J&M Releases New In & Out Drive Shaft Utility

J&M Releases New In & Out Drive Shaft Utility

November 14, 2011

J&M ATV Supply (www.jmatv.com), under its WideOpen brand, has released a new in & out drive shaft utility to aid riders.  The Drive Shaft Switch Out (DSSO), is engineered for all time 4-wheel-drive ATVs to allow the rider to switch to 2-wheel drive with the press of a button. Shifting to 2wd improves the steering radius of the ATV, allows for sport-bike stunts like back end slides that are simply not possible with 4wd engaged.  The Drive Shaft Switch Out reduces steering effort to save wear and tear on both rider and vehicle and improves fuel economy at the same time.  When the rider is ready for 4wd, the Drive Shaft Switch Out allows for easy re-engagement of the front wheel drive.

J&M ATV Supply reports that demand for these products is high, but continues to escalate production to meet vendor needs.  In addition to the Drive Shaft Switch Out, the WideOpen also manufactures a service kit that works with the Drive Shaft Switch Out as well as other drive shaft utilities that have been discontinued.

Consumer reports have been overwhelmingly positive, as these products have been sought for years and kits and service parts for discontinued brands have sold for exorbitant prices on auction sites such as eBay.  The Drive Shaft Switch Out is an affordable upgrade within the price range of any ATV enthusiast.  Dealers should contact J&M ATV supply 1-800-367-9603 for distribution information.  Consumers should contact their local dealer.

Since 1984,J&M ATV Supply has been a leading wholesaler of OEM and aftermarket ATV & UTV parts and accessories, distributing to customers across North America and abroad.  Through its WideOpen brand,J&M has provided dealers with parts and accessories that meet or exceed OEM specifications at affordable prices.

J&M ATV Supply

www.jmatv.com

Drive Shaft Switch Out Available Models

Last post I discussed my ride using the Drive Shaft Switch Out by WideOpen.  Lots of you have asked which models are compatible with our DSSO.

The DS3000 fits Honda TRX300FW 1993-2000
The DS3500 fits Honda TRX350 Rancher ES
The DS4500 fits Honda TRX450 ES/S 1998-2001
The DS5000 fits Honda TRX500 Rubicon

WideOpen also makes a service kit DS1000 that will service our Drive Shaft Switch Out and also other discontinued brands.

What is a Drive Shaft Switch Out?

The Drive Shaft Switch Out (DSSO) is a drive shaft disconnect installed on your all time 4wd ATV that, when activated, disengages the 4wd and allows you to operate in 2wd mode.  Riders will immediately notice a difference in handling and turning radius.  Steering is tighter and it is easier to turn the vehicle, as opposed to turning (and sometimes fighting) all 4 wheels.  Less work and wear on your arms and the added ability to make tighter turns, cut donuts, drift, and slide means lots more fun options for ATV riders.  When you need the extra power of the 4wd, simply disengage the Drive Shaft Switch Out and return to "normal" operation of the vehicle.

Now, I'm just a mild-mannered Marketing Director, and my experience with riding ATVs is limited, so you can imagine my intimidation level in testing a new product like the Drive Shaft Switch Out on a powerful ATV.  It was a good opportunity for me though, having just completed photographing and documenting installation of the DSSO so I could write up install instructions.  That, and I like to go fast.

I started out in regular 4wd mode with the Drive Shaft Switch Out disengaged, taking the Honda out and trying to make some turns.  From that I could tell that by the end of a long day of riding, all-time 4wd riders would have sore arms from fighting the pull of 4 wheels to make turns all day.  Next, I engaged the Drive Shaft Switch Out and followed the same driving path and pattern I had done in 4wd.  It was as easy as pushing a button and pulling back the DSSO knob handle.  Making turns was almost effortless, and I could make tighter turns too.  No stress on my arms either.  For good measure, I cut a few donuts before heading back to my starting point.  Then I disengaged the DSSO by pushing the same button to release and then took another spin in 4wd.

You know, newer ATVs have computerized electrical controls for engaging/disengaging 4wd.  That's probably cool and all, but like my car, sometimes I think it works better to have a purely mechanical means of getting things done because sometimes electronics fail.  The Drive Shaft Switch Out is an engineering marvel that does not rely on any electronics to work, and it is very easy to operate.  ATV riders can excpect ease of use and great dependability from this sturdy piece of equipment.  Installation would not take an experienced mechanic long at all to install, especially if the ATV already had a rack to attach the included mounting bracket.  Plus, this was just fun to drive.  It's nice to know that when I don't need 4wd  that I can disengage it and save my arms while sporting around trails and then get it back as soon as I need it.

In my opinion, the Drive Shaft Switch Out by WideOpen is worth installing.  Now go ride something.