Am I missing something here in this discussion? Locking the CDL just turns the Defender into every other non-constant 4x4 out there once 4 wheel drive is selected on those vehicles. All the centre diff does when unlocked is allow the defender to drive on hard surfaces in 4 wheel drive so there is no wind-up front to rear which would have an adverse effect on the gearbox or whatever the weakest component in the driveline on the day is. Why on earth, in off road situations would you not lock the centre diff? Why put added strain on the driveline and force the traction control to work more than it needs to if you have it? Centre diff lock when unlocked potentially means 1 wheel drive in some circumstances as the Defenders have open differentials and this is only overcome by the traction control system or after market accessories such as cross axle diff locks, or LDS's.
Also, why would you want to do high speed on dirt surfaces in a Defender which has the combined roof strength of a few folded tissues in a roll-over? Some of you gents/ladies are braver than me obviously.
So I select CDL for most off road situations, am careful with the power delivery if I need some momentum as I don't want to do a diff or axle. If it looks high traction, no CDL, if really loose I use CDL or if not, reduce speed so as not to work the transmission too hard. Works for me.
Just saying.
