2003 Sportsman 700 twin. most opinions I have read say central Hilliards came about in 2004. I purchased a Polaris 2003 700 twin specific service manual and it refers to a central Hilliard. How can I verify what I have? Is there a picture or diagram that will assist in identifying what I have? I really prefer not to dismantle to find out.
Thanks

 

Locking hubs have a black plastic cap with 3 screws holding it on, and a drain hole in the hubs, like in these pictures. If it's a centralized system the hubs have a rubber cap just like the rear hubs. Polaris Front Hub Fluid Service - Cyclepedia

 

Thanks Frank, I think I have the tapered covers like the rear. I will pull a wheel to double check.(have after market ITP SS316 wheels)
Factory must have changed a little earlier than 2004. My title and vin stamped on frame agree. I wonder if someone changed out the front drive.

 

All the Sportsman 700s had the centralized awd system from 2002 until the last one in 2008.

 

Thanks OPT, I guess I won't need to pull a wheel after all.
Nice to know I don't need to service the hubs too when changing the fluids.

 

If you ain't got one,here's a manual for 5 bucks. Can answer a lot of your questions on service and repairs.2003 Polaris Sportsman 700 Service Manual PDF Download

 

I didn't know if the 700s always had the centralized system or not. I know they made changes on a few models around 2004 and thought maybe that was one of them. It's a good thing we have an expert who knows things like that. I only knew one guy with a 700 and can't get hold of him anymore to ask him about his. His dad had a 600 and I can't remember if it had the hub system like the 500s used to have or not. I thought it did but it's been too many years since I saw it.

 

Same centralized system on the 600 when it came out on 2003. Discontinued after 2 years as people bypassed it for the 700.