Hey everyone,

Been reading over your posts for about a month now since I got my cat. Keep up the good posts, they're very helpful! Thought I would give my impressions of my quad.

Smooth ride, much better than anything else I tested out( I rode them all first ).

Have yet to get stuck and yes it is a three wheeler in regular 4x mode. However, if you slowly apply the brakes while giving a little gas, it will pass the three wheel test easily. Just picked up new shifter kit tonight and will try to install that along with the add on rear (plastic)skid plate tomorrow(arctic cat parts). The new shifter kit is a shaft type lever identical to the 500 autos for 2001). Am curious as to whether I can get all three differential modes by just adjusting the lever that goes on the differential. I may have to modify the linkage to allow enough movement for all three positions. I'll post the results.

Power:
Well, it still isn't broken in yet, but I am very pleased. I weigh about 170 and can go as fast as I want as quickly as I want. However, add about 30-50 pounds and things could slow down considerably. For reference, in 4wd low range in 2nd gear from a stop I barely spin all 4 tires at about 1/2 to 3/4 throttle. I expect a little more when the rings seat in more.

4wd high is good for quick runs around smooth ground and 4wd super low is to slow to spin the tires, but is great for engine braking going down long hills.

Mods so far:
Warn 2000 winch, Hour meter, (tomorrow 2wd/4wd shifter, rear skid pan)

Future mods:
Front lift kit(shock mounting extensions)
Already tried spacers under the coil springs. Used about 1 inch of spacer to get 2.25 inches of lift in front only. The ride was way too stiff so I took them back out. Does anyone have any close-up pics of the lift kit pieces for a 500 on front? I have an idea on how to make what I need, just curious if it was similar to other lift kits on the market. I lost an inch when I installed the winch!

Keep those posts coming!

Jason

 

Try cutting one of those 1" spacers in half and installing it, it will make a big difference in the ride compared to the 1" spacers. It will still add lift also.

Ask Fretzo38 if he can send you his pictures. He was the person who came up with this on this forum, he can probaly help you.

 

Cat2504x4:
Welcome aboard! Glad to hear you're happy with your new kitty. Boner's right-try cutting those 1" spacers down a bit. I tried the 3/8" first, then bumped up to 1/2", but they were too stiff, so I went back to the 3/8". I gained about 1.5" of total clearance up front with the 3/8" spacers, and nothing on top of that by going to the 1/2". Keep in mind, I carry well over 100 lbs. up front at ALL times, regardless of the situation, or the ride. Basically, I like to have my recovery gear with me at all times, should the need ever arise.

Great decision on adding a winch, I personally believe they are the single greatest addition you can make to an atv-but then again, mine gets a lot of use, so that says a lot right there. Anyway, if you haven't already done so, I would also recommend getting a set of good stick stoppers/cv boot guards. They're relatively cheap insurance to prevent costly repairs in the future. There are many different brands out there, ranging in price from around $35, clear up to $70 depending on brand and place of purchase. I've got Cycle country on mine, as they came with the 'Cats, others like Oxlite's pretty well. There are several brands to choose from to suit your own specific needs, but regardless, I'd still highly recommend getting a set. If you ride in any kind of sticks, trees, wooded area's, or even rocks, you'll be glad you did.

Best of luck, and let us know how you like that rocker shifter!

Mike

 

Thanks Boner and Cowboy, I'll try some different size spacers this coming weekend when I'm changing out the break-in oil. I also was planning on adding a toolbox on the front rack for towing straps, fix-a-flat, etc. so if its a little stiffer, it will soften up with extra weight.

As far as the rocker shifter, I love it. Used to have a honda with the regular shifter and I never did really like it. Mostly personal preference though.

Stick stoppers are on my list and I plan on upgrading the original front ones as well. They don't look like they would stop very much if you ask me.

Well I got the 2x4/4x4 shifter installed and there was just enough adjustment so that I got all three positions. 2wd/4wd/4wd locked There is no way I would want a locked front differential all the time for just trail riding, but when mudding or snowing it's great!

So, anyone figured out which flowmaster muffler will fit a cat yet? hehe just kiddin'. Have been looking at the supertrapp though. Borla makes some mufflers for the jr dragsters that may work on the cats(with a little work), but I don't think they are adjustable for backpressure though.

Has anyone found any platinum sparks plugs for the cats? I would love to get some Bosch Platinum plugs, but have not been able to find any auto parts stores that can cross reference the NGK plug DR7EA to the Bosch or anything else for that matter. Any suggestions would be appreciated!

Jason

 

Flowmaster on a 'Cat? Damn, that would be cool! Anyway, glad to hear you got everything worked out OK. My tool box up front is an old military mortar box. It is steel, so that adds quite a bit of weight to the front. Good thing about it though, it was FREE, so I couldn't beat it.

Best of luck with your new 'Cat, let us know of any other additions-sounds like you've got a few good ideas (flowmaster/borla) -would be cool to hook up something like that!

Mike

 

Suspension mods: I made a bracket to move lower shock mount up 3/4", that gave me 1-1/2" more clearance on the front without altering spring tension. Make sure to keep shock mount to the inside as it will rub on the tire otherwise.

 

That is exactly what I was wanting to make. Could you give me some more info on how you mounted the bracket. Did you just use the existing shock mount hole on the upper a-arm, or did you add additional bracing to keep it from moving like the shock normally does. Curious as I want to make sure it does not rub the brake line running through the shock mount. Thanks for the info.

Jason

 

I put the 500 front springs and shocks on my 300 4x4 and it worked great. It gave me about an inch lift and that is with a winch. I also put a 3/8 inch spacer on the back spings. It handles alot better and does not lean as much in the turns. It also helped with the plow. Before the plow brought the front down about 2 inches on lift and now only about a inch.

 

AC 500 front springs on the rear of and AC 300????

OR did I mistunderstand?

 

Jason
you said you put 2wd/4wd and it let you have 2wd 4wd 4wd locked how did it let you and how much did it cost