I am considering buying a 2001 AC 400 4x4, but I see that it is only offered as a full-time 4WD model. Is it possible to convert it to 2WD/4WD selectable with a modification kit? It seems I read somewhere in this forum where someone discussed doing this to a 250 4x4 with a 300 4x4 modification kit. Can the same procedure be done between the 400 and 500 4x4?

 

No, if you want 2wd you will have to swap front diff from a 500 model to get 2wd.

 

Boner, thanks for answering that question for me!

I don't understand why AC hasn't placed this nice option in the 400 4x4 when they have it for both the 300 & 500, but hopefully we'll see it in the future models. Does anyone know what changes will be made to the the 2002 AC models?

cat3608

 

Well I think that shows that AC has something in the works for the 2002-2004 AC400's. With suzuki coming out with a 400 auto you know Arctic Cat is gonna pick up on it and makes something with the same motor/tranny set up.

 

Don't let that convince you from getting a quad that you want. Unless you spend alot of time riding on pavement you'll never miss the 2wd.

 

Went to the motorcycle show in Minneapolis today. Wanted to check out any new models. The Artic Cat boys did not attend because it was mostly motorcycles. I got to remember to wear everything black next time I go. I must have been the only one with a red fleece jacket. I guess I was the only one with a colored jacket. Hundreds of people. Sorry! The Suzuki rep said that next year they will have all new models except for the 500's. The 400 will have 2-wheel--4-wheel selectability and be aimed at the sport/ute market. When asked about Artic's 500 he said they have good running gear but they are "a work in progress." Funny how all the features seem to be on the CAT and not on the Suzuki, you gotta love some salespeople!! The Kawasaki National rep. said that all the dealers in the USA will have at least 3, thats right, (3) 650's by June. Hey it sounds like a great bike but if that isn't " off like a herd of turtles", nothing is. By the way the 650 is auto only and a mono shock on the back. The whole ATV direction seems to be how to Speed and sport up the ride and looks, the work utility is not getting any attention. Seems a little goofy to me , if you want a sport ride buy a sport ATV. For example if I want a sports car I would buy a low slung fast cornering sports car, not a modified Suburban...... Think I might have had a little too much coffee today, long winter days....

 

About never useing 2wd except for aphalt, just as the owners with this opption how much they use it. They will probaly tell you how much they use 4wd cause it's less than when they use 2wd.

 

Boner, If I understood your post correctly, you meant to say that people with selectible 2/4wd use their 2wd more often than their 4wd? Is that right?
It's quite possible that you're right. Why wouldn't you play with the selector if you've got one.
The point I was trying to make was that if you've got your heart set on a quad, don't convince yourself not to get it just because it's full time 4wd. I assure you I don't miss it at all, and the only time I ever notice the steering is when I'm on ashphalt.

 

I agree with that, but I wanted to let him know that it is not something he will never use.

I do agree with you on that, I don't normally notice it unless I'm on the power in a turn. Thats when it realy fights me to go straight when I want to turn.

 

Hate to intrude, but from my standpoint, you're both right. I don't think the selectability should be THEE deciding factor, if that's all it came down to between machines. At the same time though, it was also ONE of the factors when choosing my 500 'Cat. I love the 2wd option, and like Boner said, when I'm not working I use the 2wd more often than 4wd. Of course, I do a lot of work with my 'Cat, and I firmly believe in using low range, 4wd for the kind of stuff I do-especially with the Auto. It sure is nice though to kick it into 2wd for the gravel road back to camp, or just cruising around the trails.

Just a thought,

Mike