Planning a trip to Valemount, BC this December and am looking for any info on simple ways to set up my 09 Gade X 800 to better handle the deep snow. Sled is stock other than a 7" Fly riser, USI X3 skis and a Jaws can. Also, I'm a bigger than average guy at 6'2" 245lbs.
I already had planned on installing a 1.75" Challenger lite track for this year, and was thinking of dropping down to a 23t top gear. Will this be low enough gearing for the deep snow and elevation? With the other sleds I will be riding with I don't think I will need to go any longer than stock 137".
I have modded my clutch cover and will be installing a vent kit to let more air around the clutches. Have heard that I should re-attatch the plastic piece on the clutch cover to prevent rubbing on the inside of side panel while carving. Is this true?
What clutching changes should I make?
What should I do with the sway bar? Would like to be able to carve a little easier, but probably will need it for my everyday riding here in Manitoba.
How about rear suspension set up?

I took my old 05 Renegade to Idaho a few years back and the set up for it was very easy and the 1.75" track got me everywhere I needed to go while following 900 RMK's with 151" tracks!

Any help is much appreciated.

Yes on plastic clutch guard, put it back on and drill 1" holes with holesaw, same effect as not being there yet keeps panel from rubbing clutch when side hilling etc.

I put a clutch tower brace on mine it seem to help belt life quite a bit

When installing the 1.75" track, you will have to gear down. I would gear down a total of 2 teeth on top from stock and you will be good. Probably even work great in Manitoba anyway. A clutch kit from Dynamoe Joe is always a good thing too.... I wouldn't worry about the sway bar. The XP's maneuver good anyway and you being like me at over 220 lbs will have no problem flipping it around in the deep stuff. I installed the swaybar links that you can remove easily but never take them off most of the time...Quick clickers are also a nice addition on your primary.

Get some pilot 6.9's or some other aftermarket wide skis 5.7's are pretty lousy in the deep.

Already have USI triple threats, on since day one. Ya I can't imagine those 5.7's could be much good in deep snow. The old precision skis on my 05 Renegade sucked off trail.

A skido plate and a-arm protectors would help in the deep stuff..

The 09 has a better clutch than 08 out of the box rthey say, but I would stil consider thunder products heel clickers.
I also have the quick clickers, billets QRS adjuster, and I have qick sway bar couplers, but to be honest, I just leave my sway bar disconnected all the time, even onhardpack lake and trails now. Narrower summit a arms is my next purchase.
I am 5-7 , 200 lbs, so I need the softer suspension, to bend it over better

my 2010 back country x with the 1.75 lug track has stock gearing of 21-45 just to give you a ball park to start in

I just put a 141x15x2.25 Track on my gade and i geared it 2teeth down on the top. Will let you know how this setup works i will be in valemount on Nov 27 28 29 .

I thought the backcountry had a 20/45 gearing. Have you looked at the gears in your chaincase?

EDIT: I didn't notice you had an 800r. I was a little nervous there for a second. My research found out that the 600e-tec is geared 20/45. I wanted to do the same to my 08 SDI "backyard-backcountry", and I order the 20 tooth top from BRP racing. Thought for a second I may have been gearing it too low.

Have run 20/45 on 1.75 xp 800 gade for a couple of years in revy.... and it will surprise you with matching clutching!!!

Skier

Most definitely NOT too low!!

Great! So it should definitely not be too low on an 08 600 SDI.

Thanks for all of the great info guys. Ordering my track this week, hope the 1.75 will be enough track for all that snow Valemount has been getting! Still not sure on what gearing I should go with. Thinking that going lower than 23/45 would be a good idea, but would have to get a new chain from what I understand, then use the 23 top gear for riding around home.
Also thinking disconnecting the sway bar would help a lot. Will have to see how easy a job it will be with the skid plate on there.

Where do you guys suggest getting gears and chain from, BRP or aftermarket?

Thanks everyone.

What clutching changes do you suggest I make? Primary spring and weights change.....
Have been thinking about getting a clutch kit, but it would be set up for riding low elevations here in Manitoba. Looking for a set up that I can easily do before heading out west for a trip and then switch back a week later.

Thanks

Sweet thanks. What year gade do you have?

It is an 09 gade. I let you know how it works out.

I just installed the narrow a-arms on my gade a couple days ago, so now i have a complete "Backcountry", 137x16x1.75, summit gearing and belt, pilot 6.9's and narrow front end. Cost me just under $500 for the a-arms and tie-rods (still waiting for the tie rods). Should be a blast to ride, can't wait!

Ski-doo arms or aftermarket? Did the ride height change and by how much? If you didn't measure the height before and after you could confirm if the skis seem easier or harder to turn? Thanks!!

Stock summit arms. Measuring from the bumper to the ground I went from 18" to 19" keeping my stock mxz shocks. It seemed a little low in the front anyway so this is a welcome change. I don't have tie rods on the sled right now but when I move the skis by hand they don't seem any different. I'll update when my tie rods come in.