[SamUK]

Hey guys.

Starting this as an ongoing thread.

So my plans are to run 30" tyres on my 300 fourtrax. I'm in the process of making new A arms to give 4" extra width and a 4" lift (this is approximate) I'll also be attempting to extend my current (stock) driveshafts to suit the new arms. In theory it should work fine providing they are true once welded. The 300 shop manage to do such mods so I can't see it being an issue to me.

After the above work I'll be moving to the rear, a swing arm stretch and lengthening the rear shaft. I've seen the swing arm stretches done numerous ways, some look good, some look awful! Not 100% sure on the best way to go about lengthening the swing arm as yet, it's still a drawing board idea.

Currently waiting on a Jeremy Lee 54% GR, at the same time I'll be fitting a new clutch (EBC) and DID timing chain.

Any input, ideas, help, even mockery is all appreciated!

Pictures will follow shortly with current progress.

 

[SamUK]

So am I Mac, if I'm honest it's more of an engineering project. I can save a lot of money by doing it all myself, I'm sure a lift kit and swing arm stretch is around $2000. I can do it for just under a quarter of that price, obviously it will just take time.

 

[SamUK]

Hey retro.

My first plan of action is to extend my stock arms and shafts, put it back together and try it. If it's successful I'll then make new arms and more than likely run the extended shafts until they give in. As it's a one off it's going to be a case of trial and error I guess.

I'll post some pictures this week with progress.

 

[SamUK]

The only reason for modding the original arms is so I have a pair done to copy the bend rads etc i only plan on doing one side, I think once I've made the one side from the extended originals I should be able to repeat the other without to much difficulty.
I'll see how it goes, I may not need to cut and mod the originals yet, I was just voicing my first plans
After having a measure up today I've also realised (I'd never thought about it before) that I'll have to move the front wheel centres forward as well. Today's progress was mostly measuring and taking notes.

 

[SamUK]

Yeah there's a hell of a lot to think about whilst doing this. The shafts haven't got much life left in them if I'm honest Retro, they do click on full lock. I'll extend them and use them, hopefully they'll hold out for a while. This wedding is slowing progress a little on my ATV!

Today I took accurate measurements and started mocking up the A arms and bend rads for new arms using 1/4" steel bar. Before cutting steel I'd like a mock up of how it needs to be, I've also made a template of a 30" tyre to place on the wheel studs to find where the new wheel centre needs to be.
Also, whilst looking at wheels and tyres, it's actually cheaper for me to order from the USA and have them shipped than it is to buy from the UK! Crazy!

 

[SamUK]

Hey all...

So it's finally sunk in that this project is going to take longer than expected with wedding plans coming first! Unfortunately she tells me the wedding has priority over my ATV, when I asked why I just got 'the look', I'm sure you all know what that's like!!

While I wait for my 'toy' fund to increase I'm going ahead with a 2" body lift, been and collected the steel and sundries I need this evening. Hoping to make a start on this tomorrow so I'll have pictures (I know you love them) to upload.

I plan on fabricating brackets for this lift rather than chopping into the frame itself, I'll try and get some good photos to post as I work through the project for anybody who fancies this mod in the future.

 

[SamUK]

Have you ever been on Highlifter Fourms? Lots of guys do big lifts with the 300. I believe they use Brute Force Axles as they are longer. Anyway, I'd really check that out. The forum now a days is a lot different from years ago, but you may be able to find some valuable info if you do a good search!!!!!!

I joined a few days back Wheeler, just trying to get to grips with the layout of the forum, it's a lot different to this one and I use my phone (cell) which is a pain sometimes.
I've read a few posts on HL though, some nice fabrication jobs done that's for sure, some real bodges and lash ups too haha.

I'm not after a crazy width increase or lift just a few inches more, a dedicated mud bike is useless over here really. It's ground clearance I'm after as we have to share off-road parks with trucks and I keep grounding in ruts. The extra width is obviously just to counter the lift to keep it stable.

 

[SamUK]

I've found most of the posts for mods are several years old, doesn't seem to be to much activity on there if I'm honest. I've learnt more from here, seems this forum has people with a little more finesse about them.
I must say though, simplessracing on HL does a good job with that CNC plasma of his, wish I had the room for one of those!