I am getting ready to purchase a new ATV. I am wanting to get some info on the 2WD AC 250 and the 2WD AC 300. I have not yet looked at either yet, but I have read a number of posts of problems with the CV boots on the Arctic Cats. I am familiar with the CV boot on a car assume the same thing is on the atv and I understand how a boot can tear. Is this problem something I should be concerned with on the 250 or 300 2WD atv? Is it only a problem on the 4WD models? Is this only a problem on AC's?
On a diff subject, will I see a big performance difference between the 250 and the 300, since they are basically the same frame?

 

Newbie:
The problem with the CV boot's is that they will tear when snagged on sticks, rocks, debris, etc. If you look at the A-arm on the front of the machine, the CV itself is right in the center of the "A", and therefore, subject to abuse from such forementioned materials. The cure is to simply install a set of CV protectors, or stick stoppers.

Brands range from Cycle Country, to Oxlite, with many variations in-between. Prices will range anywhere from $35-$60 or so, depending on the brand you choose. Basically, they bolt on to the A-arm themselves, and provide protection from debris from all angles, except for directly above. Of course, nothing will be "attacking" your CV joints from above, as it is protected by the fender, and rest of the suspension.

Basically, the boots keep material out of the joint itself, and the stick stoppers provide rigid protection to the boot and joint assembly. Should the boot tear, you're in for greater possiblities for joint failure, which is quite costly. I would recommend boot guards, or stick stoppers be installed to any atv, not just AC's.

Hope that helps.

Mike

 

I have an A.C. 300 4x4 and I definitaly would recommend the CV guards couse lots of stuff gets wrapped around them, especially in marshy mud, but i haven't had a problem with them tearing,at 500 miles.I also have an 89 suzuki 250 QuadRunner 4x4 which is almost the same engine as the AC except for a new carb, I believe, and it is only 2-4 mph slower and pretty much keeps up with the Cat.The biggest difference is the suzuki is light(i'm not sure of it's weight but it must only be in the mid 400 lbs range, it is light!!)so i don't know have this will affect the AC 250's performance, and becouse it's so light it goes through just about half as much fuel in the same time as the Cat but thats the only major difference.
Hope this will help you and i strongly recomend the 300 4x4 it goes a ton of places that no 2wd could ever do but the 250 keeps up with it, so as Captain Planet would say "The choice is up to you."

 

Trust me don't let it leave the show room without those gaurds I learned that the hard way. I crushed a boot and by the time I noticed it, my axle was gone, it cost me $300 and my dealer gave me all the parts at cost and didn't charge me for labour. As far as the power difference between the 250 and 300, there is not much, they are the same engine with a couple of modifacation on the 300. If I had my day over again I would buy the 400 2x4 for the extra cost. I just don't trust all those joints and boots, I'm always nervous of them when driving in rough terrain, next time I will go with the straight axle and sacrafice comfort for peace of mind.

 

Go with after market stick stoppers. The cat accessory cv boot guards are responsible for destroying two cv boots, on my 300 due to poor fit and function.

 

Thanks, for all the replys. I bought the 250 2WD yesterday. Check out my new post on my purchase.