Hello, i got a 2002 arctic cat 500 4x4 standard and i noticed that when in 4x4 only 3 tires have power i was wondering if anyone knew of any tricks or anything to lock all 4 wheels.

 

They make diff lock kits but not sure if for AC, all the new AC have diff lock standard for the last couple of years.

These guys can tell you. Welcome to ATVPartsDepot.com

A trick we use on the Hondas is if only one wheel is turning,feather the front brake and it can get both wheels turning.

 

I do not believe they make a diff-lock conversion kit for a 2002. But I have read where guys have taken and put the $ into a newer front differential that either is a diff-lock or can be converted to it and swapped out the entire differential. I do not remember if the axles had to be replaced as well or if they could be reused. That I think would depend on the number of splines on the axles.

Since you are probably talking a big chunk of $ for the differential a cheaper alternate solution could be to install a separate front hand brake. So you would have one for the front and one for the rear which may allow TLC's "honda" suggestion to work a little better.

Hope this helps

Swampy

 

i have pondered this before, if you can weld up a differential on a truck why could you do it on an atv? 2004 was the first year with the diff lock so your best bet would be to look at atv salvage places or ebay. then remember you have to hook up the actuator and the switch on the handlebars. i think it would be quite easy to do, like swampy said if the splines are the same it might be one of those bolt in jobs.

 

when i had mine i had thought about just buying a used front differential from a newer atv with diff lock. i was told that it would work.

 

thanks for the info, I think thats what im going to do is find a newer front differential i was considering it but wasnt sure if it would work

 

Yep, I'm thinking about the same thing. Be aware that gear ratios vary across the model line, so be sure the diff you get came from a 500.

You can weld up the diff and lock it permanently, but they handle terribly. Don't want to turn, wear the tires more.

 

how would it work if you found a rear differential and put it in the front? basically when you put it in 4wd it would just be locked though.

 

yea you can weld the spider gears up. it will pull like a bitch in the mud but driving to the mud will wear you out. it makes for a real pain to steer. mine is welded currently or at least until I get my other gears put in this weekend. it's a temp fix that will get you back up and going until you can afford to fix it right.