I have read that they greatly improved the frames on the 88 and up zilla compared to the 87. Since I am very new to these machines, I was wondering if there is any way to re-enforce the frames on the 87's to be as strong or stronger than the 88 and up. Also, does the 88 and up swing arm fit onto the 87 frame or is it a no go? Reason I ask is because I bought an 88 parts quad and I have the option of using the swing arm on my 87. But the frame is broken on the 88 by the LF motor mount. It is definitely a parts quad for sure!!! Thanks....
yeah you can use all parts but the top a arms, just a gusset kit from summit, there should be some
threads whit the weak areas
I dont think there is any differance in the frames from 87 up (other than the upper A arm mounts). I know the 87"s had ugly welds but not any weak spots
The 88+ frames are beefed up around where the swinger connects to the frame compared to the 87's.
The cushion lever bridge set up on the 88+ was changed shince the 87's had problems with cracking.
Depending on how much you weigh and how hard you ride will depend on what gussets are required.
You can gusset the cushion lever bridge where it mounts to the frame and the down tubes, the lower frame rails horizontally.
Somebody post up a picture of the hybrid gusseting this will give you a good idea of what can be done.
I am a big boy at 245lbs. I don't race and usually don't fly through the air but I like to go fast for sure. Would rather beef stuff up now before it breaks instead of waiting until after......I will have to compare my busted up 88 frame to my rider 87 frame and see the differences now that I know where to look.......
I remember someone's frame cracking in Glamis last year......won't mention any names but it wasn't my '89
I remember someone's frame cracking in Glamis last year......won't mention any names but it wasn't my '89
That's cause yours wasn't going fast enough
My frame cracks every year in fact I tear it down annually and look for cracks and weld it back up. At this point I've renamed it tank zilla
My 87 has cracks all over the front of the frame. I don't know why though since the front half is pretty much the same as my 90. Time to put it in the shop I guess.
I have read that they greatly improved the frames on the 88 and up zilla compared to the 87. Since I am very new to these machines, I was wondering if there is any way to re-enforce the frames on the 87's to be as strong or stronger than the 88 and up. Also, does the 88 and up swing arm fit onto the 87 frame or is it a no go? Reason I ask is because I bought an 88 parts quad and I have the option of using the swing arm on my 87. But the frame is broken on the 88 by the LF motor mount. It is definitely a parts quad for sure!!! Thanks....
I really don't know what is improved, but you have a 87 and a 88 frame. What do you see thats stronger / changed when you set them next to each other? Pics would be nice
My 88 frame has seen better days as it is broken by the motor mounts. I assume it was tumbled. I bought it this way. I guess I will compare them when I get the time and see exactly what looks different.
I really don't know what is improved, but you have a 87 and a 88 frame. What do you see thats stronger / changed when you set them next to each other? Pics would be nice
I believe that the only differences are the cushion lever bridge, the upper A-arm mounts, steering stem stops?