I e-mailed dirtyhowies and asked them if they intend to make a diff locker for the 500i and they replyed:

"I am working on one but it will be a spool type of locker. Which in general is easier to steer in 2 wheel than in 4 wheel."

Howie www.dirtyhowies.com

I think the more people show interest, the quicker we will see it!!
[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img]

 

A locker for the new Cats will be one of the hardest ever disigned and will be very difficult to install because of the sealed differential. Thye have welded it shut on there new models. I would like to have a differential that could be engaged and disengaged myself. Maybe in next years models from AC???

 

What do you mean welded together? I have looked at both the 400i and the 500i and they both look like a regular diff to me... havent taken it out but...it looks bolted together to me. Also the thing is cast alumnium, not impossible to weld but cast alumnium is very difficult to "weld". (mostly you have to TIG it to be reliable.) I may be full of it but that is just my $.02.

 

I don't think we're ready to use this new fourwheel lock system. Somebody's going to have to be the ginny pig on this one. Do you really need four wheel lock? Or, is it just a "macho" thing. You guys are starting to grow up. Act like it!
Chuck

 

I have been in NUMEROUS places where a locked diff would help keep me from the tow strap... I am waiting for the gearless locker form highlifter myself... If it ever happens...can't beat if you have ever tried to cross a ditch at an angle...or if you have ever been high centered on a mudhole that everyone else with 28" laws on a 500 polaris have wallowed out... [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-cool.gif[/img]

 

Scoot, I've been in many holes. I've used four wheel lock and I've gotten in and out of holes without. I watched a friend go thru a deep rutted hole on a quad that was two wheel drive and only 250cc. Four wheel drive machines weren't able to make it but with his tenacity and strength, he made it thru and everybody wanted him to do it again. I told him not to do it because they all were puzzled at how that little 250cc. could make such an effort. My point! If you know how to ride, you don't have to have four wheel lock. But it is nice for a beginners use.
No offense to you great riders.
Chuck

 

I disagree, probably 90% of the times I have got stuck was because of 3 wheele drive... ooh, BTW i have been riding for nearly 15 years (remember the trx 125 honda and the 230 shaft suzuki... heck, I even rode a 72' ATC90(not Mine)) Nothing out there is stuck proof, I just believe that a locker would help in SOME situations. Yes rider experience has a lot to do with it, and I have seen 2wd 250's go places others wouldn't. I have my opinion you have yours... There are very vew places to ride her in Eastern NC, and EVERY mudhole has tracks through it. All of them are difficult to make it through because of the high center. The AC does a SUPER job of getting through most of them. Some are simply impassable without assistance. If you get into a hole that all 4 wheels are not contacting ANY ground even if you rock it... rider experience or a locker would not help...

 

Gowili, I bought my first three wheeler in 1984. I have been on trikes and quads ever since. Although riding experience does help it is not the end all. It is the simple mechanics of it. 4 pulling wheels do a better job then 3. That is just the facts.

 

We have a 01 250 4x4 that has been adjusted so that it has the 4 wheel lock. My son can drive up hills and through ruts that I have a difficult time and have to work at. I would much rather just put right trough these places than have to rock the quad back and forth and get a run at them. It is much easier on the quad. I have a friend that has just put the gearless locker in his 400 Honda, the difference is amazing and very noticable.
If I get a locker it will be the gearless design or a manual engaging type. I don't want a spool type locker they make the quad too hard to steer.

 

All you guys have very good points of view but there is no one answer to this issue. The story I told about the two wheel drive machine going through mud is true. And there's no way you could get me to try that. The kid was really good. Four wheel drive machines are definately easier to steer than four wheel lock machines. My Suzuki, threw me off one time because I forgot I had it in four wheel lock going around a turn. Again, having four wheel lock is a nice feature. I like it too but I don't think you will compromise your riding by not having it unless you do a lot of escape and evasion type work... Remember! 4 wheel lock machines get stuck too... No one wants to get stuck. Get over it... That's part of why we do what we do. And when it happens, make sure there's a utility quad around to pull you out. Enjoy your quads guys... I love my AC 500i.
Chuck