You are correct... steering with the diff locked really takes away from the handling of the Wolverine.

If you compare the microfiche for an '02 Kodiak 400 to the '06 Wolverine 450, you should see some serious similarities. Enough similarity that I'll bet the Detroit Gearless locker made for the Kodiak will drop right into the Wolverine.

Something to think about.
just something i found from 2007

 

as far for the wolverine having a diff lock light on the 450 it does not that I have noticed. The top bulb that doesnt light up is a coolant temp warning light.

 

i have a 08 450 wolverine and on the dig. dash it shows diff lock. I wonder if the dash is also used for the 450 grizzly.

 

cool might be in the works for 09 then or the dash might be for the 450 grizz as well. I will check monday in the parts deal and see if they are the same or not and tuesday ill go check out a 08 wolvy at the dealership and see if theirs has difflock on the dash.