What Size Axles You Need After a Lift Kit or Gear Reduction on Your Honda ATV or SxS

July 19, 2025

ByChris Nichols 0 Comments

What Size Axles You Need After a Lift Kit or Gear Reduction on Your Honda ATV or SxS

Lifting your Honda ATV or installing a gear reduction kit can give you more ground clearance, better performance in mud, and more torque—but these upgrades also put major strain on your stock axles. If you’re wondering what size axles you need after a lift or gear reduction, you're in the right place. Let’s break it down

Why Lifts and Gear Reductions Stress Your Axles

When you add a lift kit, you’re changing the angle at which your axles operate. This extra angle increases the likelihood of binding, joint fatigue, and eventual breakage—especially under load.

Gear reductions increase torque, which is great for slow-speed mud and crawl performance—but that torque transfers directly to your drivetrain. If your axles aren't built to handle that added force, you’re going to break something (usually at the worst time).

So, What Axles Do You Need?

If you’ve installed a lift, portals, or gear reduction on your Honda Rubicon, Rancher, Foreman, or Talon, the answer is simple: you need stronger, longer, or better-articulating axles than stock. The specific axle size you need depends on your setup:

✅ For 2” to 3” Lifts (No Portals):

Go with extended heavy-duty axles designed for lifted machines. These axles accommodate the added angle and are made from stronger materials to resist twisting and snapping.

🔗 Check out our Demon Powersports Heavy Duty Axles

✅ For Gear Reduction (12% – 30%):

You don’t always need longer axles, but you do need stronger ones. Demon Powersports axles are built with:

• 20% larger shaft diameter than OEM

• Dual plunge design to prevent binding

• 15% larger CV joints for smoother movement

These upgrades allow the axle to withstand the added torque and stress from a gear reduction.

✅ For Portals (4” to 6” or Dual Idlers):

Portals change axle geometry entirely. You’ll need specific-length portal-friendly axles that handle both the added leverage and angle. Demon Powersports also offers extended options that work well with most portal kits.

When to Upgrade Axles

If you’re experiencing:

• Popping or clicking under throttle

• Axles pulling out of the differential

• Rubber boots tearing quickly

• CV joints overheating

…it’s time to upgrade your axles—before you get stranded in a swamp or on the trail.

Why We Recommend Demon Powersports Axles

At Vessel Powersports, we beat the crap out of our machines—and Demon Powersports axles are the only ones we trust when we’re pushing Honda builds to their limit. Whether you’re running big tires, portals, a gear reduction, or all three, these axles take the abuse.

🔗 Shop Demon Heavy Duty Axles Now

Final Thoughts

When modifying your Honda ATV or side-by-side, don’t skimp on axles. A broken axle can ruin your weekend and cost you more in collateral damage. Upgrade smart, ride hard, and keep your machine trail-ready.

Want help choosing the right axle for your build? Contact us at Vessel Powersports—we’re real riders who build and test everything we sell.

Chris Nichols