Last weekend, my steering post broke. The left tie-rod broke out of the arm that extends from the post.

The obvious fix is to replace the post with a stock post ($42). I already have the HPD lower bushing and replaced all the tie-rod ends several months ago.

However; it would be kind of nice to have the H.O. steering post with roller bearings instead of a bushing, if not tooooo expensive. One dealer told me that you cannot retro-fit the new steering post to the old machines (mine is a '98), but he could not tell me why.

Just how different are they? Is the swap possible with just a little cutting and/or welding (bigger hole in the frame maybe?), or is it really a major re-design?

Is the HO steering post a lot more expensive? (I didn't didn't price it at the dealer yet)

 

Doesn't HPD make a stronger steering post that will go right where the stocker did. Since you already have the HPD bottom bearing, it should fit right in. I know somebody makes them. Hot Seat does, but they are kinda pricey...

 

The aftermarket ones are very pricy .. around $200. I think I will opt for the stock one. It's not bad, but I blew it when I reassemled everything when I installed the lower bushing. I had the spacer below the bottom tab instead of between the tabs, and the bolt was only through the lower hole instead of both. A lot of strain at a bad angle that way.

If the HO upgrade was affordable and relativly easy would go for it. Otherwise, it isn't worth $200 for the race stuff. I plan to replace the whole quad just as soon as the new "700 twin" is available.