82 spitfire

andrew · Post by **andrew** » Sat Dec 13, 2008 8:47 pm

what does this do and can i ride sled with this broken?

Caleb55 · Post by **Caleb55** » Sat Dec 13, 2008 8:57 pm

You can get'em on EBAY for about $3 shipped to ya! I believe it's a limiting strap? but don't quote me on that!

JDT · Post by **JDT** » Sat Dec 13, 2008 9:03 pm

Dennis Kirk also sells a universal limiting strap.

I would advise against riding the machine without it. Serious damage could be done.

andrew · Post by **andrew** » Sat Dec 13, 2008 9:10 pm

thanks for the info fellas.. ordered two to have them but when they came the invoice had a different name called slide rail straps not limiter strap does anybody know if there is a difference?or maybe wrong straps

JDT · Post by **JDT** » Sat Dec 13, 2008 9:23 pm

Probably the same thing.

andrew · Post by **andrew** » Sat Dec 13, 2008 9:35 pm

is it a easy installation?and while im down there what should i grease heard about addin zerks but dont have a clue where?

JDT · Post by **JDT** » Sat Dec 13, 2008 9:54 pm

Unless you are positive as to the service and maintenance done to any vintage sled I would tear it down to establish piece of mind and eliminate problems that can stain your wallet and possibly even worse, your life.

Do it in steps if you are new to the hobby. Do one component at a time. Buy a serivice manual. Read it cover to cover before you reach for your wrenchs.

As for this issue with the strap. Yes, you can put a new one in with nothing more than a 7/16" wrench.

But I would remove the entire suspenion system from the chassis. Just 4 or 6 bolts. Set it on your work bench and look it over very closely.
Pay attention to any part that moves; bearings, bushings, springs and there mounts, shocks ect.
Under good lighting inspect all the welds. Cracks are common.
Look at the slides and replace if they show much wear. They are inexpensive at $12 each. Running worn out slides can ruin your track and a Spitfire track is very hard to find as no after market replacements were ever made.
While the suspension is out you can inspect the drive shaft, drive sprockets , bearings ect. And of course the track itself.

When you are done with all this move one to another componet such as the skis and steering.

I always do the engine later. I figure that is the easiest thing to fix.

Many times that is the first thing a newbie goes after. They get it running and then jump on for the first ride.
Sometimes that is a very short ride. It is a long and embarrassing walk back home if your track shot out the back, your ski fell off or you hit a tree after you found out you had no brakes.

andrew · Post by **andrew** » Sat Dec 13, 2008 10:11 pm

great advice todd thanks..Ive been lookin for manuals on this sled but only found the operators on ebay and bought it. but surely a service manual will turn up.know another place to find one?

JDT · Post by **JDT** » Sat Dec 13, 2008 11:38 pm

Manuals for other Deere models are still availbale from Deere. Maybe the Spit/Snow also??