Just picked up a sweet deal on a 2000 mxz 700. really good shape & clean except the 144
studded track needs some TLC. About 10 of the outside studs on the left side have been ripped out as well as about 3 in the centre. I am not a fan of studding the outside edges of the track anyways because it is a weaker link of the track and I'm primarily a trail rider who does not spin the crap out of the track at takeoff.(well most of the time) I'm considering taking out all of the outside studs and just keep the centre pattern wich is 96 studs and replace any worn ones with my best spares.The track is not ripped and in good shape other than the small holes were the lost studs used to be. What do you guys think of this? I did just fine with 96 studs on my formula 111. Will the holes cause the track to shred?

Using a track with that many holes in it will eventually have a negative result. Good comparison is having a fan belt full of nail holes in it...would you feel safe knowing that belt can explode at anytime? I would be very watchful if you keep that track on. All it takes is one outside hole to give, then the holes beside the breached one will have more force on them, and so on.

I would replace the track, then I know I got a good track

With that many studs pulled out on the outside, it is definately going to be a weak link that will eventually fail - when? :crazy: , well who knows but I wouldnt take the chance. Put a new track on it, and just stud the center belt with a 96 V-pattern. It should be adequate.

OK I agree with you guys, I just pulled the suspension, and found the rear right mounting bolt missing as well as the right heat exchange protector.Heat exchanger looks fine but now I also see signs of delamination of two of the paddles on the track.With that critical bolt missing things have been thown right off. Now heres the next question. How do I remove the driveshaft so I can get this thing off? I've never replaced a track before.