Here is a much anticipated update which really isn't much of an update.
Working with SATV has been exceedingly frustrating. At first they stated they were going to have their R&D team create Rhino 2.0 axles (which non are currently made nor slated for pioneer 1000-5) to hopefully offer a fix. This was around April 25. Here is their response
"Our engineering dept does not believe that is an issue with you running in Turf mode. We are currently working on getting Rhino 2.0 axles available for this lift kit. I will be in and out of the office for the next few days with limited access to email, I will still be in contact with my team and as soon as I hear something I will let you know asap!"
A week or so went by and we heard nothing from SATV.
In the meantime I found several other SATV 6" Pioneer 1000-5's that did not have portals on instagram and Facebook. I reached out to those riders and asked if any had issues. The common thread we conquered that could be the issue with our our setup is:
- The stock rims we are using (all others were running much larger rims)
- Turf Mode (no one uses it, apparently my lawn obsessed husband is the only one who does)
We contacted SATV and they changed their mind on the 2.0's and they decided to switch gears and they were in the process of acquiring a new 1000-5 and installing a 6" lift to replicate our setup. It was a lot of miscommunication and no one being available to give us an answer.
My husband finally lost his patience and demanded answers. He was told our issue is on the back burner as SATV is in the midst of their busy season and everyone else wants to be out enjoying the outdoors.
Here are the final 2 emails we have received from them:
5/1/2019 "I am being told the stock rims would not be an issue, portals may be helping them where now the axle is not actually turning the wheel it is only spinning to turn the drive gears in the portal boxes themselves. We have a pio 1k 5 here in shop and I am just waiting to see if they can recreate the same problem you are having here so that we will have a fix."
5/15/2019: "I do apologize for the miscommunication. At this point the try on last week w proposed fix did not accomplish end result we had hoped for. As you know we have many of these lifts on the market that have not had same issues you are seeing. Since we cannot come up with a timely solution for your particular situation we are willing to offer you a full refund for your original purchase price of the lift kit. If you choose this option it will void any future warranty on any/all lift kit parts associated w the Pio 1k-5 from SuperATV. The only thing I need is a copy of your invoice w purchase price and pictures of lift kit components destroyed and we can send you a check for the purchase price. "
So now we are beyond disappointed and frustrated.We have just spent nearly $2000 in shipping and installation costs only to have this be their solution. We asked if they could just send out another right side axle and we will attempt to see if not driving it in turf mode will be a fix.
Will keep everyone updated.