I think that a 98 will still have the old style "open" front differential, and unfortunately not the newer torque sensing one. As I recall, they started the new diff in the Rancher in 00, then in the Foreman a little later (???????). You don't have selectable 2wd/4wd, do you (?????). That came later as well. If not, get a Warn 424 which will turn it into a selectable!

Diff oil changes are easy. Ride the quad a while before you do it, to get the oil warm. My owners manual says to use: "Honda shaft drive oil or equivalent HYPOID GEAR OIL SAE 80". There will be a drain screw on the bottom, and the front gets filled to the bottom of the filler cap. The rear has a check screw on the side, so fill it until oil just comes out the weep hole.

 

ok so I should do both engine and gear oil?

 

Probably change the spark plug as well.

I would also suggest a valve adjustment right away. You don't know how neglegent the previous owner may have been????

 

Sorry, another nooby here. I just bought a 2004 Foreman 450ES. I'd like to change all the relevant oils, filters, etc. but like the other gentleman, I didn't get a manual or anything. Is there a complete listing of all fluids, etc that need changing? What about other information like location of drain plugs, location of filters, etc. Any other pertinent maintnenace issues to promote long like of the machine?