ATV Differential Info

[Millerjam]

Hey,
Just wondering if anyone had any information about ATV diffs units, such as weights, sizes, torque capabilities etc. We're looking at using a front drive unit from a quad bike to take shaft drive from the engine in our car.
Also if anyone in the UK knows where to get hold of a unit (i.e. full casing etc), that would be really appreciated.

[Millerjam]

Hey,
Just wondering if anyone had any information about ATV diffs units, such as weights, sizes, torque capabilities etc. We're looking at using a front drive unit from a quad bike to take shaft drive from the engine in our car.
Also if anyone in the UK knows where to get hold of a unit (i.e. full casing etc), that would be really appreciated.

[Conor]

I was also going to look into ATV diffs for next years car. The one we have now is old, heavy, cumbersome, and leaks like a pasta strainer. Anybody got some suggestions for the simplest solution your teams have found. I've posted about this topic before and visited an ATV dealer with the information I received, but they looked at me like I was so kind of fool for wanting just a diff and didn't know squat about how to obtain one.

[KU_Racing]

Conor, we use the Honda Sure-Trac unit from a Rubicon. It is light and efficient, and very easy to make a housing for. The only issue we have had is with traction during wheel lift, but nearly everyone (except for the guys using a salisbury) have that problem.

If you are having trouble with finding help from a dealer, give Birch Run Honda a call: 989 624 2160. They are located about 45 mins north of Flint. That is a bit of a hike from you guys, but they help us out a lot- we get parts from them at cost- and Im sure they would be willing to ship stuff to you.

[jsmooz]

We also use the same diff as Kettering, with the original housing. I agree with their comments. However, for size and price you can't beat it. It's a lot lighter than the Torsen too.

[KU_Racing]

Jim,
are you guys using the stock case, for the shaft drive ATV? Or are you referring to the actual diff itself, the case hardened bits that hold the cams and the hubs?

[Conor]

How did you guys go about obtaining half shafts for this diff? Did you order the same shafts that Honda puts on the ATV and slice them or did you guys have custom made shafts? Also, where's a good place to shop for CV joints and all the necessary hardware I.E. bearings, tripods, etc etc...? I gave Taylor a good look over but they were darn pricey and not much help on the phone so I have a bad taste in my mouth from them. Any suggestions? Muchos Gracias Seniors.. or Senioritas(KURacing).. j/k buddy http://fsae.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

[jsmooz]

KU - We're using the stock case (Al). We don't open it up and steal the internal bits. We like to call Honda our Tier 1 supplier. http://fsae.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

Conor - We use the stock halfshafts and then extend them. We cut a section out and then use chromo tube to adapt to our different length(s). We found that there is a Suzuki shaft out there with the same inboard cup that allows more travel, tho not needed for formula, that I think is a little lighter. So we use the Honda outboard and Suzuki inboard, tho all Honda from the ATV will work. Sorry, I'm not giving away our source on halfshafts. We gotta have some secrets. http://fsae.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

[KU_Racing]

Ha! Tier one supplier.. our lnly 'tier 1 supplier' is my personal checking account.