Tunnel protectors

[micultra]

With what size studs do you need to start worring about protecting your cooling lines? I read on woody's site that because of track damage you don't wanna go any bigger than 3/8" larger than track lug.What about tunnel damage? I believe it should only effect the rear cooling member right? The rest are in NONE studded area's.
Charles

[Skinner]

If they are to long, they will tear up your tunnel and bulkhead. What year is your sled and is the suspension and track stock? Are you trail riding?

[micultra]

Well it's a 1994 running a 7/8" Yamaha Track with 1" studs. The skid is a SC-10 1999 MXC SKI-DOO.The track was studded with 240 1" before I got this newer Yamaha track. There is bulkhead damage, but I believe it's from the ratcheting before I got the anti-ratchet drivers from Rich motor sports. SO what ya think?
Charles

[Skinner]

Charles
I don't know how that sc-10 bolts in the chassis and how much difference there is between the top of the track and the tunnel compared to the stock suspension. The rule was: stock track = .750 lug. Recommended stud was .875. That gives you .125 exposed stud. Any longer is playing with fire. It now depends on spring tension and how hard ya pound it. Most bulkeads and tunnels that I see are all chewed up. Its because the studs are to long. I put .875 studs in my 95 new, trail rode it hard and never hit the bottom with a stud. Granted, it don't hook as hard as it would with a longer stud but ya gotta pick your poison

[micultra]

Thanks for the reply Skinner
Charles

[snoman]

I worry everytime I ride with mine. Stay off the 1' moguls and no jumping here. A 1" camo. with 1.1375(I think) Extreme Max is installed with rear exchangers and tunnel protectors. No major damage except big bumps have provided a few scratches.

[micultra]

My coolers don't look that bad ( as bad as these pics) But my bulk head is scraped up good. Now I'm thinking ratcheting...
Charles

[snoman]

My bulkhead is scratch free. the actual rear exchange cooler only has 5 war wounds. the rest are on the that cross bar just below the cooler, which is a good thing. My tunnel protectors nipped a little also. I weigh 255, this may also be a contributing facter when going WFO. All is good to go though. I just fring a little when hitting the more serious bumps.