Booger,
sorry to disagree with you,but you mentioned about ''just'' hitting the front brake to engage all 4 wheels with power on the honda 4x4s.That idea has been around for a long time,it's benifit is very over exagerrated from the quads I've seen in mud.Honda's very dependable and rugged 300 4x4 is one of the worst for only leaving power to one wheel in the front end,the Grizz is hardly any better.I seen it TOOOooo many times.====Bill

 

Thanks for the info, Hugh; could you explain how the Traxter's diff works, how it differs from the other limited-slips, or suggest a reference for more info? I've been intrigued by tales of the Traxter's tractability since it was introduced, but have found little information on the mechanism's details.

Tree Farmer

 

Tree Farmer,
The front axle on your '78 Ford is a Dana44. '78 was one of the last years Ford made a decent truck for quite awhile. I'm going to the IH show in Springfeild in just a bit, now those are bad *** trucks
One other thing, When you ask why truck/auto makers call open diff trucks, 4WD's I think it is a generic term of sorts. Otherwise you are going to be confusing a hell of alot of people explaining 2WD,3WD & 4WD. The dealership doesn't want to give classes, they just want to make money! Can you imagine trying to explain to "soccer mom" the benefits of a locked front when rock climbing???
My new truck is a 2WD/(3WD at best). At least that's the closest discription. It's a Y2K Dodge 1/2 ton 4X4 with the Off-road package. The rear is a 4:10 geared posi unit. While it's not locked, it's not an open diff either. The clutch pack must be packed tight though because sometimes the big 17in tires "fight" each other around corners!

 

The only true 4x4 that I have seen is my King Quad!!! That's all I got to say bout' that!

LONG LIVE THE KING, BABY!

2000 King Quad (stock, not for long)
97 honda 300 4x4 (stock)

 

From what I recall Tree Farmer, the Gleeson Torson differential is actually classified as locker. It has no clutches, but rather uses a configuration of worm gears in the carrier to transfer 90+ % of the torque to the wheel "with" traction. They make these differentials for all common 4x4's (not ATVs yet except for the Traxter).
In my opinion this would be the ultimate front differential. True 4 wheel drive with the safety and control of limited-slip for real steep downhills.

 

Everyone forgot about that King Quad. It has outpulled Grizzlies by 3'!!!!!!

 

Hey jester, quit jesting will ya!

 

I was riding down a dirt logging road today and came across a spot in the trail that had been washed out by a small stream. Since there isn't very much water in the stream right now and the mud in the bottom didn't look too deep I thought I would give it a try. I made it down in and across till I started up the other side. Then the right front tire slipped into a rut and lifted the left front off the ground, and there I sat, spinning one front wheel. It was kind of jumping forward alittle so the tire in the rut was getting some torque, but not enough to lift itself out. I backed up alittle and tried it alittle faster and then it popped up and out and I made it through. That little episode bought a spot in the "locked front end" clubs of America for Mr. Griz. Damn! I shouldn't have had to take two trys at that rut, it wasn't that deep!