Saw a post by Boner and replied to it, but he might not have seen it so I'm throwing up a new post regarding front differentials. Anyone know the difference between the 01 and 02 front diffs on AC's? What did they change and why are they supposed to be any better? They were a good set up for not having a lockable option. Now I wonder if it will be better. Anyone able to really test it out and see if it locks up both fronts in many situations?

 

The main difference is that the 2-4 wheel disengages off the pinion gear rather than the ring gear. It is much easier to move in & out of 4x4. The differential action seems to be the same, very good. It is the only front limited slip that I have actually seen work the way they claim. The 02 is an Arctic Cat design, not Suzuki. The bearings and seals for the axles are much bigger. I recently tore a cv boot and took it in to have it replaced. The guy at the counter couldn't believe it was out of an ATV, I take mine to an auto axle rebuilder (cheaper). The mechanic from in back came out and wanted to know what kind of ATV it was out of, He couldn't believe it either. I know why ACs are so heavy, This thing weighed about 20lbs. But I wouldn't be afraid of breaking it either.[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img]

 

Thanks Mudcat. I knew AC was making the diffs now, rather than Suzuki. I'm still wondering if anything INTERNALLY within the front diff was changed. I think BONER said they changed it internally as well. I agree that it is the only front diff that actually works like it is supposed to the majority of the time. Not true 4-wheel drive, but the next best thing without having to manually lock the front up. Went from an 01 500 auto Cat to an 02 Rancher and the Cat had the better front diff action. That 02 500i is looking pretty sweet!