Okay, How about this one. First, it seems like we are riding in very different conditions.
I am in the Mountains, very dry mountains, on the edge of the desert. I rarely see any water, much less mud. A limited slip front differential is better for high speed where you still want 4x4, like sandwashes, fireroads.
A locked front differential, true 4x4 is better for mud, so say you all, and better for rock crawling, where any wheel spin is a bad thing. This can all be done well in low range eh?
So POLARIS, How about a system, same controls we have now, where the thumb switch engages 4x4, true 4x4, and if the quad is in HI range the front diff is in limited slip mode, but
in Low Range, the front diff locks, for super power all lock 4x4?????
The hub system would need to be modified so that the thumb switch engaged or disengaged the hubs, period. The tranny lever would also connect to the front differential to switch it from limited slip to full lock, depending on Hi or Low position. The left thumb button would do nothing but control the reverse rev-limiter, like on a 2x4.
Anybody got a problem with this set-up?
Silly Later, Fourlix

SP500, 425EXP, 325Mag, AutoCat For Sale

 

Fourlix if you can come up with the device like this for the Polaris let me know cause we will never have to work again...sounds great but I am sure someone on here will tell you why it couldn't be done although suzuki does have a similar system already on there 300 quad...

 

first of all, such a system would add price. I don't see why you would want a limited slip system even on the machine. What, if any, is the advantage to a limited slip system? you still would have to engage it yourself. I'm sorry, i just don't see any reason why you would actually WANT a limited slip. Unless you want 1 tire in the air spinning, and you want your machine to pull to the right. I think that a third position on the switch, that made all 4 tires spin all the time, would be the best, and easiest to add on.

 

Interesting concepts.

1. I do see the use for the limited slip when travelling at high(er) speed. Multiple wheels pulling, 3 or 4, is better than 2 when trying to negotiate corners at speed. Off road rally racing has shown this clearly. There is way better control with more wheels pulling. This is NOT where you want a locker. As pointed out there are many situations where AWD is required, that don't include deep mud.

2. Fourlix - no mud there? Damn are you deprived!!! It started raining here at midnight and has been pouring up yntil about 2 this afternoon. Forget ATVs, we're looking to build an arc! The swamps are awesome right now for riding!

3. A switch that provides locked 4WD in low range. Interesting concept to get you out of a sticky situation, at low speed. This would provide you more options at getting you out of that deep mud. The current Polaris setup has no differential in the front so this would be a bugger to steer. It would get you out, but you would want to switch it off pretty quick.

4. The current front end is simply a 90 degree angle drive with no differential function at all. Both output shafts spin at the same speed, no matter what. The rear end has no differential. Again it is a straight angle drive. 4 wheels pulling straight ahead - start eating that spinach!! While the differential has its uses, it will also add significant weight and cost.

5. The current setup is probably an excellent tradeoff between functionality, weight, and cost. Personally, I really like it. Where there are tradeoffs, you lose something. For my riding terrain and style, I see no downsides to the current setup. For the terrain that Fourlix runs, I see a downside. In that case I would prefer AWD with a limited slip front end.

DJ

 

I thought Suzuki has a bike that already can go from 2wd to 3wd high range and true 4wd in low range,I think it,s called a 300 King Quad.

 

This is certainly not rocket science, would be easy for a manufacturer, and even do-able for an aftermarket kit, consisting of reworked front hubs, a front differential matched to the final drive ratio, and linkage to the HI/Lo lever to switch between lock/limited slip.
Even in lo lock this thing would not be any harder to steer than any Polaris in AWD, unless they pop out of 4x4 every time you turn the handlebars, which I am certainly unclear on. This
modification would mean that when you put it in 4x4, it would stay there untill YOU switched it off.
I'm glad Deej sees my need for a limited slip at higher speeds. But I'm not sure I would trade our glorious sand washes, most too narrow for even a jeep, for mud. They really are fun.
The only time I can see a real need for Hi+Lock would be a mega hill climb. Maybe a separate lever or override could be included.
Would you Mud guys want HI+Lock? or would LO+Lock be ok?
A really good limited slip(if there is such
a thing) would also be desirable. I could see a use for Low/limited slip on a rough trail with lots of turns. So maybe a separate lever to control the limited slip/lock would be good.
Silly Later, Fourlix

SP500,425EXP,325Mag AUTOCAT For Sale

 

fourlix I think your trouble is your rideing style,I think the best thing for you is let me come ride with you and see what you are doing wrong.LOL I would like to come down your way sometime maybe we can meet in the middle some where.How far are you from COLORADO line?Ever think about MOAB will be there again next spring.CM

 

Could be Chickenman. But I made it up fine on the ArcticCat, and my friend on his Foreman was watching me and said that I was definetly NOT in
4wd (on the Sportsman, AWD/Hi) 'cause my back tires started spinning on the hard smooth rock and the front tires were not. On the second attempt, in low range, I did not really do anything like back up with the button in or try to spin the tires, I just started up the little headwall, it climbed, then let go, then caught, lurched, jumped and finally made it,
just like the other Sportsman had done the week before, but my son on his 425EXP went right up,so
I just don't know, beats the h**l out of me.
You tell me. Was I in? Was I in then out then in? As soon as the fire restrictions are over I'm going to spend an afternoon climbing this d**n little wall.
This Polaris 4x4 system is a mystery, and I'm not the only one it's NOT working for.
Colorado line is about 400 miles from here.
I would love to do Moab with you next spring.
Let me know more.
Silly Later, Fourlix

 

wouldnt this mean that the differential in the front would have to be two completely different differentials because one is limited sli and another is locked?

 

Your back wheels are spinning and the fronts are not moving and you are in 4wd?I think it time to get the bike fixed don't you?I would.