I would like to install 26 inch 589's or mud lights on my stock 400 auto 4x4. I would also like to install a locking front diferentail, like whats on the 05' 400. Does any one out there have any advise for me? Do I need to beef up the clutch, increase horsepower?

 

all i can say is dont get the mud lites.
i have them on my honda and im not very happy with them.
the 589s are a good tire.
but you should check out the mud bugs now there is a great all terrane tire.
great in the mud snow or on any kine of terrane you can throw at them.
and cost less and last longer then the mudlites.

 

A lot of people are happy on the mudlites. However you won't be able to get a locking front diff, unless you weld it.

 

weld it weld it weld it

 

Depending on what you are planning to spend to upgrade your ride, check out the '06s.
They dont have bigger tires, but a number of other improvements.

I have read about people adding diff lockers to some machines - as I recall, some seem to report that it didnt work properly.


'05 AC 500auto

 

I run mudlites and love them. My last machine had 589's and I loved them too!! Both are good tires. The newer mudlites on 14" wheels look great and from what I have seen they slight mods made to the tread work well.

Good luck

 

there are two different types of mud lights, get the mud light XL. (extra large). they are one and a quarter inch of tread and are awsome. my neighbor has them on his 400 and the bike roots through mud alot better than with the stock tires. his are just 25 inch tires but they work really good. i have the 27 inch 589's on my 2002 500i and i love mine as well. ive put 2,200 miles on them and i still have three quarters of an inch left. i have broken 2 axles but, it was my fault. i was being careless. ive never broke the axle in mud though.

 

This is my .02, I like the 589 better than the mudlites and the mudbug better than the 589s. I don't recommend locking your front diff unless you can disengage it. If you are only going to mud run the atv then lock it and let it eat but if you are going to trail ride, YOU will regret riding all day long with a locked front. I have the 05 400 cat and wanted the locker like you and I really like it but I only use when I need it! There is no way I could ride all day with it locked all the time, its way to hard to steer. You maybe able to buy an 05 400 front locking diff and install it on your atv but I'm not sure what the cost would be. I have heard of people locking the front diff and liking it by welding it. Do a search here and Arctic chat.com or maybe highlifter.com, Maybe someone can help if no one here can.