[wrightjl81]

Well let me first start by saying that you guys have already helped me alot on getting my engine running and now I need a little more help. I was given a 1996 Honda fourtrax 300 that was in very rough shape (broken rear end, fenders, and much more) but hey it was free. After finding out that kill switch does what it says I got it fired up and running. But again no rear end. So after searching craigslist I found a parts fourtrax 300 that was supposed to be a 1997 and instead is a 1990. The swingarms are different between the two and the rear brake set up is as well. So I figured the easiest thing to do would be to swap engines as the 90's motor is no good. I am running into issues getting the 96 motor to match up to the mounting holes on the frame and the driveshaft. Am I beating a dead horse here or will this work.
Thanks

 

[Helmut]

Welcome to the forums. Are you sure both ATVs are the Fourtrax 300? What's different about the swing arm and brake setup? They should be the same. Also, I believe the engine will work, but you have to change the top brackets that bolt to the valve cover. You have to use the top brackets that go with the frame you are using.

 

[ostrx250]

welcome wrightjl81

 

[shadetree]

Welcome to the forums. Are you sure both ATVs are the Fourtrax 300? What's different about the swing arm and brake setup? They should be the same. Also, I believe the engine will work, but you have to change the top brackets that bolt to the valve cover. You have to use the top brackets that go with the frame you are using.

agreed^^^^^^^..they should be the same except the top motor mounts..like helmut said..use the brackets from the other frame to bolt the engine up in the frame you want to use. the swing arm should be the same..so is the brake, brake drum, backing plate..if all this is not working..then you don't have a honda fourtrax 300.

 

[wrightjl81]

Thanks guys, I am pretty sure that the 90 is a 300. The difference in the rear end is the way the rear axle bolts to the swing arm and the brake drum/assy is right next to the right hub rather than closer to the center as the 96. Every 300 I have seen has the same set up as my 96. Also the driveshaft from the 90 is about 3/4 of an inch shorter than the driveshaft from the 96. Also the shock mount is on top of the axle on the 90 and not in front as in the 96. The front label of the 90 says it is a 1990 but I am thinking it may be a different model.

 

[Helmut]

Thanks guys, I am pretty sure that the 90 is a 300. The difference in the rear end is the way the rear axle bolts to the swing arm and the brake drum/assy is right next to the right hub rather than closer to the center as the 96. Every 300 I have seen has the same set up as my 96. Also the driveshaft from the 90 is about 3/4 of an inch shorter than the driveshaft from the 96. Also the shock mount is on top of the axle on the 90 and not in front as in the 96. The front label of the 90 says it is a 1990 but I am thinking it may be a different model.

Sounds like someone may have used a rear end from a different ATV. Rear end conversions on the Fourtrax 300 are pretty popular, because of the weakness of the rear end.

 

[wrightjl81]

Not sure if this helps but the wiring harness is identical between the two as are the switches. The front suspension is different as are the frames. Fuel tanks are different due to the single main frame bar on the 90 and dual frame bars on the 96. There are small differences but I am new to the atv world and would rather learn how to do something rather than pay someone else.

 

[Helmut]

Not sure if this helps but the wiring harness is identical between the two as are the switches. The front suspension is different as are the frames. Fuel tanks are different due to the single main frame bar on the 90 and dual frame bars on the 96.

This is all normal for the two models. The front suspension should be different and the the frame, under the gas tank as well. Also, the exhaust pipe and muffler should be made a little different, but the swing arm and brake setup should be the same.

 

[wrightjl81]

I think you may be right Helmut. Also considering that the rear ends for these are pretty expensive. I have always said I can do anything with a torch and a mig welder, so I guess we are about to find out. Thanks for your help guys I will let you know tomorrow what I find and get some pics.

 

[wrightjl81]

I think I am going to put the engine back in my 96 and cut the rear end out of the 90 and fab up what I need to make it work. I am only using it for hunting so it is going to sit for most of the year and I will only have about 350.00 in it.

 

[shadetree]

I think I am going to put the engine back in my 96 and cut the rear end out of the 90 and fab up what I need to make it work. I am only using it for hunting so it is going to sit for most of the year and I will only have about 350.00 in it.

try doing this..take the motor than runs..put it where you want it..what ever swing arm and so forth that works in that frame..put it in..or leave it in it..use the drive shaft that came out of it..get the axle and ring gear and pinion gear out of the messed up one..take the one from the good differental..slap it in the bike your gonna use,,as for the brake and backing plate..this should be the same !!!

 

[Rusty Nuts]

I come on here from time to time and look around but never posted anything so i guess i'm new around here. i have been playing with 300 honda's for several years now and just figured i'd let ya'll know that 1988 thru 1992 300's have quite a few thing different from the later models 1993 thru 2000. not really sure about the rear brake assembly but on a 4x4 both front and rear driveshafts are different, front longer, rear shorter. the frames are different also along with the front and rear suspension. hope this helps ya.