Detroit Gearless Locker

[deepriggin]

Alright, I'm tired of three wheel drive in the situations where the one tire I need to move is the one that wont turn, I dont want a spool locker or "the little washer" that locks the front end solid, I want the DGL so it'll allow a slight variance in wheel speed to allow turns and wont pile the front end up if I'm working it side to side jarring the wheels against the sides of the ruts. One catch though. Everywhere I look the DGL is listed for 2001 and earlier models of Wolverines, it even states " NOT the 2002". Now, did Yamaha change the front diff that much in 02, and assuming they kept this changed diffy till the 04/ 05 model ( mine is an 04), is the diffy swappable with a pre 01 model, lines up and accepts the driveshaft/ u-joint? I know they musta changed something around '99 cuz Warn offers a pre 99 and post 99 424 Select, Anyone got a DGL, wanna fill us all in on some often overlooked info? Thanks guys.

[95Wolverine]

Alright - the two units I ran are the following: A 1999 Wolverine and a 2002 Wolverine

Front differential ring gears = SAME
Front differential case halves = SAME (both halves)
Front differential limited slip bearings = SAME
Front differential itself = DIFFERENT

This tells us the only change they made was to the limited slip itself. Everything else that it bolts up to is the same for the newer unit as the older. As the new unit is more expensive, I'm assuming it's a change to internals - likely to make the internals exactly the same as another bike or maybe even simply a pad change on the slip plates.

Now, way back when, when I was looking to buy one of these gadgets, I called and asked about the unit - what I was told is that they test fit one and then said it would fit every wolverine with the EXACT same part number front differential and that the testing stopped there. They didn't want to do a test fit into another unit as they would have to buy one - end of story.

Now, that being said, I'd lay a $20 bill on the table and say that if you order it and it doesn't fit, you can have my money.

As a supplier for almost all OEM and most aftermarket parts, let me know if you are seriously considering buying one as I might be able to beat all other prices you can find - I'll let you do the legwork first and let me know what you find.

[deepriggin]

Yeah, I snooped around the 'net for a bit and found a parts site, basically Yamaha changed the driveshaft and U-joints after 1999, and the limited slip mechanism in 2002, if anything, I could get an old style limited slip unit if the DGL isnt compatible, everything else about the front diff is the same ( pinion drive gear, housing, bearings, etc..) I'm curious to know what kind of prices you can come up with, including shipping to Canada, PM me if you're feeling ambitious... ;)

[95Wolverine]

I'm out of town until Monday - which means I'm away from all my sources. If you are in no rush, I'll get on it early next week and let you know what I find out.

I'm kinda eager to see someone put a DGL into a wolverine front diff that it isn't specified for. This will proove once and for all that it can/can't be done. My money is on "Can".

[Wasinger12]

What ever happened here???? The funny thing with this thread is I have been doing research in to something like this and just now came across this one!!!!!

I am comparing Front Diffs.
2003 Kodiak 400 -VS- 2006 Wolverine 450.

So far my homework is showing good results. There is only a few more things I need to verify but I?m thinking about buying a Detroit Gearless Locker for the 03? Kodiak and putting it in the 06' Wolverine.

[Mark21]

post when you get an answer man, i'd like to do the same. It sucks when you only get soaked with mud by one tire instead of two :D

[Wasinger12]

post when you get an answer man, i'd like to do the same. It sucks when you only get soaked with mud by one tire instead of two :D

I will be sure to keep you posted !!!! Im really thinking about ordering it and seeing whats up!!!! My buddy is really trying to get me to buy it....even if its not list as a part for our bikes ( 06-08 450's)!!!! We will make it work!!!!!!MY NEXT MOD ON THE LIST!!!!!!!! Now I need to come up with the money LOL

[deepriggin]

I "think" one'll be going into my 04 in the next month or so.... Who am I kidding, I'm gonna order one in a couple weeks, if it dont work in the 04's I'll sell it to a friend who has a '98, I'll be the guinea pig ; )

[randy20]

any more info on a locker for the 06 wolverine

[2000wolvy]

I sure hope it fits. I have one in my 2000 and I love it. Just note you will need a E torx set if you plan to install it your self. And a good torque wrench.


Cheap but should do the trick.
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=95395

[chevy68]

well looks like someone has a detroit gearless locker installed on his 06.he is selling the directions to people....said it works great....i am very interested in the directions to see what the cost would be and how much work it is to install.....anyone else hear of someone getting a locker working?

[sinned96]

I have talked to that guy on ebay. He does have a baddass Wolfy. From what he says it does work just a couple of minor changes on the installation

[fireman69]

WOW!!!!! he wants 20 for instructions, and 600 for the locker.......wonder how much those lockers cost......any idea....

