nutsster
Member
I have always dreamed about modifying a Super Imp with torsion axles after successfully installing torsion axles under my Imp 1402. This fall the project was started.
View attachment 65639
My plan was to install four torsion axles to increase the foot print from 6 feet to 8 feet.
To do this we need to relocate the OC-12 differential aft about 18". The additional length would improve the ride, reducing the pitching moment that is so bad in the Imp. The increased track surface will make it float much better in deep powder.
The larger wheels on the torsion axle also require the chassis to be lifted about 6" to give it the needed grouser to bottom of cab clearance. This was done by installing a 2"x6" - 1/4 inch thick channel running full length under the chassis.
We made brackets to attach the torsion axles to the channel and make them removeable. The front axle was made to facilitate adjustment of track tension, similar to the LMC1500.
We decided to chop the rear chassis where the OC-12 mounts up, to completely rebuild it stronger than the "cracked-up" original.
It looked much easier to fabricate new than to make do with the "not so good". 1/4" plate will be cut on the plasma table to extend the chassis and to relocate the differential back about 18" and down, to match the top of the sprocket with the top of the wheels. When the differential is finally fitted, the drive shaft will be lengthened to fit.
I will have more images as we proceed. I hope to have the rear end done this week, so we can start on the cab.
View attachment 65639
My plan was to install four torsion axles to increase the foot print from 6 feet to 8 feet.
To do this we need to relocate the OC-12 differential aft about 18". The additional length would improve the ride, reducing the pitching moment that is so bad in the Imp. The increased track surface will make it float much better in deep powder. The larger wheels on the torsion axle also require the chassis to be lifted about 6" to give it the needed grouser to bottom of cab clearance. This was done by installing a 2"x6" - 1/4 inch thick channel running full length under the chassis.
We made brackets to attach the torsion axles to the channel and make them removeable. The front axle was made to facilitate adjustment of track tension, similar to the LMC1500.
We decided to chop the rear chassis where the OC-12 mounts up, to completely rebuild it stronger than the "cracked-up" original.
It looked much easier to fabricate new than to make do with the "not so good". 1/4" plate will be cut on the plasma table to extend the chassis and to relocate the differential back about 18" and down, to match the top of the sprocket with the top of the wheels. When the differential is finally fitted, the drive shaft will be lengthened to fit.I will have more images as we proceed. I hope to have the rear end done this week, so we can start on the cab.
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