My duck hunting buddy has an old 1991 300 4x4 four trax. This thing has been ridden by everybody in Woodruf county and had a rough life. He recently got a new Arctic Cat and let this one set out for a couple years. He lost the key, so I've wired it up w/ a hidden toggle switch. Now as I got into the front end, the bearings are both virtually gone on each side and the lt axle cv joint is shot.
1> where can I find some DIY articles for this atv?
2. Anything specifically to look for?
3. Will I every be able to get the hydrolic drum brakes working on the front?
by the way, it started and runs well. Some eng noise and "ticking" but overall seems in fair cond. The front end is my main concern right now. I'll also be getting a new seat for it, and changing all fluids and such.

 

So, I almost have the axle off, the knuckle would not let go of the ball joint and the joint was so worn, a spreader wouldn't help. It took a lot of heat and a few good licks w/ a hammer. So, how to I release the axle from the front diff? Seeing that honda wants $586 for a new shaft, I'll be shopping elsewhere...found one on ebay, any other suggestions?

 

To remove the axle from the front differential, You just pull it out, it is held in place by a spring retaining ring, if it has saw the years of abuse like you say... it may be really tought to get out. Good luck.