Convert solid rear axle to a differntial?

[geezer99]

I have an Axis 500 made by Hisun.  I uses a solid rear gearbox with no differential action. 

I would like to convert this to a true differential with locking ability.  I've searched all over trying to find a source with no luck.

Has anyone done this before, or know of a source? 

Thanks,  Tom

[Gwbarm]

I have never known of anyone doing that and i have never really had one apart to see exactly how it might be possible.. I do know that some of those were sold with locking differentials, so it is possible. Probably a very expensive and  interesting project. Maybe if you could find a trashed one with a bad engine that has a  locking differential, that might be you best alternative.

[Mech]

I doubt it's going to be worth your time and effort.

What would you use for axles once a diff is in it ?

Probably better to try and buy yourself a quad that has a back diff..  if there is such a thing.

Edit to note it's not a quad..  haha.

Edited July 1, 2024 by Mech

[geezer99]

2 hours ago, Gwbarm said:

I have never known of anyone doing that and i have never really had one apart to see exactly how it might be possible.. I do know that some of those were sold with locking differentials, so it is possible. Probably a very expensive and  interesting project. Maybe if you could find a trashed one with a bad engine that has a  locking differential, that might be you best alternative.

I have no doubt that it could be expensive, so that will mean I'll probably be in "won't get it done" department.  I will keep my eyes peeled for a scrapped out unit.  As noted, my utv is not a quad, but many of them have much more power than my 450cc engine, so would probably be strong enough.  With fully independent suspension, the weight I haul shouldn't be a problem.

tom

[Gwbarm]

I am very familiar with that department, i have very many good ideas to work on but other things always take priority.

I wouldnt down what you have so much, you have 4 wheels you have a quad , just not 4 wheel drive, those units are very capable, of couse you cant sink it in mud and expect to come out, but for normal everyday riding through the woods and hauling stuff around, i think they are great. I have been meaning to get one but dont really have the room, too many toys already. 

[geezer99]

23 hours ago, Gwbarm said:

I am very familiar with that department, i have very many good ideas to work on but other things always take priority.

I wouldnt down what you have so much, you have 4 wheels you have a quad , just not 4 wheel drive, those units are very capable, of couse you cant sink it in mud and expect to come out, but for normal everyday riding through the woods and hauling stuff around, i think they are great. I have been meaning to get one but dont really have the room, too many toys already. 

Good points.  I use mine (in order frequency of use) to get the mail, haul stuff to where ever on our 60 acres I have a project, to haul firewood to the firewood pile from where ever I am cutting firewood, and sometimes just for fun climbing some of our steep hills.  These things are all able to be done slower and more tearing up of trails with my '88 pickup, so I'm sticking with the cheap seats with the Hisun.

tom

[geezer99]

Well, I've made no progress in getting a locking differential for the Axis. 

But, I discovered drifting, and a solid axle works great for that.  To park my buggy in the shed, I approach from the rear, make a 180, and enter the opening.  I found that I can make the 180 much tighter by drifting the rear end around.  Lots of fun, and I haven't destroyed the shed, yet.

So far my wife hasn't noticed the grass out there is showing great signs of distress.

tom

[Mech]

Haha.. That's a work-around I like..