Is there anyone who has never let water get to the axle caps?? It seems strange to build an ATV and then say never go through water. Mine has been to the handle bars on more than one occasion. I have not looked but are these sealed bearings or can they be repacked?

Also I noticed in the manual that you should be completely stopped before switching into 4wd or 2wd. This isnt an option for me because mine dont shift from 2wd to 4wd until the tires make a couple revolutions, which really sucks when stuck in a rut and need 4wd. It will go from 4wd to 2wd when stopped though. Does anyone else have this problem?

 

The axle shaft thing is just for liability/longevity. Axle seal can go, and if water gets in you've ruined a lot of expensive parts. Therefore, no water = no problem. Lots of people have done the same and I've yet to hear of a problem.

2wd to 4wd... I'd have to check my manual to see what it says. Dealer says to be moving at a slow pace as it won't engage unless the bike is between 4 and 12mph. Mine will go 4 to 2 at a stop tho'. Kind of interesting as the rear end drops about 1" when it does it. I can't think of any good reason for it to tell you to be at a stop. Unless they don't want some total idiot to be staring at his handlebars at 6omph trying to figure out where his switch is.