I finally replaced that tie rod that has been bent for over a year today. Only $13 for the rod itself, but what a pain in the ***. Changing it isn't bad. Taking it off and on three times to get it aligned properly is. I did notice that the thing handles and steers much tighter than it did before. Doesn't have that extra toe out on the right side anymore. Differential fluid is changed now, so all I like for maintenance is to change the oil. After that its time to start focusing on modifications including all the components of the highlifter kit bought separate from other places to save $$$.

 

If you put the performance kit let us know the outcome. I know you will be specific and precise, thats why I'm asking.

 

Andy:
Glad to hear you got everything fixed properly finally. What's the easiest way to align the front end? A friend of mine was riding my Dad's 'Cat on a long ride over the weekend, and was complaining of his arm being sore from it pulling to the right pretty bad. Not sure if he's just a candy *** or what, as I really didn't notice much myself after putting ~30 miles on it. Of course, I'm a good 50 lbs. bigger than he is too, so that may have something to do with it.

Also, I've just now put on about 450 miles on my 'Cat and was wondering if there is anything I should do as far as maintenance goes. So far, I've only changed the oil, and cleaned the air filter, as well as checking every nut and bolt I could find, and replaced a few of the plastic rivets that hold the fenders on. Anything else I should check, or do? I did have to put the break lines back in the holders, as they were ripped loose from a ride in the rough stuff. I also need to replace the entire airbox assembly, as I landed hard on a stick that broke a 3" hole in the bottom corner next to the drain plug. Not a real emergency thing, just something I'd like to fix. Part should be in next week, so I'll fix it then.

One more thing-I'm with Irichard, as I'd like to hear what you think after installing the various parts of the highlifter kit. I appreciated your analysis of your bi/tri claws, as it was about as honest as you could have been, and I'm sure your thoughts on the performance kit would be just as worthwhile. I was about to install a jet kit since I put in the different plug, but my dealer said not to, as the 2000 model 'Cats really don't need to be jetted. Any thoughts on this?

Thanks again!

Mike

 

As far as alignment goes, I just eyeballed it. Got it to where it looked straight on or at least even with the other tire, and then drove it around to see if it pulled any on level pavement. The third time seemed as good as I could get it so I left it like that. I did tighten everything down good before putting it back together with all the wire ties on the plastic.

The performance stuff might be a few months. I'm going to wait and see if they come out with anything new from dynojet, and I'm also going to wait until Rocky Mountain carries that pipe. No sense dropping more cash from somebody else. If and when I do get that stuff, I'll make a big write up on it here. I'll probably be getting a crash course in carbueration too, so I'll be asking people stuff right and left.