My cousin's 98 or 99 Big Bear has recently had a major breakdown, while out at the deer lease the starter came apart destroying the engine.
His dealer told him it would cost about $2,500 to repair and that he has been doing this on a lot of the new 350 Big Bears with no low range.
Please let me know if anyone else has heard of this?

 

I have heard of no such thing, but I don't understand how it ruined the whole motor, what exactly did it break. This scares me because I got a '99 big bear back in june. Is this 4WD or the 2WD model?

 

Adam,
I am sorry for not giving enough information. It was a 4X4 the first year model with no low range offered. The exstensive damage was to the cases and some transmission parts.
The dealer told my cousin that he was going to try to get this covered by the factory. I will reply with the outcome.