So heres the latest. I ran an extra ground wire to the front diff just for grins, got it off the ground and bam, all tires were turning. Then i tried it in reverse and back to 2wd even with the override button held down and the speedo flashing "slow". Any ideas now?

 

Ground was part of the problem since you have awd in forward now. No awd in reverse even with the over ride button pushed could be a roll cage problem or could be a problem in the over ride itself. Read this about bypassing the over ride and you might give it a try..http://www.idofishing.com/forum/show...everse-overide

 

happened to my sportsman, literally all it needed was a new fuse. should definitely check that first.

 

Quadovator makes a reverse override lock kit for newer Sportsmans and a reverse override eliminator for later models. You may want to look at these.
Reverse Override Lock Kit Polaris ATV Throttle Function Mods AWD
ATV Accessory ATV parts, ATV tires, Quadovator ATV Accessories