Honda Pioneer 500 Torq Locker Install 

Haven't I seen that Pseudonym on the HondaSxS forum?

The TORQ Locker is an automatic mechanical locker that replaces the stock spider gears. This style of locker has been around for the Jeep and truck world since the 1990's. A locker has many advantages compared to an open differential such as if you lift a wheel, the wheel on the ground will still have torque, and open diff will not. Also, if you get jammed up in logs, rocks, or slippery mud, a front open differential will only apply torque to one front wheel, with a TORQ Locker both front wheels always have torque while in 4WD.

I understand what lockers are, and I understand their advantages and disadvantages. To address more accurately your description of how an open differential behaves, I will note that an open diff will apply ALL the torque to the fastest moving wheel. So if say, one wheel is in the air, no power from that axle will be directed toward the ground. The behavior of the device as demonstrated at the end of the video is not at all what you describe in your comment, accepting the last sentence which is misleading by omission. I choose to believe that wasn't intentional. In the video the installed device acts just as a limited slip differential would, but uses a ratchet mechanism instead of a clutch pack as the original GM Posi-Trac had, and many modern devices still do. The fact that the video host could completely stop one wheel with his foot while ratcheting the other forward seems to contradict the claim that the differential is locked under the conditions shown. Please don't misconstrue the tenor of my comments. I'm all for new products coming to the Pioneer 500 aftermarket, especially things like differential devices. There are many types of diff devices, and each has it's own positives and negatives. There are instances where a limited slip would be preferable to a locked diff. However, it doesn't do anyone any favors to confuse potential customers by not calling a spade a spade. If it locks the two wheels together, call it a locker. If it allows for a limited amount of slip between the two wheels, call it a limited-slip. If it does something else, be sure to describe what it does when you're pitching the product (for example, the Detroit locker does behave rather oddly compared to other products, and the manufacturer takes pains to explain that). Personally, I'd like to see an option for the Pioneer 500 that would potentially require 5 levers (or a few more rocker switches) and three floor pedals. That's not likely to happen. So, hats off to manufacturers who are willing to invest in aftermarket equipment so that we might be better able to fine tune our vehicles to match our needs.

The TORQ Locker is a mechanical locker, similar to a Detroit Locker as that a Detroit Locker is also a mechanical locker. Mechanical lockers allow for wheel speed differentiation through ratcheting. While the Locker is ratcheting you still have torque to both axle shafts. A mechanical locker is not a Limited Slip Differential. Here's our video showing the trail specific situations where a Locker will far out perform a Limited Slip Differential such as the Visco Lok, which is found in the front differentials of Can-Am UTV's and ATV's. m.ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-rq_4ar3ai0o.html# For more information on automatic lockers check out Wikipedia or other reliable sources. en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Locking_differential

Torq-Masters Industries planning on getting one for my X3 base turbo. CanAm aught to just put your unit in their front diffs from the factory.

Tanana M the Torq locker works nothing like a limited slip. The reason I was able to hold the one tire and spin the other is because there was no power being sent to the front differential. When the P5 is in 4wd and power is being sent to the front wheels both wheel are lock and spinning 100% of the time just like you would have with a spool locker in the diff. The beauty of the torqlocker is that when in 2wd the wheels are able to “unlock” thanks to the ratcheting design of the Torq locker and make steering as easy as an open diff. With a spool locker steering would be just as hard in 2wd and it would be in 4wd. I realize that in the vid I didn’t do the best job of explaining how it work but I hope this helps...lol.

John Smith I had a 1999 model 350 Honda Rancher , it had the Range Rover front end diff that transferred power to the tire that had traction. This was factory, I’m just wondering why Honda stopped using this technology.

@Jeff Silberer Probably to save some money. But, I agree that it sucks. I have a 2012 Foreman foot shift and it sucks having 3 wheel drive. It is irritating at times. I think they added the front diff lock option a few years after I bought mine. But, now I'm looking to get a side by side so I'm not too worried about it. I'm so torn between an older Razr or a Pioneer 500. I'm so leery about those belt-driven trannies.

