88 Trail Boss help- Don't be shy
 

Hello, I just bought my wife a 88 Trail Boss that I am going through to make safe for her to ride. Is there a site that has aftermarker parts for this ATV as the dealer parts are high. Any suggestions as to changes that can be made to make this ATV handle and perform better with minimal expense? I am replacing the A-arm bushings, all the wheel bearings, drive belt, rear shock (as the shock bushings are gone)trailing arm bushings and stem bushings. Is there anything else that can cause a problem down the road that may need my attention? Thanks for any help you can offer as I want my wifes first ATV to be a pleasent experience.

88 Trail Boss help- Don't be shy
 

Good Luck. When they start getting that old, parts can be hard to come by. The good thing is many are still availible. What did you pay for it? Does it run? At that age be prepared to have to rebuild the whole motor and maybe the whole quad. I'm sure the clutches will need attention. Do a search for this model on this site. You will find others doing exactly what your doing.

88 Trail Boss help- Don't be shy
 

EPI (Erlandson Performance) hs a-arms, bushings, springs and other things for Polaris and also Dennis Kirk. They both are cheaper and better than the OEM parts. Make sure you check the tie rod ends, lower steering shaft bushing, ball joints, swing arm bushings, replace the belt, do a compression check to see if it needs a top end rebuild. Other than that you should be good. Compression should be no lower then 100psi but optimal around 110-120.

88 Trail Boss help- Don't be shy
 

Fishslap, I paid $700.00 for it and it was running. Body is in good shape. I belive that it was ridden and never had any maintence done to it. I will have a lot more in it than it is worth but I shall have an Atv that is in good shape and I will know every inch of it. Also when I am done, most importantly , I know it will be safe for my wife to ride. At the rate I am going I will have another $600.00 to $700.00 in it. That includes new tires all around. 2manytoys, all the parts you mentioned I am replacing or have replaced. I have not done a compression test yet as I am saving that for last. Thanks for the info

88 Trail Boss help- Don't be shy
 

Get you a Climber manual for older Polaris atvs. It will be a big help. You will learn a lot and they are easier to work on than newer ones. Check out the motor mounts, belt cover front and back,make sure oil injection tank is clean, make sure oil injection is adjusted as per manual. I know there is much more, but with this and what 2many said you'll be well on your way.