I have an 06 Foreman ES, and my brother has an 04 Foreman ES. Both came from the same dealer, setup with a considerable amount of toe out on the front wheels. I'm wondering why they are setup this way. Is this the norm?

 

They should have a little toe out , but not much. I forgot the exact amount.

 

my rancher is set up with 3/4" Plus or minus 9/16". Noticably toed-out, this makes for a stable ride and keeps the machine from 'darting' left and right when driving in ruts.

 

think about it this way, just use a front wheel drive car for example. ok when power is applied to the wheels spinning them in a forward motion they are gonna want to twist inward, equal to toe in. so if you set them up with a little toe out when power is applied they twist towards toe in and they straighten up and ride true. thus, when in for-wheel-drive and power is spinning your front tires they twist into their correct possition and run in a straight line which like he said keeps it from darting when on hard surfaces when the limited slip switched from turning on tire and turns the other. thats the easiest way i think to explain it, atleast thats how my 13 state championship winning auto mechanics teacher at my high school explained it. its just basic common sense on wheel alignment really.

 

Thanks for the info. Quicksilver.....Curious how your taking your measurement?

 

My 500s was toed out 2 inchs and it sucked!! It was all over the place. so I messed with it and like it best with all four wheels going in the same direction. I do a lot of pavement and have found this works the best. Just measure the handle bar from the ends of the grips to the rack to make sure the bar is strait and then put strait 2X4s, on jackstands touching the rear wheels evenly and it should show where the toe out is. My .02

 

I have some pretty rough timber ground, and I spend most of my time crawling hills, and crossing creeks. I'm in 1st and 2nd gear most of the time, so the toe out is not a big deal, but I wonder if its putting unneeded stress on the wheel bearings?

 

First, how are you taking your measurements? The front tires need to be mark in the center with chalk or something like that. Just jack it up a little and spin it while marking it. Next get someone close to your weight to sit on it while you take your measurements front and back of the front tires. Most atv's have some bump steer to them. A little toe out will help with turn in, to much is going to just wear tires.