polaris ranger lift kit forum

Cannedham · #1 (**permalink**) 12-23-2011, 07:26 AM

I just got rid of my 2011 Comander, phew. Now I just picked up a 2005 Polaris ranger 500 with independent rear suspension its twice the machine of my commander. I wanna put about a 2" lift kit on it. I had one on the commander and pulled two axles out. I don't want that problem with the ranger. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

**Bruce!** · #2 (**permalink**) 12-23-2011, 03:28 PM

Welcome to the board!

shui5612 · #3 (**permalink**) 12-25-2011, 01:30 PM

get the lift kit and something like gorilla axles.. they are made for the lift kits and are super resistant...
its pricey.. but you gotta pay to play.....

Cannedham · #4 (**permalink**) 12-26-2011, 05:42 AM

Do you think stock axles will hold up tho. They look like they are on a pretty steep angle now being factory. I should have mentioned this ranger is only gonna be used around my house hauling wood, dirt, plowing some snow. I have some trails in the yard but nothing to crazy. I just wanted to lift it to make it look a little nicer, everyone knows this wasn't Polaris's nicest looking machine by a long shot. Oh and my old man has a golf cart sitting higher I can't really have that.

shui5612 · #5 (**permalink**) 12-26-2011, 01:08 PM

hmm... what tires are you going to run? stock size? close to stock?

if your lifting it to put 30" outlaws.... i dont think stock axles will last...

if you are staying NEAR stock size tires, with decent thread... then they will last some time...
just renember that its "extreme use" everything has its own wear level it can support....

the stock axles will last but how long? that i dont know... might be 3000miles with the lift, and without the lift it "could" of lasted 4500 miles...

is it too much money wise for you?
as in, you wont mind getting new axles every 3 years as oposed to getting them every 4....

BUT if ( i dont know, never had gorrila axles) gorrilas last or 6 years... maybe it might be worth getting them?

EX: stock axle costs 100$ if the gorrila costs 250$ then its worth it... as you would only change it out once compared to changing stocks twice...
(sure its 50$ but your not counting the down time that it will be in the shop)

hope i helped.

Cannedham · #6 (**permalink**) 12-26-2011, 05:37 PM

Thanks Shui, yes I will be using the stock tire because they are in good shape still. When they wear out I'm gonna go with something a little bigger, but not a real aggressive tread. This machine is only for around the house. Like I had mentioned just looking for a couple extra inches up to get a little better look.

shui5612 · #7 (**permalink**) 12-26-2011, 08:49 PM

just dont go for a too big of a tire... ( as you might be sucked into a trap (ex: oh i have a lift... why go 27" tires when i could go with 30 as i already have a lift? not going to use it for its intended purpose but those big agressive tires will sure look sweet on my ranger))

another thing. you could paint the plastics/get decal kits add bumpers and such....might aswell consider that...

ex : rock sliders, paint the roll cage, add bumpers

if you want something really nice is , take off the plastics and get them to a paint shop and paint them with automotive paint... maybe change the head lights? going with bigger and beefier... ( you can always drill/cut out some plastics )

hope i helped.