If you own a Polaris Ranger Crew, you may eventually need to remove or replace the front differential. Whether you broke the differential or simply want to modify it, it's important to know how to remove the roll pin in the driveshaft yoke to get the old pinion out.
But before you start, take a moment to check that the yoke retaining ring is seated correctly. If it's not, the front end could drop, which could cause a lot of damage from deflecting debris. Additionally, it's a good idea to check the pinion for wear, especially if you hear slapping or vibrating noises at slow speeds.
To begin, you'll need to take the side cover off and pull the drive hub out. Then, lift the ring gear and Sprague out as one unit. If you've recently switched to a CV shaft, you may want to consider replacing the prop and pinion shafts. The front yoke on the prop shaft tends to be loose and sloppy on the differential input shaft after swapping over.
Repairing or replacing a front differential can be daunting at first, but don't worry. With a complete service manual and some help from Everything Polaris Ranger, there is nothing on your Crew-Size Ranger that you can't fix!
It's important to note that if there's slop in the splines between the CV joint and the input shaft, you'll need to address this as well. This issue can occur if you don't run the older U-Joint diffs. Addressing this problem may involve replacing certain parts.
Ultimately, understanding your Ranger's front differential and the related parts is key to maintaining your vehicle's performance and longevity. Whether you're a seasoned mechanic or a beginner, taking the time to properly maintain your Ranger will pay off in the long run. And, if you ever need help or advice, don't hesitate to reach out to the experts at Everything Polaris Ranger.