S3 Power Sports transformed a 2013 Polaris RANGER XP 900 Orange Madness LE into a serious Southern mud machine with an 8-inch suspension lift, 34-inch Terminator tires, dual winches and enough lighting for nighttime rides.
A Polaris RANGER XP 900 Built for Deep Mud
S3 Power Sports of Shreveport, Louisiana, has built its share of impressive mud machines, but this custom RANGER XP 900 remains one of our favorites. The project started with a new 2013 Polaris RANGER XP 900 Orange Madness Limited Edition equipped with Electronic Power Steering.
At the time, the completely redesigned RANGER XP 900 provided an excellent foundation for a dedicated mud build. Its 875cc ProStar 900 twin-cylinder engine produced 60 horsepower, with its power delivery and gearing calibrated for low-end torque rather than the higher-revving performance of the RZR XP 900.
That combination gave the full-size RANGER the grunt needed to turn aggressive mud tires while preserving the utility that made the platform so popular. It retained a three-person bench seat and a cargo box rated to carry up to 1,000 pounds.
For a closer look at the original platform, read our 2013 Polaris RANGER XP 900 review and complete RANGER XP 900 specifications and model overview.
Eight-Inch Suspension Lift and 34-Inch Tires
The centerpiece of the build was an S3 Power Sports 8-inch custom suspension lift. The additional clearance created room for 34-inch SuperATV Terminator mud tires mounted on 15-inch MSA M12 Black Diesel wheels.
That was an enormous tire package for a RANGER in 2012. Upper and lower frame braces were installed to reinforce the chassis, while 4,500-pound winches at both ends gave the driver multiple recovery options if the machine became buried in deep mud.
The redesigned RANGER XP 900 drivetrain was engineered to handle considerably more power than the previous generation. Polaris also equipped the machine with a stronger drive belt and improved belt and clutch cooling—important features when turning oversized tires through thick mud.
Lighting, Audio and Cab Accessories
S3 equipped the RANGER with a custom Offroad Sound System roof and stereo. A 50-inch LED light bar provided forward illumination, while a 20-inch rear-facing LED light made a powerful backup light. A 50-watt HID conversion added even more lighting for nighttime rides.
The build also took advantage of the RANGER XP 900’s increased electrical capacity. Polaris equipped the redesigned model with a high-capacity battery and an upgraded stator that delivered 30 percent more electrical output than the previous RANGER. That additional capacity helped support the stereo, lighting, heater and two winches.
Lock & Ride PRO-FIT tinted glass windshields were installed at the front and rear. Combined with the factory heater, the cab accessories gave the lifted RANGER additional protection and comfort during cold, wet and muddy rides.
S3 Polaris RANGER XP 900 Build Specifications
- 2013 Polaris RANGER XP 900 Orange Madness LE with EPS
- S3 Power Sports 8-inch custom suspension lift
- Upper and lower frame braces
- 34-inch SuperATV Terminator mud tires
- 15-inch MSA M12 Black Diesel wheels
- Offroad Sound System custom roof and stereo
- 50-inch LED light bar
- 20-inch rear LED backup light
- 50-watt HID lighting kit
- Factory heater kit
- Lock & Ride PRO-FIT tinted glass front windshield
- Lock & Ride PRO-FIT tinted glass rear windshield
- Front 4,500-pound winch
- Rear 4,500-pound winch
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A Standout Early RANGER XP 900 Mud Build
When this machine was featured in December 2012, the RANGER XP 900 was still a brand-new platform. S3 Power Sports quickly demonstrated its potential by combining the model’s torque-focused ProStar engine and full-size utility chassis with the clearance, aggressive tires and recovery equipment needed for serious mud riding.
More than a decade later, this S3 Power Sports RANGER remains an excellent example of the oversized, heavily modified machines that helped define the Southern mud-riding scene.
More information: Visit S3 Power Sports or explore more memorable machines in the UTVGuide.net UTV of the Month archive.
