Steering stem bent and belt question

Hey guys. Tough day on the old M yesterday. Lots a stucks including one that hooked my abs backpack and blew it off. Lol.

So my M8 was super stuck in a thick layer of old snow below some deep pow. It was super trenched. We were rocking it back and forth and then my steering stem bent pretty good. I have to replace it but was wondering if there was a better option out there. Some guys have went telescoping and I have heard mixed reviews on this. What are your guys experiences

Also while trying to get this sled out of the same stuck, I was easing into the throttle to see if I had traction and I burnt my belt. Or a least you could definitely smell it. A quick look shows some black on the primary. Should I replace this belt cause of this or not. Is there anything else I should check out in the belt adjustment area that could have prevented this. Belt deflection and alignment seems to be ok

Let me know what you guys think.


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Awesome. Thx for the reply. I had to ride it slow out of the mountain and I didn't feel anything. Once the steering stem is replaced, I check for thumping and replace if re


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Thx again


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Thx. I just got at it today. I installed an old one I had laying around. It has a slight bend to it as well. I had a quick look at the bulkhead area and all looks good. Previously I had installed a bulkhead brace and an upgraded steering bushing and support.

I also put a piece of rebar down the middle of the stem. This should help, at least not let it break so I can't get the sled out of the mountains.


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