Anyone tried extending the rear wheel base a few inches on the LT 80? I was thinking that a new shock and spring re-mounted with about 3 inches extra length might help the dismal handling... any ideas? The steel brackets that hold the rear axle carrier to the back of the motor would be the logical place to add the length.

 

I don't think there is any easy or cheap way to put any length on the LT80,a lot of the rear assembly is intergrated with the engine/swingarm. I have never seen or heard of a kit to lengthen them, they make a 6" widening kit for the front, and wider axles for the back,but the fact no manufacturer ever tried a length kit tells me it would not be something you would want to try. There's also the exhaust,the way the pipe is routed, it is pretty tight,trying to relocate the shock might not be possible.Not that it could never be done,look at what fourlix did with a badger frame mini raptor and some blaster a-arms, that came out fantastic,but research carefully before you start cutting and welding !!!!

 

I have been thinking about this for sometime now. I'm going to talk to a guy that has done some fabrication work for me in the past and see if it can be done. I was going to add about 2 or 3 inches to the rear steel plate that bolts onto the motor. And install a motocross shock off the honda cr80. I think that an extension plate will also have to be made for the pipe. I'll let you know when i find out something on this.

 

Well, it seems to work. I have used an old motocross shock, and added 3 inches to the wheelbase. Much more travel, better over the rough stuff, has changed the handling quite a bit. Racing next weekend, will report on progress...

 

Could you send me pictures and/or plans for your set up? Years ago, I sold my LT80 to my buddy for his little guy, and the suspension is his main beef, sounds like your set up would work nice for him. Let me know how it comes out. PM or email me with any info you have. Thanks !!!!

 

I'm alittle confused on your post.Your post ask if someone has done it to the lt80 and you reply with you have done it and it works well. I would like to know more about it as we also race the lt80 and it does need help in the suspension send me an e-mail on how you did it.

 

Yes, when I first asked the question, I was thinking about it. Didn't get any help, so it took about a day to get it done... That's why I can now report on progress.
The shock I used was about 3 inches longer than the old one. With a 3 inch extension, I mounted the shock on the stock top mount, and made another mount at the bottom of the extension, between the end of the motor and the axle carrier. This mount is a threaded rod end, so I can set the ride height where I want. The stock exhaust fits around the new shock. Seems good, and kid is happy with it.