Jump to content
  • GUESTS

    If you want access to members only forums on HSO, you will gain access only when you Sign-in or Sign-Up .

    This box will disappear once you are signed in as a member. ?

Worth Fixing?


jjohnson5150

Recommended Posts

I have a 1991 Artic Cat EXT 550 w/4,000 miles. The steel shaft connecting the steering rod & ski broke this weekend while in use. This has been a good sled for me. I'd like to fix it, but don't want to dump more money into than what it's worth. Has anyone had similar repairs? If so, would it be as simple as welding it or will this be a perm weak spot. I'd appreciate opinions on this.

[image]http://images.costcophotocenter.com/232323232%7Ffp4323%3A%3Enu%3D3235%3E%3B83%3E543%[/image]

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Can't imagine it couldn't be welded. Might need to add a piece of steel alongside to reinforce it. A good welding shop or even a truck repair shop or body shop could probably take care of it. Shouldn't cost very much.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

If I'm seeing that right, its the lower A-arm that is snapped in half right at the shock mount.

You could probably take it off, weld it, and clean it up but I think you'll always have a weak area at that spot. There is a lot of stress placed on the arm at the lower shock connection.

Since we're towards the end of winter, keep an eye on HSOList for a used lower A-Arm for your sled (91 EXT 550). By the way... I have the same sled! ;\) There are plenty of used A-arms on there right now but didn't notice one for this particular model. Should be able to get it pretty cheap.

Cat Part # is 0703-167 and is available new from Cat for $128.46. Probably get it used on HSOList for $20-30.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Maybe I'm the oddball, and its just my opinion, but trying to patch or repair a broken component that is subject to different loads and stresses, and is highly involved in the directional control of the sled, just isnt a real great idea. Even knowing how to weld, I wouldn't even consider welding a front end geometry component. Please replace it for your own safety, and that of others on the trail with you. You'll never regret doing it right! \:\(

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Guest
This topic is now closed to further replies.


  • Your Responses - Share & Have Fun :)

    • got this tackled today took about 3 hours to get both sides done. Didnt even get to use a torch....   Thought I was golden with just jacking it up and I could get to everything but no luck. Had to remove the entire axle hub and brake assembly to get to what I needed. Was a pain but still better then taking off the entire pivot arm.    Axle bearings were already greased and in great shape thankfully. Got both leaf springs installed and its ready for the road again.   Probably going to have my electric brakes checked, I am not touching anything with the brake drums. Based on what I saw it doesn't look like my electric brakes have been working anyway. Brakes are nice to have if its slippery out
    • By The way that didn't work either!! Screw it I'll just use the cellular. 
    • It’s done automatically.  You might need an actual person to clear that log in stuff up.   Trash your laptop history if you haven’t tried that already.
    • 😂 yea pretty amazing how b o o b i e s gets flagged, but they can't respond or tell me why I  can't get logged in here on my laptop but I can on my cellular  😪
    • I grilled some brats yesterday, maybe next weekend will the next round...  
    • You got word censored cuz you said        B o o b ies….. haha.   Yeah, no… grilling is on hiatus for a bit.
    • Chicken mine,  melded in Mccormick poultry seasoning for 24 hours.  Grill will get a break till the frigid temps go away!
    • we had some nice weather yesterday and this conundrum was driving me crazy  so I drove up to the house to take another look. I got a bunch of goodies via ups yesterday (cables,  winch ratchet parts, handles, leaf springs etc).   I wanted to make sure the new leaf springs I got fit. I got everything laid out and ready to go. Will be busy this weekend with kids stuff and too cold to fish anyway, but I will try to get back up there again next weekend and get it done. I don't think it will be bad once I get it lifted up.    For anyone in the google verse, the leaf springs are 4 leafs and measure 25 1/4" eye  to eye per Yetti. I didnt want to pay their markup so just got something else comparable rated for the same weight.   I am a first time wheel house owner, this is all new to me. My house didn't come with any handles for the rear cables? I was told this week by someone in the industry that cordless drills do not have enough brake to lower it slow enough and it can damage the cables and the ratchets in the winches.  I put on a handle last night and it is 100% better than using a drill, unfortatenly I found out the hard way lol and will only use the ICNutz to raise the house now.
  • Topics

×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

By using this site, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. We have placed cookies on your device to help make this website better. You can adjust your cookie settings, otherwise we'll assume you're okay to continue.