I have a 04 Rancher 4x4 manual shift, why does sometimes when I go down a steep incline in 1st gear the gearing doesn't slow me down it goes down like I'm in neutral. The other question is how hard is it to put clutches in? I have put clutches in a 900RR motorcycle before they where wet clutches like I think the Rancher has. Is it going to be similar?

Thanks

 

hmmm, i dont know about your neutral/lack of engine braking problem. Maybe a clutch issue? As far as putting clutches in, there are 2 clutches on the rancher. One is the drum-and-shoe type, mounted to the crankshaft, that engages when the RPM hits a cetain point (gives it the auto clutch function) which is only engaged with the engine above a certain speed. Then there is the "change" clutch which is friction discs and metal discs put together in a "clutch pack" and held together with springs. A shifter cam that moves with the shift lever pushes on a pressure plate to disconnect the plates for a brief moment when you move the shifter, which essentially disconnects the transmission input shaft from the primary clutch on the engine crankshaft. it puts the transmission into free-wheel mode allowing the shift shaft to change gears. Then when you let up on the shifter lever, the clutch plates re-engage.

Figuring out which clutch needs new parts is always a pain, so i would recommend new "clutch shoes" for the primary clutch, and new "friction plates and springs" for the secondary, both clutches are right next to each other. Also make sure you are using a JASO MA oil that's safe for wet clutches, dont go cheap on oil.

You'll have to drain the oil i think, then take off the front engine cover. I would recommend getting a manual to help you out.