I test drove a 98 XCR today and ad a few questions.
First, the chaincase has somewhat of a whine to it on deceleration when your off the throttle. Its similar in sound to a clutch winding down. I checked the oil, no more metal than usual and level was good.
Secondly, if you get on and off the throttle quickly, is it normal for the clutching to a make a winding down sound?
Lastly,
I was looking at the clutches, and you can move the secondary about half an inch without the track moving. Is this half inch of freeplay normal? Does the chain need to be tightened? If so how do I go about doing this correctly?

Thanks for the help

you could move the secondary 1/2" which direction?

polaris sells quieter gears for the chaincase.there matched on accel and decell.u would think they would put them in.i told my dealer that was rediculous.[$150.00]

My 98 XLT has the 3/4 hyvo and it howls like crazy.

I thought it was odd at first compared to my doo but after hearing many others and watching other similar threads it is normal. Even the brake is noisy. My buddies 2002 XC SP same thing. I have not heard a quiet one. Standing in the parking lot you can always tell the Polaris coming in.

I'd look at the drive shaft bearing on the PTO side also just to rule it out. They can really howl when failing. Not a big deal to change if it is on its way out.

The chain noise is only on decel when your off the throttle. Ill just deem it as normal.

As for the clutch, you can move it about 1/4 inch either way in freeplay. Is this normal?

when moving your secondary, you mean trying to turn it as if the belt was? If that is the case I think that it would be normal. But if you mean 1/4 inch side to side movement i would guess not.

Yes, turning it like the belt would.
The driveshaft bearing is ok