggested. You can put a new rubber track that can be studded under your sled. The 78 suspension is the best available ride for that chassis aside from the Dator lite suspension.

Don, Your initials are Just Err Curious? (JRC) <_< <_<

I can't believe Raindeere is owning up to that as well as knowing me that long!

JoeRainville · Post by **JoeRainville** » Sun Mar 16, 2008 5:47 pm

Kenny,

I am not admitting that I've known you that long. I am addmitting that I've been blaming you that long! Also note the 78 LF and Cyclone suspension was a slightly improved version of the Dator Lite. The 78 CC suspension would really be the best one of that era, but impossable to find. If I see you with wrenches under my sled however, that last thing you might hear is a loud "thud!" LOL!

Don,

I have no idea if I am any smarter that I was back then, but I sure hope so. I would hate to end up like Bob!

Duane,

You "should" be able to use the 2.52" track on your sled w/o any mods. Note the quotes around should, as I've never done it. I really have to give Chuck credit for finding that Cat track. I have spend many hours looking for a rubber track for the Deere sleds, but didn't broaden my search to 16" tracks. I still learn something new every day on these old girls...

Later Liquidator,
-Rainville