I understand the 4wd system, but does this ATV have locking differentials? Also, how often do you guys use Lo? Should I be using it more then Hi when on the trails? I haven't tried it yet so that might answer my question pretty fast.

 

The 02 has the two external Hilliary locking hubs, much stronger than the current internal single Hilliary with the failure prone plastic cage set up and much easier and cheaper to work on if something ever goes wrong.

I use low on slow trails.it just clawls over logs and rocks much better with less effort in that range then wheel spining over them in high.

 

I had an 02 and it is the same as 01 - 04. The 4x4 system is a true locking system unlike most manufactures limited slip front end. The front wheels auto matically goes into 4x4 (when the 4 wheel drive sitch is on) when the rear wheels slip 1/5 of a revelution. This is not noticable but very effective. The difference in the 02 and the newer years is that the hubs lock in when slip is noticed by the rear wheel vs. the front differentail locking in on the newer year models (newer models do not have the Hillard locking hubs). The key is to keep clean hub oil in the hubs by annual fluid changes. Good system that is very effective and easy to maintain.

 

I am going to change out the fluid in the hubs this week. There is no telling when it was changed by the previous owner.

Also, I just tried out Lo gear and it wouldn't engage. I made sure to pull it to the right and then forward and it seemed to just stay in neutral. Any ideas how to fix this? Or am I doing something wrong?

 

There is two rods that connect to the shifter to the tranny,they may need adjusting,take the side panel off to see them.

 

Okay, I figured it was something like that. I'll dig into the manual as well so I have something to go by. I also noticed that occasionally when going from neutral or reverse into forward it makes a slight grinding noise. Only happens every once in a while and if I just push it harder it goes into gear fine.

 

Give it quick harder shifts and it will not grind like slow shifts.

 

Okay, thats what I noticed. Just wanted to make sure it was okay.

 

my 02' was the same way if you tried to slowly put it in gear. 1 quick motion seems to be the best and mentioned check adjusting rods if you cant get low. if you go 5 to 7 mph alot use low to help keep the belt cool. imo.