Studding Your Track

HOW TO STUD YOUR TRACK

hosing the right number of studs is dependent upon the horsepower of your sled, the aggressiveness of the rider and the suspension set-up. More track surface contacting the ground allows for more studs contacting the ground and consequently more traction to the ground.  Do not under-stud or use the minimum - you will not be happy.  For maximum durability, a heavier trail rider requires more studs than a lighter trail rider. Choose the right stud for your needs. Race studs are very aggressive, but have a short lifespan when used for trail riding.

HOW TO select A STUD PATTERN

The studding pattern is determined by the number of studs that will be installed as well as whether acceleration or cornering are most important.

A) Do not under-stud on the outside belt of the track - either use a minimum of one stud on every 2nd outside row on each side of the track or do not put any outside of the slide rails. Any 500cc or larger sled should have 1 stud per outside row or none at all on each row outside of the slide rails.

B) Do not install studs more tha 1 1/8" from slide window on the outside of the slide rails.

C) The center belt has the greater effect upon acceleration.

D) The outer belts have a greater effect upon cornering.

E) Lay out as many "scratch lines" as possible. Space lines a minimum of 1/4" apart.

F) Allow for adequate tunnel clearance.

G) Install tunnel and heat exchanger protection.

H) Install studs as rigidly as possible. Weak backing plates cause a loss of traction and stud failure and T-nut failure.

HOW TO INSTALL STUDS

1) Determine the number of studs and stud pattern.  Stud patterns show below are only a starting point. Use your imagination.

2) Work off the top of your track near the rear mud flap. (Pull two rear suspension mounting bolts on the tunnel, this helps greatly and is very easy - this drops the rear of the track.)

3) Using backer plates - lay out your pattern on the track.

4) Make a detailed sketch of your pattern, measuring from any reference point of the track you desire, preferably the slider windows.  An offset of at least 1/4" is best between each "traction line."

5) Drill out one backer plate as a template for the DT-100 or DT-200 drill tools.

6) Use a Saber track cutter tool to bore a hole in the track where each stud is located by using your backer plate as a template.

  a) Use of a template insures accurate stud location, especially when installing 120 studs or more. The track cutter tool cuts cleanly and leaves the perfect size hole without weakening the track by overheating.

  b) When using push-thru studs such as Warthogs or Stingers, insert the stud through the track, slip the backer plate over the stud, install the locknut and tighten until the stud's shoulder bottoms out on the backer plate.  Repeat until all studs are installed. Locktite is not needed when ny-lok nuts are used. All Warthog and Stinger studs use ny-lok nuts. Use a torque wrench when using nylon backers - tighten nylon backers to 30-32 in. lbs.