[sinned96]

atv outfitters has them for 289 Highlifter for 305.

[fireman69]

so hes making a killing.......wow

[sinned96]

His reserve is 450 I think. I guess if he gets that for it then it would be a killing.

[chevy68]

atv outfitters is the cheapest so far i have found..... i did find a place on friday asking 259. but they have since changed there web page saying there was a misstake...

i am going to order one... i have all the information if anyone wants in i won't charge ! i will take pictures for the install as well.....the pdf file online is pretty clear and simple to follow as well.

he is nuts if he thinks he is going to get 450....this information will hit all the forums now...... :D

not sure what happned to just helping a fellow atver out !

[randy20]

looking forward to hear your results and will appreciate the info thanks in advance

[ctateusa1]

definetly post that up when you get it. I am interested in putting one in mine(when the credit card recovers from the BBK in mine.)

[chevy68]

definetly post that up when you get it. I am interested in putting one in mine(when the credit card recovers from the BBK in mine.)

has been ordered and shipped, will have it by friday and hope to have it out for a test run this weekend......I am pretty stoked i feel that i am close to having the bike the way it should have been built.....it was short on power and missing the diff lock....as we all know the wolverine is way underated and shocks pretty much everyone i ride with....can not wait to see the difference.....488 kit is next.....pretty tempted to do the crank too...will have to wait and see.

[ctateusa1]

I was tempted to do the crank as well but for the extra 12cc's that it will provide(at the cost of over 500-700 additional $$) I decided that that could go toward more stuff that would make more power or top end speed in the end than a few cc's

[chevy68]

Well the gearless locker arrived today, I had a few shipping concerns, but atv outfitters was more than helpful and went the extra mile to assure me he was all over ups to make sure I got it today...I would say that Matthew was a great help there and a pleasure to deal with...he had the best price I could find on the kit and was quick to deal with my shipping issues.

I took some pictures as I did the install, it was I will post the pictures if people would like....it was pretty easy and quick.....I took my time and cleaned everything up as I put it back together........I figure about 3 to 4 hours......I will do a test run this weekend and post results.. :D

[NakedShotgunGuy]

Ohh wow I can't wait. I hate having that one wheel fire! lol if all works out I'm getting one. I do to much mudding not to have one. damn I'm excited

[chevy68]

Ok quick Review on the Detroit gearless locker ......

here are a couple concerns I was worried about before buying and installing it....

#1 I was worried about how hard it would be to turn on the technical type trails and rock climbs in at slow speeds.....

#2 I was also worried about having the power to turn all four 26 inch Zillas in the mud...

#3 versatility for different types of riding....how much will the tires grab in tight turns.


ok as for the technical part...I did a pretty wicked rock climb today and had no problem at all....I found it to be so much better than before ....constant traction.....amazed at the difference

as for power.....I found it to be pretty good.....had a couple problems in some mud, but really was very minor....overall pretty happy with the performance in the mud.....I found I could crawl through mud holes much better.

as for the versatility of the locker I am overall pleased it is much more to handle with all the tires turning. ... very tiring on the body and it takes some getting used to riding with it engaged....but I did find it got much easier as the day went on. there was a learning curve as I had got pretty used to the bike the way it was before...with a very light 25 inch tire and 3 wheel drive....but with the 26 inch aggressive Zillas and a locker the changes are well worth the money for the riding I like to do in my opinion...

I am 9 out of 10 on overall impression of the locker....

I will also say that the install is really not bad at all....I am pretty handy with working on that type of stuff but I think it would be a pretty easy job for most anyone..... :D

[chevy68]

a few pictures of the install...

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc281/chevy1968/DSC00035.jpg

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc281/chevy1968/DSC00036.jpg

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc281/chevy1968/DSC00037.jpg

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc281/chevy1968/DSC00039.jpg
http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc281/chevy1968/DSC00040.jpg

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc281/chevy1968/DSC00043.jpg

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc281/chevy1968/DSC00045.jpg

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc281/chevy1968/DSC00047.jpg

[chevy68]

ohhh b.t.w. here is the link to who has the locker...ask for Matthew ...he was nice to deal with.....


http://www.atvoutfitters.net/lockers.htm

[Rockney]

Nice upgrade.. and thanks for the detailed info

[clint]

just so I'm not confused, you still have 2wd right? Just when you turn on 4wd it's really 4 instead of 3? Also, which kit on that link is the right one for the wolverine 450?

