Quick question about locking the diff... (Full Version)

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Quick question about locking the diff...

  

ucfmethod -> Quick question about locking the diff... (2/28/2008 11:30:52 AM)

I just bought my first Land Rover 3 weeks ago, and I have been enjoying it tremendously. I have a quick question, and I am looking for advice.

[Please do not attack me, this is an honest question and asinine remarks will be ignored]

When should I lock the differential? I am not a off-road gear head, so I have never had a vehicle with a locking diff. I find that low gear gets me through anything I need to climb over or when driving in snow. I assume that when I move the gearbox to locking position (slide it left) it will make all the wheels spin at the same speed ALL the time. Is this wise? I probably will never go rock climbing for fear of rolling this baby, but heavy snow will likely occur frequently. What scenarios do you guys have for when I should lock the diff?

Thanks in advance.
-Von

  
jdelp -> RE: Quick question about locking the diff... (2/28/2008 11:40:05 AM)

I don't live far from you, just north in baltimore.  Frankly, for the amount of snow that we get and for the type of driving that you'll do, you'll never need your diff lock.  If you never go off road, at least engage your t-case to low gear and diff lock every few months so that it doesn't seize up.  As far as use, I lock the transfer case in high (just slide to the left) for deep snow or sand driving.  Low gear and diff locked only for very deep mud or rock crawling where you're under 5mph.  Your truck is AWD all the time so other than excercising the lever you probably won't need it unless we get a big Noreaster or a blizzard.

ucfmethod -> RE: Quick question about locking the diff... (2/28/2008 11:54:14 AM)

thanks. I will start doing that monthly...

side note, since you have the same Disco as me, what ski/roof racks did you find (if any) that fit those large round bars we have?

thx
Von

jdelp -> RE: Quick question about locking the diff... (2/28/2008 12:08:32 PM)

Check out atlantic british, I've attached the link.  Not cheap, the cheapest cross-bars to attach are still over $300, all depends what you need it for.  I don't have any, never really needed it.  I've towed a boat and motorcycle previously but never had a need for roof storage...specifically why I wanted an SE and not SE7.  More storage. 
http://www.roverparts.com/ProductList.cfm?Vehicle=D2&PerPage=20&Category=ACC%2E%20%2D%20%20EXTERIOR&SubCategory=Roof%20Racks

99XJ -> RE: Quick question about locking the diff... (2/28/2008 12:32:15 PM)

I use Thule 450 mounts with 50" crossbars.  I can transfer it between my '03 and my wife's '06 outback.  Rack goes on and off in less than 5 minutes, so I only put on when skiing so i don't lose anymore mpg's when driving around town.  It was a no brainer for me since I've been using Thule for over 20 years.

With this mount system I can load my skis stacked together and the bindings have enough clearance not to hit the roof.

I were to purchase again, I'd get longer crossbars (if they were only going on Discovery, but they wouldn't have worked with the Subie).

Disco Mike -> RE: Quick question about locking the diff... (2/28/2008 12:37:24 PM)

Von,
What year is your truck?

ucfmethod -> RE: Quick question about locking the diff... (2/28/2008 12:59:39 PM)

2004 with 35k miles on it.

jmt -> RE: Quick question about locking the diff... (2/28/2008 1:11:10 PM)

As an aside, don't lock your case when you're driving over ice.

Disco Mike -> RE: Quick question about locking the diff... (2/28/2008 1:14:53 PM)

Why, I do all the time, here in Colorado, help alot.

Other wise, locking the CDL is designed to give you alot more traction in snow, mud,sand, and off the road.
Go for it.

Disco2Guy -> RE: Quick question about locking the diff... (2/28/2008 1:33:26 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: ucfmethod

...it will make all the wheels spin at the same speed ALL the time.


Please correct me if I'm wrong, but doesn't the CDL transfer equal power (50/50) to the front and rear axles?  You would need something like ARB lockers to get all the wheels moving at the same speed all the time.  You also have the option to engage the CDL before starting the engine which will turn off the T/C and ABS.  Engage it while running and you will have T/C and ABS as usual.

What happens if T/C off (CDL engaged) and a tire is off the ground, what happens to the power?  Does more power go to the tire with traction on the ground for the same axle?

  

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