polaris sloppy drivetrain
 

I bought a used '04 400 sportsman and a new 500HO sportsman and both have pretty loose splines for front axles and propeller shaft. You really notice the vibration when going wide open. Is this the same design for all polaris atv's. My buddy just bought a new grizzly 700 and it seems much tighter and no vibration , the same goes for another buddy with a 450 kingquad. I am considering getting an 800-850 sportsman or xp , will it vibrate as well at top speed?

I know my 03 600 twin has a different front hub design than my 02 500 had, instead of engaging the hubs for the 4x4 it engages the differential.

There shouldn't be any excessive vibrations. Sounds like you'll need to go through your driveline and make some repairs. I've owned several sportsman's over the years and never encounter an issue like you speak of. The sportsman XP's are a big step up from the older models when it comes to the ride and handling. Well worth the extra money in my opinion.

I wouldn't say there is a lot of vibration but there is more than my buddies yamaha and suzuki. When the 500 was new you could grab the axles at the front diff. and wiggle them pretty good, at top speed there is no way they are not going to vibrate some.