Is there a set measurement of toe in or toe out for ski alignment on a 98 skidoo formula 500? And if so, how is this measured. Also, my sled was purchased with the ancient metal skis. I have a set of plastic skis that i'm told will work for this machine. Now, here's the prob. The metal skis that are on there now, have about a 1 3/4 inch space between the metal rails, so the knuckle is slightly less than that in size. The plastic skis are the type with the aluminum rails, but the rails are one inch wider than the metal skis. I'm told there is a kit to pick up that will allow me to use these skis. I've picke up the rubber pads for the skis, and they are significantly thinner (flattened) than the rubber pads for the metal skis. Any help on this would be greatly appreciated because i'm getting frustrated with it. Last winter i saw a mach 583 , about a 1994 sled i think, and he had the identical plactic skis that I've got , and it looked to me like they bolted on with some sort of spacer on each side of the knuckle, he bought the sled like that , so I don't know if it was done properly or not.

thanks a million guys.

kevin
kevinhall_80athotmail.com

Kevin,

The ski manufacturer should have the proper shims/spacers for your sled - give them a call.

As for toe-in/out, just grab the ski tips and take out any play by moving them in towards each other. Then measure from the side of the ski at the front and at the rear and they should be close. I leave mine if they're within an inch difference but will adjust if there is any toe-in at all since that will slow you (a little toe out won't matter much).

Have fun,

G

Yeah if you are putting flex skis on there, you will need a couple shims..I used some big washers when I put those skis on my 97 mxz

A good way to measure/align the skis and bars is to place a 2x4 against the track and run it up beside the skis. you can then use that as a reference to align everything. Just make sure the 2x4 is straight!

Originally posted by bigturk_80@Sep 12 2004, 06:51 PM
Is there a set measurement of toe in or toe out for ski alignment on a 98 skidoo formula 500? And if so, how is this measured. Also, my sled was purchased with the ancient metal skis. I have a set of plastic skis that i'm told will work for this machine. Now, here's the prob. The metal skis that are on there now, have about a 1 3/4 inch space between the metal rails, so the knuckle is slightly less than that in size. The plastic skis are the type with the aluminum rails, but the rails are one inch wider than the metal skis. I'm told there is a kit to pick up that will allow me to use these skis. I've picke up the rubber pads for the skis, and they are significantly thinner (flattened) than the rubber pads for the metal skis. Any help on this would be greatly appreciated because i'm getting frustrated with it. Last winter i saw a mach 583 , about a 1994 sled i think, and he had the identical plactic skis that I've got , and it looked to me like they bolted on with some sort of spacer on each side of the knuckle, he bought the sled like that , so I don't know if it was done properly or not.

thanks a million guys.

kevin
kevinhall_80athotmail.com
344678


Here is the ski alignment method a racer buddy tought me:Measure and rachet strap the handlebars perfectly straight an imobile. Next strap a bungie across the ski loops to remove all slop. Slightly jack the front end up so the skis can pivot. Lay a long straightedge against the track, and measure both front and rear of the skis. You want each ski to toe out approx .125" (A total of a minimum .250" toe out). Perfectly parallel skis is not good, skis that toe-in is bad. Good luck,
Rich

thanks for all the help guys, you're great at this stuff. With those skis....is it just a simple spacer on each side of the steering knuckle that takes up that extra space?? I would think it would have to be something a bit more square than a round spacer, doesn't the ski wobble a bit with just the spacers and large washers??

Using a 2x4 or cross country ski (they come in handy for somethings!) against the track works for alignment BUT ONLY AFTER you've aligned THE TRACK!!! Very important to check that first if you plan to use that method!

G MAN

Originally posted by bigturk_80@Sep 12 2004, 06:51 PM
Is there a set measurement of toe in or toe out for ski alignment on a 98 skidoo formula 500? And if so, how is this measured. Also, my sled was purchased with the ancient metal skis. I have a set of plastic skis that i'm told will work for this machine. Now, here's the prob. The metal skis that are on there now, have about a 1 3/4 inch space between the metal rails, so the knuckle is slightly less than that in size. The plastic skis are the type with the aluminum rails, but the rails are one inch wider than the metal skis. I'm told there is a kit to pick up that will allow me to use these skis. I've picke up the rubber pads for the skis, and they are significantly thinner (flattened) than the rubber pads for the metal skis. Any help on this would be greatly appreciated because i'm getting frustrated with it. Last winter i saw a mach 583 , about a 1994 sled i think, and he had the identical plactic skis that I've got , and it looked to me like they bolted on with some sort of spacer on each side of the knuckle, he bought the sled like that , so I don't know if it was done properly or not.

thanks a million guys.

kevin
kevinhall_80athotmail.com
344678


In '99 Ski-Doo widened up the ski spindles, that is why you have the gap between your older '98 ski bridge, and the spindle. When you buy the Ski-Doo factory plastic ski mount kit it comes with the necessary bushings to adapt pre 99 narrow spindles to the new wide ski bridge. If you don't have the spacers, I can dig up the factory p/n's for the spacers. You can order just the spacers from Ski-Doo. Good luck,
Rich