Thread: Discovery 3 e-diff

Traction control will assist Off Road progress greatly, it's just even easier with an eDiff.
On the second hand market I guess you have to make choices. What do I really want and whats about!

I didn't have an e-diff in the D3 but I do in the D4. To be honest I've noticed no diff (pardon the pun) but there's no indicator lamp to say when it's on either.

This is going to sound weird but how do you know if you have an E=diff i have a D3 bought second hand recently just love to drive it but have no idea what it can and can't do as it is technically the wifes car. I still have the P38 just fitted a winch bar to it, so now it has 2" lift, Bilstiens and Khumo MT 33's so i am happy.

The e-diff does make it easier for the T/C to operate (under slippery conditions) and if memory serves me correctly the rear side shafts on the e-diff equipped model are beefier.

Never driven a D3/D4 without the e-diff so cannot comment on what it adds dynamically.

Check the FAQ's above - lots on this - inclduing a photo of the actuator sitting on top of the rear diff housing - which you can see in Off Road height if you squat down beside drivers side rear wheel and look in.
cheers

An e-Diff will improve off-road performance but as others have said, the Traction Control does help compensate for lack of one.

Just remember that an e-Diff is NOT a locking differential. Instead it uses clutch plates to offer a variable amount of resistance... All controlled through the Terrain Response system.

M

Originally Posted by camel_landy

Just remember that an e-Diff is NOT a locking differential. Instead it uses clutch plates to offer a variable amount of resistance... All controlled through the Terrain Response system.

M

As a non technical response, having seeing the inside of one of these diffs, I do not think that is entirely accurate. I believe that when the diff "locks" is is a locked differential. The "e-" in the diff is a clutch assembly, that spins a flywheel, which then engages with with teeth, that lock it. So, I think it is technically a locking diff when it is engaged, however, the computers tell it when to engage. I could certainly be wrong.

Pictured is some of the inner components, to include the actuator (e-) as well as the clutch plates, and a few other bits and pieces. A few more images are available, that would not attach for some reason.

Retrofitting to a point so it operates the same as Landrover intended is possible but not realistic - surely an e-diff could be physically installed and rigged up to be manually controlled, not computer controlled. Afterall the diff responds to electrical signals from the relevant ECU. Wiring and a manual switch that has it either full on or full off should be possible.

Wish I had the money to buy a second hand unit and see if it would work.

Likewise I am sure a smart machinist like Ashcrofts could develop an airlocker that could be installed with the standard diff - a diff is a diff.

Garry