Good progress on the front end today. I’m using a first generation Timbersled spindle because, well, it was free. They work fine. I’m not really a fan of using clamps around the bottom of the fork tubes. I’ve destroyed a number of spindles over the years after hitting rocks. Friends have done the same. I learned inadvertently that using a piece of aluminum mounted to the fork and then using two 5/16” soft bolts to secure the spindle to the aluminum is better. The soft bolts act as shear pins and will shear if you hit something hard enough. The spindle and fork tubes are less likely to get damaged.
The first gen spindle needs modifying to accommodate a third shock though. Pretty easy. I just cut two slots, perforate the aluminum between and break it off.
Now the third shock fits. I’m using a Z-bros Trident prototype.
Couple pieces of angle aluminum for the top bracket under the fender.
Here’s a look at the other side. I welded up a steel bracket that bolts to the pinch bolts and fork guard mount. I haven’t used this method before. I’m hoping it’ll be adequate. One thing that I’ve noticed about running the third shock is that it appears to absorb a bunch of shock when clobbering a rock or stump unexpectedly. Because the third shock is attached near the pivot on the ski, it takes up some of the force rather than all of the force getting transferred through to the spindle mounts. Not that it won’t happen again but I haven’t destroyed a spindle since running the third shock.