[chevy68]

just so I'm not confused, you still have 2wd right? Just when you turn on 4wd it's really 4 instead of 3? Also, which kit on that link is the right one for the wolverine 450?

yes that is correct, you still have 2 wd ...locker just locks all 4 when your 4wd selector button is installed...... the kit is

LCKHLDET-3

the key is to only take out the pieces shown in the picture.... do not mess with the spacers/washers......and when you install it the kit comes with two spacers for the locker....you need to change the one out to the smaller one in order to get the pin to fit correctly...it is a very easy job...make sure you add the gear additive as well....if you have any questions i am more than happy too help you out if you want to give me a call..... pm me if you do i will send you my # also there is a pdf file online that has much better pictures than what comes with the kit...i had my laptop out in the garage when i did mine just to have reference...

tell Matthew you heard about the kit from Bill in canada.... he is great to deal with...and he also knows what kit will work... :D

[chevy68]

FYI.... I was the one of the people that installed the locker on the 450, and did the write up on the install....I should update the post.... the locker worked great for 4 or 5 runs out and i was very impressed, but since then i have had many problems, it was only grabbing one side and not the other, so i tried replacing the clutches and the springs , as sugested by highlifter, i have had the front diff in and out of the machine at least 10 times trying toget it working again, with no luck, both wheels will turn but i can stop the one by hand and hold it ....so it is not correct....at this point i have somewhat givin up.... i am back running 3 wheel drive......i am not sure what the problem is or what i could do to fix it. it not being sold for the wolverine causes an issue for support......at some point when i am not so frusterated with it i will try messing with it again....i do miss having it.

[ctateusa1]

definetly let us know what you find out, im glad that I havent dumped the money into a locker yet then if they are not going to be very helpful, I hope you get it fixed without too much trouble.

[chevy68]

definetly let us know what you find out, im glad that I havent dumped the money into a locker yet then if they are not going to be very helpful, I hope you get it fixed without too much trouble.

don't get me wrong they have been helpfull.highlifter has sent me parts under warenty, they just do not know what i was putting it in....this all started with that guy lips420 or whatever his name is saying he had one, and it worked great, but after reading more of his posts i get the impression he is full of a ton of bs......i will try again and let everyone know.... :D

[Redneck924]

any more news a bout the locker? i would like one but i want to make sure it works right before i spend the money on one

[deepriggin]

Ok, while this has turned into a thread directed towards the newer 450cc auto, this was originally about the old 350cc manual.... dont get me wrong, I'm not bitchin, just wanted to post that I did purchase the DGL for my '04....it didnt fit. But...
A quick visit to the machinist and they milled one side of the large outer spacer, and it fits like a charm. Had an issue with the bottle of additive, Customs mustve been suspicious about it and had a look because it was spilled out allover inside the box. However, if you live closer to a Chevy dealership than Highlifters headquarters, buy a bottle of AC Delco Limited Slip Differential Lubricant Additive, 114mL bottle, part number 992694. Its the same stuff, same size bottle, same everything except its alot cheaper and alot more accessible than waiting for your distributor to order a bottle in from Highlifter.
One other note... and this will aply to the 450cc autos, too.... Soak the clutch discs in the gear oil with the additive added prior to assembly! After all, nobody likes it dry... :lol:

[QMaze]

Did you have any pics of your install and how many much was milled off the spacer. So its all working fine in your 04?

[deepriggin]

sorry, no pics this time. There are 2 large spacers that go on each side of the locker, each spacer has an offset shoulder inside, so theres a deep and a shallow side. I ended up milling the one side of one spacer even with the inside shoulder, i believe it was the shallow if memory serves correct. And so far so good!

[chevy68]

sorry, no pics this time. There are 2 large spacers that go on each side of the locker, each spacer has an offset shoulder inside, so theres a deep and a shallow side. I ended up milling the one side of one spacer even with the inside shoulder, i believe it was the shallow if memory serves correct. And so far so good!


I would like to add that the same thing happned to me with the gear addative had opned up and soaked the box ( and it smells very strongly ) highlifter did say the chevy oil is the same but you do not need a full bottle, i was told you do not need much at all. like 1/4 of the bottle....not sure if that is true or not, but i think when i get around to trying mine again i will soak the clutches as well.... see if that will work...when i did have the locker working 3/4 of a bottle went in the diff....so who knows..... muddy season is coming i will have to try it again...

[deepriggin]

It stank like an old tom cat sprayed the box! That stuff is rank! Yeah, best advice I can give is the pre-soaking of the clutch discs, that advice was given to me very strongly by a local DGL authority. That and changing the lubricant frequently to avoid contamination issues, esp. if riding in 3 foot deep muskeg and sloughs like I do.