2015 Ranger 900 Long-Term Review

[Chris]

Great honest write up --- thanks for sharing. I have had 2 Rangers and they did everything I wanted them to do. Really good machines

Thanks for reading all my ramblings.

An honest review is always the best review. Unfortunately, such an honest review is hard to come by these days when so many reviewers suckle the corporate teet. It's either reviewers who won't say anything negative about a product because of a backdoor sponsorship, or it's reviewers with little real world experience trying to talk about a product they've spend minimal time holding. They're essentially saying, "It feels good in the hand." LOL!!!

I'm not the definitive authority on Polaris Rangers. Mine continues to be fun, but it hasn't been perfect. I can admit that.

[Chris]

Ranger 900 Long Term Update

The SuperATV RackBoss steering rack was starting to get sloppy. The internal teflon bushing showed wear within 1,000 miles. The majority of those miles were running 27" tires. I replaced the RackBoss with an OEM steering rack. The picture below shows the bushing. Note the lower left section of the bushing how the teeth of the steering rack have worn away bushing.






My front AWD gearcase was leaking fluid out of the front pinion seal. While I had my front end disassembled for work to the steering, I pulled the front gearcase for inspection. I found play in the pinion bearing. Removing the gearcase pinion seal revealed (another!) bearing spacer/retainer come loose. I'm not sure what the proper term is for the plastic clip that evenly spaces the ball bearings, but that part was dislodged. The ball bearings were free to move about inside the race causing some loud marbling noises in the driveline. I clipped the retainer back into place and noticed the slop in the bearing tightened up and the marbling noise went away when manually rotating the pinion gear. Nonetheless, I went ahead and replaced the pinion bearing with a new bearing.






I took the family out for a ride and to give the Ranger a test with the new front end parts. The new steering felt great. I suppose you don't realize how numb the steering is until you install new parts. The Ranger drives and tracks well.

[NickH]

Chris, are you considering getting rid of those 'polaris clothes' in your sig yet with the new wolverines out there?

[Chris]

Chris, are you considering getting rid of those 'polaris clothes' in your sig yet with the new wolverines out there?

Yes, I really like the new X2! I am eager to see one in person.

[Timmi]

they are smaller than most people think. less cabin room than your Ranger and less top speed but less maintenance also

Yes, I really like the new X2! I am eager to see one in person.