I am so sick and tired of blowing up front axles. Cant anyone build a part that is as reliable as they say? 2 years ago I installed a Highlifter lift kit and ran the stock 25" Rawhides for several months without a problem. Last year I put 28" Mud Lites on and blew both front axles up within three hours. So I put in two super duper aftermarket dual CV axles, by two different makers (due to availability) Within a half hour one failed, because it was for a 500 not a 700. They replaced it with the right one, then machine has sat for the last year due to new baby, etc etc etc. Rode it once last year, pretty easy trail ride, then plowed driveway all winter with it. Today I was doing a little yard work with it, putting through some brush and boom, there goes the right front CV. By the way, I put the 25s back on for plowing and havent even put the 28s back on yet. I am seriously sick of this. $350 for a CV and it blows up that easy?
After all the other problems I've had with the 700, I am beginning to question my loyalty to Polaris. Does anyone make a big bore that I can lift and wheel without it breaking? I would buy a Prairie if they had any kind of ground clearance. Grizzlies are decent too, but I've yet to see one that could handle water. I love the Polaris, but I can't stand having a broken down machine so much! Anybody got any suggestions for me?

 

I tried this on my 02'500 with a lift kit.i too broke axles until I removed the spacer that goes under the strut.Just install the one under the spring.It doesn't limit your"lift",it limits how far down the axle assembly travels .The down travel is what breaks the axle when in a bind and turning.I run 27"589's with no problem and no rubbing.

 

Doesn't sound like a Polaris problem to me. You lift it and run 28" tires, neither of which are stock. Maybe you should have tried a different cv joint . Blaming Polaris??? I don't get it.

Gorilla Axles down in Louisiana are made well. They have a 1 year warranty on them. I bought stuff from them and have been real happy with the service.

 

Take a look at the Polaris drive train compared to the other manufactures. The Polaris components are a lot more heavy duty than that of the Grizz and Arctic Cats. But I happen to agree with Predator03, you cant blame Polaris for those problems. They didnt design it for a lift and 28" tires, otherwise it would have come like that

 

yeah, I know, I'm not really blaming Polaris, I just would like to have a machine that doesnt break every fourth ride. I spent a lot of money beefing up the drivetrain and suspension to make it perform better, and it still falls apart. Some of the problems were my fault, but some of them were cheap Polaris quality. The puny front axles are obviously not strong enough for big tires, so I'll accept the blame for that one, but I've also broken two of the biggest names in aftermarket CVs, and I havent even beaten it hard In fact, the one I broke today was with the stock tires on.. So I guess thats my fault too, but the multiple cooling system problems and the oil seals were Polaris'. Anyway, I was curious if anyone would suggest a biug bore that doesnt explode every fourth ride. Maybe nobodys is any tougher than Polaris. maybe I need a small Cat bulldozer...

401, I'm not really sure what you mean, could you please give me a little more detail?

 

In your lift kit for the front you were supplied with (2) 2"*2" spacers and (2) 1"*2" spacers.The larger goes under the spring.The smaller goes under the strut.Thus giving you a 2" lift.Now,don't install the smaller spacer under the strut .It limits how far the tire/wheel can travel down.When this is installed you provide 2" of downward travel with a severe angle.Without this installed you do not loose any clearance or have a severe angle.You still have the factory designed angle with a 2" lift.The strut is what keeps the wheel from too much downward travel.When the strut is left in the stock location and the spring is raised you end up with the stock suspension droop designed for the machine,.....and you get a 2" lift.

 

thanks, 401, I can't wait to try it. May as well do it now while I've got it half apart AGAIN.

 

Not to stomp on an already filled in gopher hole, but when you mod....you'll expose areas of the quad to added (not intended design)stresses. I too have heard great things about the Gorilla axles. Give 'em a call. [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img] Isn't it nice having power!

 

i too am in the process of a major lift (hilifter) that is...i've been lookin' at the Gorilla axles and i guess my question is...where do you get the best price?? i really like the ones with the red boots.

 

Give the guys at Berts Dirt Works a call