thinking of getting a lift kit for my machine, but I have been told could cause damage to atv.. just trying to get some info on others who have a lift kit and what brand they have.. How is the handeling etc. Thanks for any help
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The lift will increase the wear in your CV joints (rear drive) and universal joints (front drive) due to the increased angle of operation required from the lift. The large (oversized) tires will increase wear on your tie rods, steering components and drive line components (transmission and drives shaft U-joints).

If you have stock tires you will be amazed at the gain by just going to a 26" tire (which does not require a lift) and installing a more aggressive tread pattern (ie. Titan/ITP 589, Goodyear Mudrunner).


Lifts and supersized tires are very hard on the machine.

 

Can I use my same stock rims to go to the titans 26" tire or do I need new rims as well

 

Yes your stock rims should work for 26" tires. Call East Kentucky Motorsports and ask to make sure. They are great to deal with and have very good prices. Look at a Titan 589 or a Mudrunner and I think the stock rims will work.

 

I probably have about 6000 miles total on machines with front and rear (HighLifter) lift kits. This would be two machines, a ’99 SP500 (sold) and a ’02 500 HO. I’ve had no problems up front, although I’ve seen complaints here from others who’ve blown front CV joints from backing up in AWD with the steering at full turn. The most frequent problem I have is tearing rear CV boots. The extra angle caused by the lift puts more stress on the CVs and boots. I’ll bet I’ve replaced eight rear boots, mostly inner ones, since running lifts. I always keep a couple boot kits handy and can usually replace one in about 45 minutes. Rear CVs fail under the extra stress too, but less often. I’ve replaced 3 on the two machines (I think. Well, two for sure), all covered by the extended warranty.

When considering mods, the old rule “for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction” usually applies. In other words, nothing is free. Just about every mod you will make requires some compromise, usually in durability and reliability. Is it worth it? Only you can answer that question. I wouldn’t give up my lifts and accept the consequences. Others would consider the downside too much to deal with. It’s your call.