76-78 Liquifire questions (rules of thumb)

[Jekyll]

No secret here that I've been doing some background work trying to decide which model/era Deere to go in search of.

If you guys don't mind I'd like your thoughts on the 76-78 Liquifre machines.

From an outsider, it seems as though the 1978 models are more collectable that 76-77 machines? Maybe because 76-77 look so much alike? Maybe the 78's have the tie-in with the CC model? Your thoughts are what I'd like to hear.

With the 78 Liquifires, all things being equal condition wise, are the 340s more collectable than the 440s?

Thanks for your thoughts,
Roger

[chris71605]

I like the look of the 76-77 liquifires better, but that is just my opinion. The 78's have a better suspension. I have heard that the 340's are more rare but someone with more knowledge will have to comment on that for sure. Pretty much you need to decide what looks good to you and thats all that matters. Hope this helps.

Chris

[lwb140]

the production numbers are posted now in the models section , i think all 6 models ,76-78 lfs both 340 and 440 are simply awesome . run good start good look incredible etc . the 76s are heavier than the 77s and 78s cz of the motor mounts and a few other things . the 78s were even lighter than the 77s with the aluminum skid , id be more interested in looking for a complete straight original lf than which exact model it is ,personally i like all 3 years for different reasons . i think the 340s are tougher to find especially the 78s .yes it seems there is some majesty in the 78 340l/f because of the cc .but i have always loved the looks of the 76-77 my thoughts wade

[Norton]

Hello Roger,
Hope you know that I will ride with ETJ no matter what sled is in the stable!!!!
I really like the 78 models both because of the better skid frame and the radiator and the all black color too.
Have no idea of what % of Liquifires were 340's and what were 440's that year, but that is an interesting question I have not seen discussed on this form.
I think you would be happer with a 440 though, as they must be 10 mph faster than the 340.
Should I call if I find one out here??? The newest member of ETJ (John) has bought, or is in the process of buying a 76 Cyclone and a 76 LF. Think we gave him some kind of bug.....

keith

[HoosierDeereMan]

Hey Roger,

If you are flirting with buying a 76-78 Liquifire, I think you are making a good choice. IMO the 78 paint scheme is what makes them the most desirable of that era. Something about those stripes and that hood vent just sets the sled off. As mentioned before I think you would be happier with a 440 model. Just a few items to note. The 76-77 had a tunnel heat exchanger under the seat. The 78 does not. The 76-77 does not have a toolbox built into the gas tank. They had a leather tool bag that you stuck under the hood. There is also a height difference in the gas tanks at the seat. The 76-77 had a shorter tank and shorter seat (less foam). The 78 seats are over 1" taller I think. Of course 76-77 had the dual hood vents in the top and side where the 78 has the single hood vent on top (very hard to find not cracked). I'm not sure about performance increases from 76-78. The 78's with the round plug Prestolite CDI box do seem to be much more reliable that the "B" style retangular plug units. The 78's also used aluminum suspension shafts. They corrode and weld themselves in the pivot tubes and are a real PITA to get out. We've talked about them on here before. Also the 78's do not have a on/off light switch. The headlights are through the ignition key. 78's also use the later generation II Liquifire handlebar grips. One of the most common problems is the hood hinge. Almost any one you find will have the fiberglass hood cracked, broken, or riveted at the hinge. Parts are pretty plentiful still for these models. The key is finding one with a straight pan and bumper!

Good luck in your search! Let us know what you decide on or happen to wonder across.

Troy

[WinnipegStPaul9]

[quote=" The key is finding one with a straight pan and bumper!

Good luck in your search! Let us know what you decide on or happen to wonder across.

Troy[/quote]
T-roy, are you poking fun at me again LOL. I sorta had a straight pan for a few hours.

DA

[JDMIKE8100]

I currently have a 76 440 Liquifire,had a 76 340 Liquifire too.
I prefer the colour combination of the 76-77's,the black,silver,yellow is a great contrast against the snow.
The Deere logo is large so this sled is easily recognized.
I find these sleds very comfortable and stable to ride even today.
The 340 is quicker out of the hole but the 440 has more torque and top end.
Had stator/ignition trouble with the 440 also there is ice build up around the tunnel after operating.
These sleds are heavy to lug around.
I have a 77 Cyclone too,If you prefer green these are a very underated sled.
Perhaps more reliable than the Liquifire with almost as much bang for the buck.
I didn't much like the rainbow stripe on the 78 but it was the best built Liquifire.

[I500]

Its pretty obvious that the 77 is the best all-around sled, hands down. Anything else is just second best.

[lwb140]

honestly the 80s-like trim on the 78 kind of turned me off until i actually bought one and became familiar with it. i thought i reminded me of a 79 t/f eeek its almost hard to type comparing the two sleds , wade

[buck43]

I have both 77 and 78 Liquifires and I have to agree with Chuck the 77 is the best it justs looks rite just setting still !

[Dator76]

the 78 is the best of the 76-78 era in my opinion, they had the lightest rear section as they had a smaller heat exchanger and lighter suspension as well as a thicker seat. However the 80 and up liquifire has the better center of gravity and i was able to ride them much harder than the 78 style. the 76-78 has an good engine in them, the 80-84 has a lighter somewhat less stout engine requiring more attention than the 76-78. overall in my opinion the 78 liquifire is my favorite of all the deere production snowmobiles. we owned a 77,78,80,and 82 liquifires all at the same time.