I have a 1999 300 honda 4X4 with vampires. I was looking into the ATV locker. Can someone tell me how well it works and if it is a noticeable difference in traction and steering. If so how much of a change? I found out that highlifter.com has a locker but so does <SNIP> They have one for 129.99 and highlifters is 179.99. I e-mailed highlifter asking them to compare the 2 but recieved no reply. I e-mailed the other site and they say their locker is very similar to highlifters but it a tighter fit and easier to steer. So would someone help me compare the 2? thanx.

[This message has been edited by atvbbs (edited 09-06-1999).]

 

Matt,

I have a 97 Honda with a locker. I don't know how the other company can offer an easier steering locker since the front tires are "locked" together. I installed the one that is made by ATV Lockers (www.atvlockers.com).

It took me about 5 hours, by myself, without a vice to install the locker. The proceedure was not difficult, just time consuming.

I wouldn't trade my locker for anything. It allows me to get into and OUT OF places that I normally would have had to use my winch to get to. If I get high centered in a rut, all I do is stand on the edge of one of the floorboards and let two of the tires pull me out.

Also, don't let everyone convince you that the steering is unusually hard. After you learn the techniques of using the locker, it's not very bad at all. After all, my 4 year old son rides my 300 and has no problem turning. If I can be of any help, let me know.

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Shane

'97 Honda 300 4X - Vamped, Locked, & Lifted

 

Since i have a grizzly and it has push button 2wd or 4wd if i installed a locker how would it steer when i have it in 2wd?

 

it should operate the same. The locker makes no change to the rear end!

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Matt Sibley

1999 Honda 300 4x4 Vampires and 2500 lb. winch

 

Matt you missed my point. i was wondering when i took my grizzly out of 4wd how it would steer. i realize the locker has no affect on the rear diff its on the front diff.

 

Mud 600,
Like it does when you have it in 2wd now... That pushbutton activated a set of electric lock hubs.. that connects your front axles to your hubs that your wheels are bolted to. If they arent activated, then it doesnt matter whether one or both front axles are turning.
Its kinda like my scrambler, If you have the rear end up in the air and the awd ISNT engaged, but you put it in gear and give it the gas, the front axles are still going to turn, but without that final lock at the hubs... it aint goin nowhere!!!
What you might want to watch for is the added strain it might put on the hubs.. Im not sure about their design.. but it might be a concern.. If the hubs can withstand the turning while in 4wd?..
Just a Thought!!

 

I just don't want to get the locker installed and then go riding and when i am in 2wd it turns like a locked in 4wd.

 

Mud,

Be careful with a locker in a Grizz. It is supposed to be the most difficult of the 4X's to steer. If I am not mistaken ATV Lockers is going to stop production of the Grizzly locker until they find a way to ease the steering effort. You will need to do a little research to verify this though.

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Shane

'97 Honda 300 4X - Vamped, Locked, & Lifted

 

Were there problems with parts breaking or was it just that it was hard to steer?

 

Mud600, you asked whether a "lockered" Grizzly would be harder to steer in 2WD than a "differentialed" Grizzly.

I think so.

Why? I believe the 4WD/2WD control on the Grizzly locks and unlocks the front driveshaft, not the front hubs. It so, whether you're in 4WD or 2WD, the front wheels are "spooled," they MUST turn at the same rate, whether they are under power (4WD) or free from the drivetrain (2WD); meaning: on a tight turn, the outer wheel wants to turn a greater amount than the inner wheel. However, THEY'RE LOCKED TOGETHER! They MUST turn at the same rate!

In the words of that song, "Somethin's Gotta Give!" What gives is slip between front tires and ground, resulting in heavier steering than with a configuration permitting DIFFERENTIAL rotation of the front wheels.

How much heavier? I don't know; maybe an inconsequential amount, maybe an amount you're willing to pay for the traction advantage of a locking front end.

If the 4WD/2WD control on the Grizzly unlocked the hubs, instead of the front driveshaft, as I believe it does, we'd have a different story.

Now, someone said one locker manufacturer claimed its design permitted easier steering than its competitor. How? Either the front wheels are locked or unlocked; the steering effort would be identical between any functioning lockers.

I wish you success obtaining the optimum configuration for your Grizzly!

Tree Farmer