I have an 05 300 4x4 that has a lever to shift in/out of 4x4. It's the typical shift lever located on the left front fender like other atv's from that era. 98-05 chassis' are close however the front diffs change in 2002. 2002 and up the lever is on top of diff. I can't tell from part illustrations where the 98-01 shifts in/out of 4x4 on the diff. Also on the 2002 and up there is a bracket welded on the frame where main shift lever pivots to diff.

 

You'll want a shifter for a 2001 300 4x4. You'll need basically everything in this parts schematic and will have to drill the holes to mount the lever. If you cut the lever and extend it another 1", you'll be able to activate the front diff lock too.

 

660catman, Thanks for the photos and input! Bummer, it looks like I'd need a different front differential to convert my '99 to the lever shift.

Matt193, I'm confused, isn't a 2001 300 4x4 using the same cable actuated 4x4 shift system my '99 uses?

 

Nope, they used the same diff but went to a shift arm. I have an extended arm that I had on mine that I changed out when I sold it. I changed it out for a stock one because the extension isn't very pretty. I can take a pic of it for you if you want to see what that looks like.

 

You can try finding a 0436-310 shift lever kit which includes everything you need to swap it over, but they've been long discontinued and are probably all long gone. Edit: Actually there's a bunch of them on ebay for really cheap! I'd go that route for sure!

 

Matt193, you rock!
Do I understand this correctly; are you stating that 0436-310 is a complete kit which allows one to convert their pre '01 4x4 from a cable actuated shifter to the'01+ lever actuated 4x4 shifter?
Is that's true, do I cut a hole in the plastic above the left knee where the new shift handle is located? I can't find a copy of the 0436-310 instructions so I could read them.
Thanks!

 

Yep, it has everything you need. This kit is actually to add a 4x4 shifter on the 250 because it was sold as full time 4x4, but it works just the same to convert from cable shift. I put one on years ago and if you get one that has the instructions with it (probably folded up in the hardware pack) it comes with a template that you place on the lower left fender that will show you where to drill the holes. I'm pretty sure you need a 1/2" drill bit for the screws that hold the mount to the fender and a 3/4" or 7/8" for the lever pass through. The shifter location will be in the same area as all '01 and newer units. If you don't get the instructions, I'm sure a dealer would be able to print out a copy for you.