The Honda Rancher is a reliable, work-ready machine straight from the factory—but if you're serious about conquering deep mud and swampy terrain, stock just won’t cut it. To transform your Rancher into a true mud beast, you'll need the right upgrades that boost performance, protect your ride, and help you dominate any bog you drop into.

If you're anything like us at Vessel Powersports, a perfect weekend means buried axles, muddy goggles, and a machine that got absolutely sent. But when the fun’s over and the mud’s dried, your ATV needs serious attention. Skipping post-mud maintenance is the fastest way to ruin your bearings, fry your electrical, and turn a reliable beast into a garage ornament.

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.