Guys I am guessing a question of this sorts has been posted 1000 times. However I could find the answers in my searches. So, I need your help!

I recently ran my quad a little lean on oil, and shattered the piston. No biggy, as I was going to have a rebuild done anyway.. Any special tips on the motor? I will have to have it bored, as when the piston blew it messed up the cylinder walls. (Is there anything else I should have replaced while the motor is out? like clutch baskets or anything like that)

I want to have a badass quad. I hate the yellow and blue scheme anyway. So, the plan is to strip the quad down to bare frame and have it powder coated, and some parts chromed. I have read lots about there being frame issues with these quads. I am a big guy 5'11" 260 LB. Where should I have some extra support welded into the frame?

I want a wider stance as well, so I will be getting new A-arms as well as a new axle. However I am not sure what brand to go with. Can you please give me ideas? Also, I have seen there are aftermarket Swig Arms out there as well... Do I really need this, or should I just Chrome the stock one? I will be ridding mostly trails and dunes.. I have no plans to race.

Please feel free to throw in any 2 cetns you have... I have had a few quads over the years, but they are all 4 stroke... I am going into this blind, and looking for a lot of help...

Lastly my Quad is an 88. Money is also a sort of a concern, but I have about 5 grand to drop. I know lots of people will say sell it and get new, but I really don't want to...

Thanks a lot in advance!

Austin

 

If you want a badass quad with a wider stance and have 5 grand to drop, you should just upgrade to a lT500. You could find a very nice one for way under 5 grand.

 

First off, it depends what you want out of your motor. Being it's an 88 model there are several mods you can do to make it run quicker. Do you plan on sending it off to someone for porting, etc? If so, FTZ makes a killer engine for the LT. If you want to do it cheaper, I suggest purchasing some quality aftermarket reeds and reed cage. Also, you can swap out to a larger carb. I prefer a Keihin over the junk stock Mikuni (my opinion). You don't want to go too big on the carb though unless you have porting done. A 36mm will work fine for mild modifications. Also, do you have an aftermarket pipe and silencer yet? If not get one! LOL. A pipe and silencer will make a big difference in performance. Several companies make nice pipes, such as LRD, FMF, FTZ, etc. Also, you can get either a K&N paper filter, or a dual stage foam air filter (which I prefer). Both should help you breath a little better. A pro-design cool head can raise compression with different size domes that they offer and also helps your engine to run cooler. - just a few thoughts on your engine that won't break the bank.
As far as for A-Arms, there are several companies that make them for the LT. I have +2" ATV speacialties chrome arms w/ tripple rate works w/ rezzies on front of mine which work well. Remember if you do get extended A-arms that stock suspension will suffer. Axles are the same thing...several companies make extended, Dura Blue probably being the least expensive, RPM, Lone Star also make axles for the LT. I have had the Heavy duty Dura Blue and the X-33 which both worked well.
I personally have replaced the junk stock swingarm (again, my opinion) with aftermarket round housing style steel swingarms on both my '92 LT's. It makes chain adjustment a lot easier and it's a lot stronger than the stocker that tends to crack and/or slip and allow you to throw the chain. Lone Star and Laeger make swingarms.
You are on the right track by stripping down the frame and gusseting it. Be sure to pay attention to the front shock mounts and around the footpegs - also check your upper rear shock mounting area.
There are several modifications you can do to your quad. About the only thing you can't find for the LT is an aftermarket frame [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-mad.gif[/img]
Let me know if you need any more info! I'll be glad to help.