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.

 

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

 

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!!!

 

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

 

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. :-)

 

so, no it isn't in true 4 wheel drive mode then? But you say it can easily be made to do so? Thanks

 

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.

 

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!

 

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

 

Really, how do you go about making it lock?