I've found that our old TrailBoss (1990) is much less stable than our newer one (2001). In comparing the two, I find that the 2001 has the front wheels splayed out 3 inches further than the 1990.

I'm contemplating widening the front end of the 1990 to match the 2001. This wouldn't be too complicated (just widen the a-arms and steering linkage) except for the fact that the old one is 4 wheel drive which means lengthening the front half shafts by an inch and a half each.

Question is, does anyone know when Polaris widened the front ends and if I might swap in some later half shafts? I suppose I could cut and weld the half shafts but it would be much simpler to just swap in some from a later model...

Regards,

Jim Wooten

 

you could get new rims with a diffrent offset.it could get you an inch on each side.or maybe some spacers that should widen it out some without cutting or welding.i just got some new alum. rims for mine and reversed the offset from a 2+3 to a 3+2 it made the front end about 2"wider.made it handle and look alot better

 

Different offset rims are a possibility but a pretty pricey one compared to a little bit of cutting and welding (since I have a chop saw and welder and am not afraid to use it ;-). The driveshafts are the tricky part because you want them very straight and balanced (and I'm not sure of the material - that might be a solid .9" shaft there which is a bit above my little welder's capability).

 

i got the douglas .190 red label rims for about $60 each.the only reason i suggested the rims is it's an eaiser fix if something goes wrong and a lot less labor involved

 

400 Sportsmans have the a arms and longer front axles. Magnum 4x4s also I believe

 

Ahhh, that's what I'm looking for! - Now on to Ebay for some cheapo axles - maybe the a-arms too.

BTW - missed out on a Cyclone pipe a week or so ago - dang thing went for 33 bucks and I didnt have my max bid set high enough in ezsniper. Got the Cyclone 38mm carb though for $15 bucks.

 

Your lucky day I'm selling a whole engine for a cyclone on ebay. $75.00 starting is a screaming deal when you consider a port
job is $250.00 and a milled head is $60.00. Have it bored and away you go. I have a 94 400L with all the parts you need to widen your 250 also.

 

Thanks for the heads up - Been watching for a cylinder and head off a Cyclone, but it's hard to tell out there in Ebay land - saw a lot of parts for "cyclones" that smelled an awful lot like trail bosses and RSs.

The longer axles must be fairly common - one listing I found on Ebay said the following: The axle will fit the following models. 500 Sportsman 1996-2003 500 Sportaman 6x6 2002-2003 500 Sportsman HO 2002-2003 425 Expedition 2002 400 Explorer 1999-2002 400 Explorer 1995-1996 250 Exploreer 2000-2002 400 Sportsman 2002-2003 500 Scrambler 1999-2003

 

Make me an offer I can't refuse on 2 axles, 2 tie rods, 2 a arms. This stuff would get on ebay eventually. Let me know, all I can do is refuse. Doc
As far as the cyclone engine it is genuine, 02 suffix on the model.