04 Sportsman front springs...
 

I recently bought a 2004 Sportsman 500 that had a Highlifter 2" lift and Highlifter heavy duty springs. I wanted to remove the lift and just use the heavy springs. When I took it apart I had a helluva time with the cv wanting to slip off of the axle shaft. I just couldn't get the clearnace I needed to get the shock and spring out. I ended up getting it done but it took alot longer than it should have. I don't have a spring compresser of any kind and was wondering what you guys do when you have to remove the front hubs for repair. I know now I can service the front end myself after having it apart and want to make sure I have the right tools next time.

well come to the forum. i just used a strap to compress the springs to add my home made spacers in(read my post in the expert section) and it worked fine. no issue at all getting the hub out and they are a 1 1/2" spacers.:D

^^straps work the best I have 5 diffrent style spring compressors and you have to watch them all because somthing doesn't fit right on every compressor. you rememberd the spacers under the struts with the lift kit correct. just checkin I forgot mine when I took mine off my last sportsman

yep...
 

I had to pull the struts out of the tower and that was a real pita to get them back in all the way. I ended up using the strap and that got it done, just a little longer learning curve. I hope to tackle the rear myself when that time comes. Thanks for your replies fellas!

The newer machines like my 2008 500 you can remove the springs without any straps or special tools in about 30 minutes super easy , xp's could be different I'm not sure .