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Getting ready to replace front bogie/idler wheels: Advice on removal of old wheels?

S

SOS RANCH

Member
I did a 10 mile ride and when I got back, I noticed that a chunk of polyurethane or whatever it is had fallen out such that I worried that I could throw a track in the middle of nowhere. So now I have to remove the tracks (I will do both as the other one is old too) and replace these with new ones I got from Spryte Improvement. I don't expect it to be easy but I do have track jacks to help. How difficult is the removal of the old ones and what is the preferred method?
Thanks in advance to you experienced folk.... I was unable to find much on this online..
 
I don't recall, on your Imp? Can't help 'cause Ive never done it...yet. Mine appear to be OEM solid rubber, well worn but still holding up and I should eventually replace them w/bearings. Looks pretty simple, unlace the tracks and unbolt the assembly from the frame. Other than frozen rusted bolts and all the contortions and grunting and swearing required, no problemo!
 
There are instructions that came with the wheel, BT so thanks for the reply.

Another Question for anyone that has disconnected and reconnected the tracks: Where is the best position to put the connection/hinge that connects the tracks, to remove the pins and disconnect... and then later reconnect?

It was suggested that this position is the hinge between the last wheel and the sprocket, on top of course. To disconnect and then reconnect.

By the way, I got a track jack from Snowcat service and man, that thing is a BEAST !! A bit too big for a narrow track Thiokol from the mid 70s. But stout??? man this is STOUT. Sheesh....
 
SOS RANCH said:
There are instructions that came with the wheel, BT so thanks for the reply.

Another Question for anyone that has disconnected and reconnected the tracks: Where is the best position to put the connection/hinge that connects the tracks, to remove the pins and disconnect... and then later reconnect?

It was suggested that this position is the hinge between the last wheel and the sprocket, on top of course. To disconnect and then reconnect.

By the way, I got a track jack from Snowcat service and man, that thing is a BEAST !! A bit too big for a narrow track Thiokol from the mid 70s. But stout??? man this is STOUT. Sheesh....
Click to expand...
Yep, drag the track over the top of the drive sprocket a few inches, hold it in place with some straps so it doesn't slip back, hook up the track jacks and go to town. It's really about the only location that will allow acces to the nut holding the lacing pin in place. That said, I've done this but once and without a track jack....therefore I'm far from an expert. Have since fabricated a jack based on OEM dimensions. Ran me about $50 in materials and a few hours of my free labor. Hope to never have to use it
Edit: I see where you managed just fine with the jacks in front of the drive sprockets. Looks like a good plan
 
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