Ice Age Elevate options for Ascender / Alpha

[0neoldfart]

There are several threads about this modification on Snowest, some guys are just dropping the rear skid and adding elevate spindles to raise the front end - BDX has recently come out with a taller spindle as well. The intent is to make the Ascender chassis even more capable on the snow. My story: I repurposed a Kmod skid from my 1100T and installed it into my King Cat, and found the front end to be more planted then I'd like due to the increased ride height in the rear. So, looking into the elevate spindles I couldn't justify the price tag, so I ordered Riot spindles from my Cat dealer which are longer then the stockers. The spindles bolt on, keeping the same caster angle, but the tie rods would contact the lower a-arms at full extension with the bars turned. Ended up making a set of spacers and purchasing a set of tie rod ends that didn't have a stud, so I could just use a bolt of the proper length. After some ride time, I can say that Cat should have done this from factory, or every Ascender chassis owner should consider this mod or change the spindles to the Elevate kit, as it makes a great sled even more nimble, and improves the handling a bunch. FWIW, the materials I used were less then a 1/3rd of the cost of the Elevate spindles...

 

[knh208]

Watch those rod ends VERY closely. The extra length on the bolt creates a lot of prying force.

 

[0neoldfart]

Thanks for your input, I've been monitoring them for sure. No signs of loosening up, and the spacers are a tight fit on the bolt, wide enough that they cover most of the spindle mounting surface, perfectly flat so they can't shift, either. The heim joints I used are much heavier then the OEM cat ends,I didn't use cheap bolts either. I feel the weak point will be the tie rod tubes
Furthermore, if you are the kind of guy that does a lot of ditch riding, doesn't do a lot of your own maintenance on your sled and do pre-ride checks, I'd strongly recommend spending the extra $$$ and going with the aftermarket kits, as they leave less chance for potential failure

 

[06yamahaapex]

How did this hold up?

 

[0neoldfart]

How did this hold up?

Had no issues, but I only ran it that way for a few rides. Ended up with a Elevate kit and sold the setup I had. As for the Elevate kit, I haven’t ridden the sled since it was installed, but I’m expecting good results.

 

[Bigjerry]

Had no issues, but I only ran it that way for a few rides. Ended up with a Elevate kit and sold the setup I had. As for the Elevate kit, I haven’t ridden the sled since it was installed, but I’m expecting good results.

Hey what are your settings for the rear skid mounts with the elevate spindles if you don't mind me asking? I just converted my Alpha to a twin rail and swapped over the Elevate spindles. Not sure if I should order the Elevate rails to go with the front spindles? Right now I have the front mount in the lowest of the three holes (drilled out) and the rear in the bottom hole.

Thanks!

J

 

[Bnorth]

My Alpha is in top middle front hole (stock location) and upper rear hole. I have never played with the front mount but had initially dropped the rear and then went back to the upper location.

 

[0neoldfart]

I run a Kmod rear skid, so my suspension mounting is slightly different then stock. I drilled new holes in the drop brackets to allow the track to sit flat.