Im not a big tech guy but why doesnt some after marker company make a locking differntial for the limited slips. I know they have lockers but they are always locked and not very practical so why dont they make a differential that can be locked and unlocked like on the suzuki and 2-wheel drive kawasakis how hard could it be. I know it would prob be a little pricey but i think alot of people would buy it but what do i know.

 

I agree however this side of heaven I don't think we will see a locked/unlocked limited slip differential come from Honda (not for awhile)..I have a 450ES w/ the limited slip and I have yet to have a problem climbing/mudding through anything. I have also owned a Suzuki 250 4x4 in the past and I can assure you there is precious little difference except for the 2x4 option.

 

I also agree that there is demand for an aftermarket way of locking/unlocking the front diff. It seams to me the technology to do this already exists from the off-road truck/jeep market. Has anyone ever come up with a home made way of locking/unlocking diff or a way of disabling the front drive shaft for 2WD option?

 

Highlfter makes a locker for the 300 and 450, but once locked it cannot be unlocked. Those people who have them seem to swear by them.

 

A locked front differential is way ahead of a limited slip system. I ride with a couple of polaris machines and the difference in the mud between these machines and a limited slip setup is obvious. Wish my 99 Big Bear had a lockup front differential.

 

I feel that the system that is used in the Rancher is perfect for the fact it steers very easy and it locks when it is really needed I ride with guys that are running 99 and 2000 450 and they are disappointed that the system is not in there bikes do to the major differance that it makes when climbing hills or in the mud.

 

bnt5,
You said there was precious little differance betwen being locked on a KQ and an unlocked front end.It indicates to me that you dont really ride in the technicle stuff.Perhaps this is true on a little 4x4 like the KQ?However,just yesterday,while testing out my new clutch spring at my local riding area,this guy was on a new 00 450s with limited slip.It was his first time there,I showed him around.

We come upon a small but steep muddy/rutted hill.I made it the first time with my factory locked 4x4 Polaris Xplorer.He tried 3 differant times.He'd get about 3/4 the way to the top and hit some ruts,only ONE front wheel spinning.He needed to turn back around.I showed him that only one wheel was powered in the front.He was amazed that a locked front end would make such a differance.

I see it happen all the time.For casual mudding/hill climbing,a limited slip is just fine.Get into the more technicle stuff,it's best to be locked.===Bill

 

Bill,
You would be correct in assuming that I do not ride alot of technical mud, however for 95% of the average atv'ers trail experience they will not be in mud up to the handle bars and the limited slip will be more than adequate. As I have never ridden a Polaris 4x4 I cannot make a valid argument here(I would like to try), but sheer logic dictates that when in deep mud 4 wheels are better than 3. As to steep muddy hills, we have our fair shair here in KY and I have yet to not make the top on one, maybe I have to attack it a little more judiciously than a locked 4x4 but the outcome still remains the same. Could be that my view will change this coming trail ride. who knows. But for right now I am unlocked and loaded for bear.

 

BNT5,
I totally agree with you,most ATVers dont ride in mud up to their wazu and the limited slips do just fine.I happen to be the exception to that rule.Although,I have seen a decline in the amount of hard mudding I've done in the last few months,it's satisfing to me knowing im locked,[I have switchable 2wd-4wd to]even if I am just casually trail riding.

Regardless if we are locked or not,we are all still going to have a great time,and thats what it;s all about,
Happy Trailing,
Bill