You may be 100% correct, but you have to remember that they upgraded the motor quite a bit! I have been in the XterraRacer and the front end has only made it 3 miles... then rear wheel drive! The spiders (in 2 and 4 versions) have both failed after some decent race miles. The splines / diff have only failed once. We have also seen some failure in ring / pinion but that one right now is inconclusive (probable install error.)

Bottom line... yes, too much power and not a strong enough drive line. I used to have an 05 but traded back down to my original 01. I love the 05 power but would rather have the weaker motor for reliability in the extreme back country.

That said... if you are going to do light to medium wheelin, meaning that you will rarely get on 3 wheels on a 30 degree slope, then you are fine with any of the 4 spider rear ends. Probably stay away from the 05 as that is when the 2 spider axles were common place.

Aftermarket for all this stuff... pretty slow. IF you guys want to make a difference, and have the cash to back up an order... call in to Superior Axle and Gear and ask for product. They sponsor us and make a great product! Tell them that the XterraRacer guys sent you.

Good luck on your decision... have fun, be safe and NEVER wheel alone.

Robert
www.teamxterraracing.com