I found a deal on an 02 Raptor for $1200 and I am picking it up on Tuesday. I haven't rode it yet but the guy that I'm buying it from thinks the timing chain is loose because he thinks he hears it slapping. I have yet to hear it for myself but if it is loose then what can be the cause?

 

The timing chain has an auto tensioner. It is fail proof. The timing chain cannot be loose. The slapping sound must be something else. I would need a better description to diagnose.

 

MasterRaptor is right on!

The sound is most likely from valve-lash. Ask the guy your buying it from if he's ever had the valves adjusted. If not, that's most likely the source of the "slapping" sound.

Good luck!

 

i would have to agree with valve lash. timing chain is fine untill it breaks/snaps

 

For $1200, drop the guy the cash and run if it is in any decent shape. You are probably a valve job away from a great quad.

I would thoroughly check out the quad before you buy it. This deal is too good to be true. If it does need some work, it is so well priced, you can afford to drop some coin into it. With your list of toys, you can afford to drop money into it.

 

It looks like I'm picking it up tomorrow. I visually checked it out and it ooks to be in great shape with no cracked plastics and only a slight dent in one A-arm. The battery was dead and it was 5 degrees outside when I looked at it so i haven't heard it run yet but I really dont care if it runs or not for that price. I might just keep it around if I like it. Hell, I could probably build it more insane than my old 440EX without putting more than 2 grand worth of performance parts into it. As for my list of toys, every single one was an insane deal just like this one. The 97 suburban was 5 grand, the rims were $800. As for the zx2, it was free and the rims were $200. The 94 Chevy 1500 cost me $500 and the paint still looks like new with no rust. The 440EX cost me $4500 total including cost of the quad itself. I paid $100 for the explorer and I'm currently selling it for $1700. Both Blasters cost $400 each and the katana was basically free. I got 3 of them for $600, parted out 2 and made 2 grand, then I made one good one and sold it. Did I mention the 95 Firebird that I picked up today for $425.00? I can find good deals all day long and if anybody needs some help finding anything, contact me. How well do the Raptors handle with wider axles and A-arms? I think my old 440Ex wil be tough to beat.

 

All you really need is a wider axle or rear spacers. This improves handling on the raptor big time. The front doesn't help much for cornering or handling. It just gives more travel and a better ride.

 

That slapping could be a messed up loose starter bearing or something, its on the same side and they mess up on 02s all the time, but for 1200, i would run to get it

 

I noticed a significant improvement with the +2 A-arms and +4 axle. With your luck, you can pick it up for an old catchers mit and a quart of bud. A friend of mine called bs when I sunk the money into those two items. He has the same 02 Raptor and it wasn't long before he was convinced and got a similar setup.

 

If I keep the raptor one of the first improvements will be a wider axle and A-arms. I had +2 front and back on my 440 and it made a HUGE difference. The Raptor sits really high and it's narrow so a wider stance is just what it needs. I also need an exhaust system ASAP. Whats a good exhaust that isn't too loud? I do a lot of full throttle riding and I need something with a lot of mid and top end power.