What is the Difference in Demand Drive Fluid and Angle Drive Fluid: Polaris Front Gearcase Noise After Oil Change

Recently we were changing the front differential fluid on a 2012 Polaris Sportsman 800.  Some folks suggested using Angle Drive Fluid and that it replaced Demand Drive Fluid.  The Owner's Manual makes no mention of this fluid, so after much research and looking at the fluids, it's apparent that these two oils are different in every way.  Watch the Comparison.

Polaris Angle Drive Fluid is made for the earlier model Polaris 4x4 ATV's that have the electrically actuated hub assembly.  This means the AWD system engages at the hub assembly or similar to a old pick-up truck that you have to get out of and lock the 4wd system in at the center of the front wheels.  The front diff on these style quads use the Angle Drive Fluid, which appears to be the same consistency and very similar to a gear oil.

Polaris Demand Drive Fluid is formulated for (approximately) 2004 and newer Sportsman's that the AWD (4x4) system engages in the front differential.  This fluid is much thinner and resembles hydraulic fluid.  The Demand Drive Fluid is clear and very thin as you can see in the video.  Some folks have ran Angle Drive Fluid in the newer center actuating front differentials with no issues, while others report the fluid made their front gearcase make a loud popping noise and ultimately break down.

Comparing the thumb shift Rancher ES to the foot shift Rancher S model

Honda introduced the Rancher 350 Fourtrax ATV with two different transmission options, manual foot shift or manual electric shift controlled by an up and down arrow on the left side of the handlebar.  Honda badges the electric shift model as ES and the manual foot shift Ranchers as the S.  Both transmissions have their advantages as well as a digital dash readout on the ES.

The S model or manual shift Rancher is about as bullet proof an ATV that has ever been manufactured.  Honda introduced this Rancher FourTrax 350 in the year 2000 and it was a great seller and many good Ranchers still exist tucked away and forgotten about in garages and barns around the states.  The manual foot shift model has a very basic dash readout, consisting of indicator lights for neutral, reverse and high temperature warning.  The shift pattern; start in neutral, down for reverse and 1-5 gears up from neutral (R,N,1,2,3,4,5).   This edition Rancher equates to less electronics and things to tear up and replace.  Basic, but practical explains the "S".  Watch the Rancher S in action

The Rancher ES, also introduced in 2000, was an industry first for manual thumb shifted ATV's and still remains the only manufacture to use this type transmission control.  The ES operates just like the foot shift model, but instead of cycling through the gears with your left foot you change gears with your left thumb by a pair of up shift and down shift arrows located on the handlebar.  From experience I can say that after long trail rides you feel less fatigued on the ES.  The dash readout also offers much more information, including: speed, odometer, trip meter, engine hour meter, time, reverse light, neutral light, high temp light and digital gear indicator (R,N,1,2,3,4,5).  The most commonly replaced electrical component on the ES is the Angle Sensor, which is relatively easy to install part and less than $50 at your local Honda shop.  To avoid trouble with the ES keep it out of mud and water where the engine is submerged for long periods of time.  Watch the Rancher ES in action