John Deere Snowmobile Tracks

['76 jd's]

I own a '76 Liquifire 340 & 440 . Plus a '76 Cyclone 440 .

Is there a track that fits these sleds that is not cleated ?

Another words is there an all rubber track ?

Maybe a conversion ?

Thanks Craig

[WinnipegStPaul9]

This subject comes up often. Go to Board Index to General and "search" rubber track conversions.

DA

[69camaro]

Craig, Arctic Cat part # 0102-317. This track was used on 1985-1988 Arctic Cat Cougars, ElTigres, and Panteras. 1986-1988 Panthers. I believe that 1988 Wildcats and 1989 Eltigres also use the same track. I would not buy a 1989 ElTigre for a track since the 89s are a low production number and are quite rare. I'm actually going to be doing this conversion on my 76 Liquifire because I'm sick and tired of replacing cleats. I parted out a 1988 ElTigre 5000 and saved the track for myself. This is a 2.52 pitch track like a 76-78 Liquifire and Cyclone. This should work on all Deeres with a slide rail suspension up to 78 except 78 CC Liquifires or anything else converted to 3.29 pitch track. I haven't done this yet but I believe the center to center on the rails are the same or very close. I was told the only tricky part is that the Arctic Cat track is 1/2" an inch wider so track alignment needs to be very close. I didn't see this in the track conversions so I hope this helps. If I am wrong on any of this information please post so. I will not be offended at all. Please add to this information too.

Duane

[TASKY]

Duane, I may be wrong also but I got a Arctic Cat part number of 0102-904 this track is 16 inches by 121 with 3.29 pitch. TASKY

[harleysportster]

Craig, Arctic Cat part # 0102-317. This track was used on 1985-1988 Arctic Cat Cougars, ElTigres, and Panteras. 1986-1988 Panthers. I believe that 1988 Wildcats and 1989 Eltigres also use the same track. I would not buy a 1989 ElTigre for a track since the 89s are a low production number and are quite rare. I'm actually going to be doing this conversion on my 76 Liquifire because I'm sick and tired of replacing cleats. I parted out a 1988 ElTigre 5000 and saved the track for myself. This is a 2.52 pitch track like a 76-78 Liquifire and Cyclone. This should work on all Deeres with a slide rail suspension up to 78 except 78 CC Liquifires or anything else converted to 3.29 pitch track. I haven't done this yet but I believe the center to center on the rails are the same or very close. I was told the only tricky part is that the Arctic Cat track is 1/2" an inch wider so track alignment needs to be very close. I didn't see this in the track conversions so I hope this helps. If I am wrong on any of this information please post so. I will not be offended at all. Please add to this information too.

Duane

I can confirm that 0102-317 is 16 inch wide, 2.52 pitch. It fits but the center distance is different from the JD rails. The AC track utilizes center drivers as well. The easiest way to add a center driver to a 76-78 Cyclone/Liquifre is to use a Trailfire hex driveshaft and aquire (3) 2.52 hex JD drivers that were used on the Liquidators.

[69camaro]

Tasky, I thought Arctic Cat part # 0102-294 was a 121" by 16" with 3.29 drivers that would fit a 78 CC Liquifire. Not sure now? Anyone? I'll see if I can find it in the track conversion.

Pat, would it be possible to remove one sprocket on the round shaft 2.52 from Liquifires/Cyclones, take the collars off of the center wheel, remove the center wheel, and drill a hole for the bolt for an additional driver? Also I can't remember but did 79 Trailfires have 2.52 drivers? I know 79 Trailfires only have two drivers with a hex shaft but no center sprocket but possibly? And do you have to narrow the center to center on the rails or shim it out?

Duane

[69camaro]

Tasky, I looked through track conversions and I couldn't find any either part#. Maybe I missed it.

[400brian]

Pat, would it be possible to remove one sprocket on the round shaft 2.52 from Liquifires/Cyclones, take the collars off of the center wheel, remove the center wheel, and drill a hole for the bolt for an additional driver? Also I can't remember but did 79 Trailfires have 2.52 drivers? I know 79 Trailfires only have two drivers with a hex shaft but no center sprocket but possibly? And do you have to narrow the center to center on the rails or shim it out?

The feeling is that if you drill a hole for a center driver, you will soon have a 2 piece shaft.

[69camaro]

That's a good point Brian. You believe even though the two outers are drilled that it would break in two?

[400brian]

Drilling a hole to mount a center driver was my original plan, but was advised not to do it. As you noted, Deere did not mount the center idler with a bolt, they just clamped it in position.

I guess how long it lasted would depend on how often you hit something that flexed the shaft. I assume Deere went to the hex shaft for a good reason.

[harleysportster]

The Trailfire drivers are not 2.52 pitch. Here is picture of the Dator drivers on a Trailfire driveshaft. I forgot to mention to fab spacers to keep the center driver in place.

[WinnipegStPaul9]

I used the 0102-294 Cat track on my 78CC. It is a little wider and a tad bit finicky about being tightened correctly and aligned.

DA

[69camaro]

Now I wish I had purchased a 0102-294 track. 80s Liquifires used 3.29 drivers. That would have been much easier. I can't remember the last time I saw any 2.52 drivers for a Liquidator up for sale. I can do a little experiment with the ElTigre drivers and shaft also. I'm pretty sure Deere and Arctic Cat in those years have the same gear spline and ends for the speedometer drive. Is it necessary to have three drivers? I have parted many Polaris and Arctic Cat sleds in the 80 horsepower range with only two drivers. Last but not least was the center to center far enough off on the rails that they need to be adjusted for either track conversion.

[JD600]

Duane,

Deere used a 7 5/8" rail center where cat used a 7 1/2". Some say its close enough to work well, while others have reported problems with the guide clips on the track rubbing on the slide rails. Perhaps Pat will tell us more about what he found out.

DE

[Sprailfire340]

Duane,

Deere used a 7 5/8" rail center where cat used a 7 1/2". Some say its close enough to work well, while others have reported problems with the guide clips on the track rubbing on the slide rails.

Bingo.

Anyone know the difference between the hex shaft used on the trail/sport/liquifires vs the dator/cc hex shaft?. They have different part numbers, but are they interchangable?