With the new z500 at the dealer for some warranty work on the 4WD actuator, I decided to roll the broken z600 into the garage for a teardown and assessment into what parts I'll need to order.  I more than expected to see a broken mounting plate for the rear gearbox, but I did NOT expect to see a mounting plate that had also been broken BEFORE.  The mounting bracket had two weld lines in mirrored places to the new breaks that were on it.  Along with some additional "re-weld" evidence found other places on the frame I'm reasonably certain something serious happened to the machine early in its life that the second owner I bought it from was completely unaware of.  (or he actually did it and lied like hell to me)  Anyway, the more I dug the more I realized that the majority of the damage was in the two flimsy mounts and an axle that took the brunt of the disconnect event.  The main bearing in the gearbox was flexed enough where it makes a little bit of noise when turned so I'll be doing a complete rebuild of that with a mechanic neighbor's assistance.  I had never worked with metal in any significant way so I went into this thinking I was going to make some measurements and drawings for the needed pieces and get them to a professional.  On a whim I decided to do a bit of research on welders and went out and got everything I'd need to fabricate the brackets myself.  48 hours later and the gearbox is back on the frame for a test fit with the new, functional and much stronger brackets.  With the rebuild kit in hand and the new axle on its way I'll be able to use the ol' 600 soon.

[2015 Z Force 800 53/Trail EPS]

Nice work. That's what it takes sometimes.

While I have the z600 in the garage I figured I'd have a look at the lift kit I originally bought for it.  Rear ones fit perfectly, front not so much.  With my new metalworking tools I made a custom set for the front using the same hole spacing and overall design from the ones in the kit.  Also welded the back gearbox bracket onto the frame and got everything painted with black farm equipment spray so I can avoid rusting my new iron parts.  Still waiting on the axle to ship from Side by Side Stuff and the gearbox rebuild.

Many days of waiting for SxS Stuff to ship my axel later plus a wheel bearing I went ahead and replaced while everything was apart and finally the z600 is back in business.  Also got a chance to put a set of 2" wheel spacers on this one too especially after the lift kit narrowing the stance about an inch and a half.  After becoming used to the 2022 z500 this 2013 model is a bit harder to steer [lacking EPS] and feels a bit underpowered in a few situations [5 less HP], but for running around the yard or doing some work on the property it does a fine job overall.

(I know the middle one isn't a CFMoto, but 2 out of 3 ain't bad)

[2015 Z Force 800 53/Trail EPS]

Good to see the 13 back up and running.