What is the difference b/w the 2004 model #s?
My model number is listed in the topic summary, yet I have seen two other model numbers listed for this same year. What makes them different?
Thanks.

 

There was a change in the mid 04s. First 04 no ECM than in 04.5 there was ECM.

ECM more trouble than there worth.

 

There were 10 different Sportsman 500 models in '04, 4 in one series and 6 in the other. They must give them a different number everytime they change one little thing.

 

Thanks for the info.

 

differnt numbers could mean diff. color, rims, exhaust. basicly means diifernt opintions i do beleave.

 

I have an 04.5 and found out the hard way the differences. The main difference and easiest way to find out what you have is the front hubs. If you have metal hubs coming through the rims you have an 04. If there is a rubber cover it's an 04.5

 

I have the rubber/cone-like hub cap, so I have a 04.5?
cweg1, an you spare me (and others) from re-inventing the wheel and shed some light on some of the differences you found?

 

yes you have the newer 04.5 year model which did a way w/ the hubs and went w/ the central hillard clutch set up. basicly the awd is worked from the front diff. vs. the hubs of the older version which was controled by the hubs at the wheels. so you have the roller cage you have most likely read about that can break easily if you puty it into awd while the rear wheels are spinning so dont do that lol.

 

when I plow, like last night for the first time, i just keep it in AWD via the switch. that's ok, correct?
i have a question about the reverse override: press and hold, or just press once to engage?

 

Keep it in 4 low when plowing. Hold the override.