On the Suzuki King Quads the rear is always locked by design. There is no mode to lock or unlock the rear wheels like a true differential. Only wheels that can be locked or unlocked via a switch is the front differential. 4WD is essentially 3 wheel drive, and differential lock locks the front differential to give you true power to all four wheels. And welcome to the Forum.

 

 

That is what I thought. Thank you for the information. There is a lot of confusion on this (Diff lock) feature lol. Even with people who own them. Looking at purchasing a 2000 Suzuki king quad 300.
Not a deal breaker for me still want to purchase. The current owner swears it has a true rear differential with locking option. Thank you for the clear explanation!
Have a great day!

 

I actually own a 2000 Suzuki King Quad 300. Was the first atv I ever bought despite purchasing a newer 2019 Suzuki King Quad 750 back in early May of 2020. And trust me, it does not have this option that the owner thinks it does. When you select 4WD/differential lock on the shift lever all this does is engage the front differential. If you want to test this theory jack up the atv completely off the ground. Now put it in 2WD and in first gear and slowly spin the wheels. The rear wheels should rotate at the exact same speed and the front wheels shouldn’t move whatsoever. Now put it in 4WD or differential lock and do the same thing. You’ll now note that the front differential is now engaged and the front wheels should be rotating along with the rear wheels.

This is an image of my 2000 Suzuki King Quad 300:

 

That is a good looking 25 year old Suzuki! Looking forward to having 4x4. Only ever had 4x2. The 300 is what I want. Yours looks perfect. Mirrors,winch,color

 

I have a Kawasaki Bayou 300 4x2. Bought it brand new in 2003. With a true rear differential. It is cable operated to engage. The simplest test to demonstrate this is like you said. Jack up the rear axle. Engine off spin one tire with your hand, the other side spins opposite direction. Now Engage diff lock. Both tires spin same direction. Hope the king quad owner will let me test this when I look at it.

Image of my Bayou 300:

 

Thank you. That’s what people have told me when they see my 300. Their amazed on well it looks for a 25 year old atv. I’ve even had shops comment on how good a condition it’s in. I’ve been told the ones that usually go into their shops have usually been rolled with busted plastics, etc.

And the mirrors I added along with the winch. Unfortunately no one makes a winch plate for the 300 any longer. So my buddy had somebody he knows fab me up a winch plate that is u-bolted to the front bumper. And that was years ago. It’s real solid and hasn’t moved whatsoever. Might have to do something similar if the 300 you’re getting doesn’t have a winch.