Hey guys, I am trying to find out if the new '01 Arctic Cat 500 5-speed still uses the "racheting cone" front differential?

I have tried contacting dealers, I have tried getting parts counters to give me a expanded parts view--but the dealers just tell me its a "plain 'ole differential". The parts guys do not have the new year parts books yet, so they are not for sure.

I then tried to call Arctic Cat customer service--after lots of time on hold, and talking to several people, I finally got to talk to a "tech"--if you listened to what he was trying to tell me, they have a open differenital with no torque bias at all!!

I am completly confused--I figured somebody might already know what differential they use in the '01 models, or you would have more pull with Arctic Cat, and were able to find out. If it is not the rachet kind--what is it? I have heard they changed them in the '00 model year.

Thanks a bunch for the help!

 

I responded back to your e-mail today. Hope you got it.

 

BONER,

Could you copy me in on that e-mail.

I'm a little confused about the front end differences between the earlier Arctic Cat models and the 2001 too. I know that the 2001 auto is 2WD/4WD selectable where the 2000 manual is not. But, are they limited slip or full-time? Is the 2001 manual selectable? Dis they change the design?

I've seen locker kits for limited slip front ends but have not paid enough attention to whether they are available for AC. I've also seen people discuss how to lock them without a kit.

Besides the "racheting cone" what other designs are there? I remember an earlier post with "everything you need to know about diffs but were afraid to ask", but it was way over my head and didn't address my particular questions.

Thanks in advance.

 

I can not say for sure what exact kind of front differential my 2001 500 manual has, but I do know it is a limited slip type. On a couple of occasions I have gotten into really lose rocks-gravel and both tires have spun. It does take just a second for the second tire to engage, but it does do it. I do not have mud experience yet-live in southeast Utah and we ain't known for lots of rain, so I can't say how it will work in a mud bog. Hope this info helps.