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Posted by: Tree Farmer
As-built from the factory, the AC employs a limited-slip front differential. However, the AC differential is identical to the locking front differential of the Suzuki King Quad and Quadrunner 250 4X4; with appropriate linkage, the AC can be modified so its front end will lock also.
Tree Farmer
Posted by: Tree Farmer
The Suzuki example machines' differentials can be locked with control levers (when in "Super-low" range), or unlocked, as the rider chooses.
Certainly, a differential cannot function in a limited-slip and a locked mode at the same time; however, I thought when the Suzuki KQ/QR 250 4X4 and the AC 300 4X4 differentials are operated in the unlocked mode, they perform as limited-slip differentials. If, instead, these are "open" differentials (without torque-biasing clutches or whatever), I stand corrected.
The rear differential of the Kawasaki Bayou 300 2WD can be locked or unlocked by the rider with a control lever also.
Tree Farmer
Posted by: JKB
The 300-Ac is a true limited slip front diff. The torque bias is 30%. The new Honda Rancher front diff is the same in operation as the AC 400/500 4x4s [torque sensing]. It's bias is 50% so it is 3.5 wheel drive. Limited slips that use clutches instead of cam followers are 3.3 wheel drive. The 300 can, as other people have posted be easily modified to be put in a locked mode This, in my opinion is true four wheel drive. Greg Hall did a great write up on this subject in one of the ATV mags not so long ago which explained this stuff very clearly.
Cheers,
Jim
Posted by: JWSTrailBoss
I have a question about the AC 300 4x4. I know you can switch it in and out of 2wd/4wd, but when you have it in 4wd is it true four wheel drive or does it just put it into limited slip? Thanks.
Posted by: JWSTrailBoss
so, no it isn't in true 4 wheel drive mode then? But you say it can easily be made to do so? Thanks
Posted by: johnc
I'VE MODIFIED MY '00 300 4X4 TO HAVE ALL 3 modes for 0$. just cut the collar on the push-pull cable and adjust the arm on the front diff to allow for all 3 modes....voila!
Posted by: sxr6
That is true Tree Farmer, but you cannot have limited slip & diff lock in the same diff. A/C 300's have no limited slip. However diff lock is easy to get & far superior to any other system except possibly Rancher's new system, if it works as it's suposed to!!!
Posted by: sxr6
We may both be right Tree Farmer. The Suz & Cat 250-300 front diffs are open type when not locked, however, I ride with 500 Suz & Cats, Honda 300, Yam's & though they claim to be limited slip, I would definatly call them TRUE 3 wheel drives. As for the "squeeze the front brake" trick, yes it will transfer a small amount of torque but I have NEVER seen it acually pull enough to help get the machine unstuck.
Posted by: sxr6
JKB The new Honda Rancher uses a new design from England that is SUPPOSED to transfer ALL the power from the wheel that slips to the one thats not spinning. Definiatly not the same system as larger Cats! Here's an experiment I have tried that proves 300 Cat & Suz use an open diff. Block machine with only on front on ground, now when you stab the brake under power the Limited slips will give the other front ( the 1 on the ground ) a jerk, but not enough transfer to pull you off blocks, 250 & 300 Suz & Cats without front diff locked will NOT even flinch the tire on the ground. But when you lock the dif of course, one wheel will pull you of the blocks.
Posted by: blazer316
Really, how do you go about making it lock?
Posted by: N1TE0WL
sxr6
THe Honda Rancher front diff. did come from England (Land Rover I believe) But guess what, so did the 400/500 cat. Both systems operate the same and even look the same on the inside. Don't believe me take a grinder to the machine weld and unscrew the assembly (it has lefthand threads).
BTW the Arctic Cat has screw holes in this front assembly. If you put some titanium flathead screws in these holes (make sure the tops of the screws are below where the bearing sits) your 400/500 front diff will be fully locked. All this does is reinforce the cone washer that puts pressure on when it is "supposed" to transfer power. Let me warn you though, it is VERY hard to turn. I rode mine locked for a week and had to unlock it because it was just to much to turn
Posted by: TheArcher
When the King Quad i in "regular" 4 wheel drive it is a limited slip differential, not an open diff. However not to start any trouble it is an old design for a limited slip. I would compare it to the limited slips Honda used to put in their 300 4x4's. No matter though, King Quad riders always have the locking diff. to bail themselves out with. Take 'er easy fellas. :-)
Posted by: TheArcher
The King Quad uses a limited slip differential when in 4-wheel drive but not in the diff. lock. I just got off the phone with Suzuki cust. service and 3 different dealerships. I asked them all the same questions and got the same answer every time( although it took them a long time to find out). King Quads use a limited slip. By blocking one wheel up you just start the "does the new Honda front limited slip differential really work" argument up with another brand. Limited slips work fine when both wheels are on the ground. When you high center the machine and one wheel is up in the air they have not and will not transfer power to the wheel on the ground. The machine needs to have some friction against both front wheels for the limited slip diff. to work.
Take'er easy fellas......