Matthew, you need to look into CF Moto. They have CVTech Clutching FROM the factory. I've had mine for almost a year, on 30's, and it's never even though about smoking the belt in the deep shit. And I've had it in deep enough mud that my cods got muddy! Lol!

CFmoto is turning into a reputable company and I like the machines they are putting out. Especially with what comes standard for the price! I’ll have to see if I can get some time in a few for some reviews.

You got it. The shims that were used to space the gears that are removed from the diff are not needed for the torq-locker

AppalachianMountainRiders awesome. ill be upgrading my p500 soon. thanks for your videos.

I was about to ask the same question the cone washer are they not needed where the pin goes through or am i seeing it work..

It’s absolutely worth it too! Makes the P5 near unstoppable as long as you don’t get high center.

From what I’ve seen and herd it will!

Yes they do!

Can’t even tell it’s there when I’m 2wd unless you listen close enough to here the locker ratchet when turning

$429 plus $10 shipping US

Not too bad for what it does for ya! Thanks Jason!

Awesome and informative video as always! Cant wait to get mine! Great job Jason!

Your P5 will be even more of a beast with this!! I’m jealous...lol.

AppalachianMountainRiders thanks Jason! Need to get some of those walker Evans next!

Same as if it was in 2wd, it won’t spin. In 4wd the tire off the ground will spin with the one on the ground. The Torq locker only allows for the front wheels to spin independently of each other when it’s NOT in 4wd.

Looks like a fun project. Next time 10 minutes with a pressure washer would help.

Yep. And Can-am side by sides to do away with the awful Visco lock

27” with 9”wide up front and 11” wide out back. No rubbing but I also have 1.5” spacers

In 2wd you can’t tell a difference in turning the way you he locker is designed to ratchet to allow different wheel speed when no power is being sent to the front wheels. In 4wd though it is noticeably harder to steer if you don’t have power steering. If you are some one who rides in 4wd a lot I still recommend getting the Torq locker but highly recommend power steering as well.

that was happening to a lot of channels. It was something on RU-vid’s end.

The springs for the Walker Evans shocks came red

Anything can be done but it would take some major modification. If you’re wanting to have a turf mode and stick with Honda your only option would be to get a Pioneer 1000 that has turf mode from the factory.

@@AppalachianMountainRiders Thanks for your reply. I was kinda hoping you knew of some kind of axle shaft coupling or something like that.

The most common cause of the “clunk” is its need of a simple clutch adjustment. It’s an easy do it your self job that takes about 5 mins to do. Luckily I have a video that shows how to do it😉 4 Things You Might Not Know About Your Honda Pioneer 500 ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-0i2PYH7RSGo.html

@@AppalachianMountainRiders Awesome worked like a charm. Thanks for the informative vids and your delivery. Cheers Dave.

Zachary Morris @jay_man81

Torq locker has been making this type of locker for Jeeps for many years. They hold up very well. Keep in mind it only ratchets when no power is being sent to the diff so there is not that much stress being put on the locker when it ratchets. My test vid was actually of a pre production locker that wasn’t heat treated for strength and even after my abuse for a couple months there was zero signs of wear. I have a heat treated production locker installed now and have not had a single hiccup with it.

C MH I do use the downstairs bath tub for cleaning parts in...lol. That’s no joke!

Yep. Front diff is identical!

@@AppalachianMountainRiders I just installed one in my 520 there was some loud clunking coming from the front diff in two wheel drive when turning on sugar sand. Drove it on paved road and became instantly obvious that its not disengaging ☹️. When on the lift the driver wheel ratchets effortlessly the passenger not so much. When I can get it to ratchet its only for a few turns then a clunk and its locked. Mine was a little harder to put in, not as much space as you had was my impression. Any ideas? Thanks

LOL...No editing trickery. Just have always had a nack for working on things. All self taught from tearing stuff apart, putting it back together, and seeing if it still runs🤣

@@AppalachianMountainRiders a natural mechanic then.👨‍🔧