You were absolutely correct 2manytoys, pulled the front diff apart and the plastic cage came out in pieces. You were also right about the $220 cost, that seems more pircey than it should be.
My dealer told me thay had a few aluminum one's but they stopped making them and are are all sold out, however the replacement cage is black plastic and is much heavier duty than the original blue/green one.
Thanks for your help !!

FYI for anyone who has to do this:

pull front tire's
remove lower arms on both side's ( as 2mt mentioned a hammer and rod should knock them lose
lift up on struts to pull axle's from diff
use a flat tip punch to remove roll pin from front axle (axle has enough play to pull back and drop)
remove front panel of atv and unplug the front diff and gently pull it down
drain fluid from diff
remove vent tube from top of diff
unbolt from frame
unbolt fan and slide it toward the left side of frame
snake the diff out the right side between the frame member and the radiator
once the units out clean it before you open it to prevent and debeis from gettin in
put unit on side and remove bolts, gently pull up and the unit should come apart easily.
the cage should pull right out, make sure you get all the pieces.
inspect for wear or damage
assemble in reverse order make sure the gasket and surounding surface is clean
don't forget to put fliud back in when your done :-)

it's not too hard but it'll take a few hours