Wednesday, November 21 2007 17:21 Written by ATV Escape Staff

Snorkel- A snorkel is a tube, typically made of plastic, running from the air-box, CVT, or transmission intake, which extends higher than the standard heights of these intakes.  It allows an ATV to operate in deep water without sucking water into the air obx, motor, or transmission.  The picture on the left is a snorkel sold by Highlifter, which can be seen here.

On the Trail- A snorkel is necessary only if you intend to ride in deep water and mud.  If you intend to cross deep streams, or ride in deep mud bogs, then a snorkel is a modification that is a must. There are many snorkels you can buy from manufacturers, or you can make one of your own.

Wednesday, November 21 2007 16:42 Written by ATV Escape Staff

Solid Axle Rear Suspension- Their are two types of rear suspension on four-wheelers.  These are solid axle and independent rear suspension (IRS). Solid axle rear suspension is a solid axle with a rear differential connecting both wheels.  When one wheel encounters a rock on the trail, the wheel moves over the rock, and the opposite wheel (being they are both attached to the axle) will move as well. 

On the Trail- Solid axles tend to be a rougher ride than IRS suspensions.  Solid axles are more prevalent on sport quads since they will "spin" through corners instead of trying to compensate for the angle the way IRS suspensions do.

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Wednesday, November 21 2007 16:31 Written by ATV Escape Staff

Independent Rear Suspension (IRS)- There are two types of rear suspension on four-wheelers: IRS and solid axle.  IRS allows both of the rear wheels to move idependently of each other.  If one wheel encounters a rock, then that wheel goes up and over the rock without the other wheel moving. There is no rear differential.

On the Trail- What this translates into is a smoother ride than a solid axle and better ground clearance.