Well folks- over seeminly endless amounts of discussions with many of you of the Prairie, I finally got one- and I didn't hafta trade anything as first planned. I got a 2000 Prairie 400 with 691 miles on it; it's Red as stated in the signature, I haven't taken delivery of it, gotta get finances transferred over then they'll bring it over. I plan to start with changing the fluids, check/ replace the CVT belt and get a detroit gearless locker doen the road. Thanks everyone for putting up with my endless questions and barraging. BTW- any pointers on what to watch out for or what can be improved.....

 

I used to work on those 400 quite a bit and I remember following:
> Clicking noise when turning slow - wheel bearing loose in the front hub.
> High beam bulb blowing or housing melting - shorting in the handlebar light switch. Disassemble and check for pinched wires or corrosion. Apply dielectric grease on contact parts and reassemble.
> Acc 12VDC outlet 5(?) amp fuse blowing - replace to 10 amp fuse.
Some more but that's a start.

 

Thanks, Hayashi. I'll be sure to check all that out. So what's the remedy for the loose wheel bearing? Can it be tightened.........

 

Apply red Loctite between the bearing circumference and the hub bore area to keep it from moving around. Of course, if bearing feels notchy or worn out, replace now. The hub might need to be replaced as well if the bore area is worn out too much by the loose bearing.
I also remember replacing quite a few gear shift lever assembly becasue the shift lever joint section getting broken/damaged by your right knee. So, be careful not to hit it accidentally with your knee or anything else.

 

Yeah- I though about that lever. Say- anyone ever try to put locking hubs on a Full Time Prairie................

 

i dont know about replacing the 5 amp fuse with a 10 amp, thats sending twice the amprage threw as designed.

 

Hmm- i'll keep an eye on that fuse. On another note, as we're all aware that the P400 is fitted with 12" front wheels and 10" rears limiting tire selection. the old tale is to get you hands on some P650/ 700 rears, same bolt circile and all. Dumb question, probably- but will Brute Force Wheels fit? There's a nice set of Black ones on flea bay..................

 

it has to be the brute force with the solid axle cuz the back spacing on the wheel is way diffrent

 

Thanks- was just about to drop the hammer. THe offsets look the same, so I'd guess it's of the IRS brute. I'll keep looking, thanks again....

 

For CV boots- will any boot work or is it model specific? Reason I ask is because I saw some hot colored ones for sale, didn't say what model for- that I'd like on my Prairie...........