used 2008 M8. Questions

[Sledtillded]

Hey guys looking at a used 08. M8 163 with 750 original miles. Looking-at this sled for the wife to ride. As she prefers the sit down style better. I am not a Cat Guy, as in I don’t know if there were bad years. Was this a good year ? Anything to look at with these? I know the engines are bullet proof. Does this one have a chain case or is it gear drive. Looks like it has coil over shocks. and not the air shocks. Trying. To get some info before I go look at it.
Cheers !

 

[CatMan16]

I had one that I put on 2400 miles without any major issues. It has the diamond drive gear case with the solenoid engaged reverse. Only issue mine had was a random electrical problem that would kill the motor once and a while. It would always start right back up though. I never tracked down the problem before I traded it in.

 

[Sledtillded]

Thanks. That helps

 

[AGGRESIVEZEBRA]

pretty bullet proof just make sure you change the diamond drive oil often. that is the only problem spot if you dont do the maintence

 

[Lund]

My wife rode that same sled till last season, i tried for several season to get her on a newer sled and no way she wanted to give her M8 up. Finally last season she did and got into a new one.
The sled had over 8,000 on it basically all trouble free. It never let us down, they are very tough and reliable. Ladies do love them, easy to ride and inspire confidence.
Their weakest area is the Diamond drive, if you could call it weak. IMO, one of the best drive system around for sleds, i wish Cat still used it and i wish i had it in my Winder.
The biggest issue with them is the gear box uses very little oil, any kind of unknowing leak can be a huge problem as it would pile up quickly. Best thing to do is to check the gear oil regularly and make sure there is no leaks.
Your wife will love the sled.

 

[gibsons]

For what ever reason, my 08, steering was way stiffer then my 07. Great machine and very reliable otherwise though. Was also greased very regularly as well.

 

[catmando]

I had a 08 m8 I bought off terry at t and t , one of the best sleds I ever had !

 

[catmando]

Here it is, me and terry

 

[Sledtillded]

Thanks for all the feed back guys. Much appreciated. I have no problem doing the maintenance. Knowing the areas to watch for definitely helps. There must be a seal on the back side of that gear case. Is that something you just change out at a certain mileage as a preventive ?

 

[Lund]

Thanks for all the feed back guys. Much appreciated. I have no problem doing the maintenance. Knowing the areas to watch for definitely helps. There must be a seal on the back side of that gear case. Is that something you just change out at a certain mileage as a preventive ?

Yes, there is the axle seal. That is the one that will leak without you knowing.
It is not a bad job to change and if i was to buy a used M8 with the diamond drive i would just change the seal out.
The diamond drive has to be removed to do so. The toughest part of the job is the removal of the bolt located inside the axle you can access from the right hand side at the disc brake. A long extension is needed and that bolt is loc-tight in place.

 

[Allseasons]

Roll sled on its side, look between the track and front cooler, to check top of bulkhead/tunnel for a crack where the steering post nut is. There is a fix kit if that starts to crack out. 07-09 was a problem with us Apes yarding hard on the bars

 

[TROLLCAT]

I have a stock air shock and swing arms for that .... cheap

if you want to up grade