I was curious if you would rebuild or buy a whole new/used assembly? Just bought an 03 500 Auto and the ring gear in the front differential is shot; several teeth are broken off. I'm sure I'll need to replace all the bearings ($100+) to ensure they don't fail from metal filings & the ring gear is at least $320. I saw on one site where the whole assembly was $850. The difference in cash could buy more parts and accessories but I'm thinking maybe it would be more reliable with a whole new assembly; I suppose that is no guarantee, the original failed at 271 miles.
1. Rebuild?
2. Buy New?
3. Buy Used? Any good places to start, no local Arctic Cat dealers or salvage yards in my area?

Thanks, Del

 

where do you live? is your arctic cat dealer in minnesota? cause i know mine goes right to arctic cat salvage and they can get probably the whole thing for about 50 to 100 bucks either that or see if anyone has anything on e-bay you just never know. if all else fails i would just buy a new one.

 

I f you are going to go with all new go with an o5 differential and get the locking differential I think someone on here said that they had $950 in changing it over, for the 100 bucks it would be worth the money

 

I checked with a Arctic Cat shop about a salvaged differential & they called Arctic Cat Salvage and said they could get it for $325 + shippping, does that sound about right ($320 sounds better then $850)? Does anyone know if these salvaged parts are checked-out by Arctic Cat to be good? Thanks, Del

 

Where do you live? I just changed my 03-500 diff over to a locking diff. I ordered the parts for a 650 and installed them into my quad. You can get all the parts including a new 650 left side axle for under 850.00 Best move i made.... My cat is a different breed for an 03.

pic;s here

http://photos.yahoo.com/slazman23

MArk

 

I decided to take the differential ring gear (tack welded gear assembly) apart, it's shot anyway. I found only the 2 small gears that ride on the tacked pin are bad. Does anyone happen to know who makes these gears (no numbers) or how I may find out, I doubt a dealer would know, but maybe a good service mechanic? How about a shot ring gear but those gears are good? I'd like to take a shot at rebuilding it! I hate to spend money on things I know I can fix, yeah I'm cheap too, so the ATV world is probably not for me since all parts seem expensive.

MuddedPrarie (Mark), locking front differential swap, nice idea, any chance you could send me a list of parts you ordered? I'm assuming you used your original case? Why the left axle? I'm new to all of this but it may be an option.

Thank, Del

 

You need a left side 650 axle because it has the locking teeth on it. The 03-axle dosen't. As for a list of parts... I have it posted on www.arcticchat.com if you can't find it let me know and i'll post all the numbers again.

Mark

 

Mark, I found the list of parts. After reading more about what is required I don't think my Cat will accept the mod, correct me if I'm wrong but I have an 03' 500 Auto which has a 34 tooth ring gear not a 36 & I understand that yours is a 36 tooth set-up. Del

 

The 03's are 36 teeth... I know of many ppl to do this mod... If i can help you in any way let me know...

Mark

 

muddedprarie- did the 650 diff. bolt right on on or was there any modifications? i had priced an 06 diff for my 2002 500 from and it was about 1200 for all, axles,bearings,diff.,cable,lever. thanks for any info