D4 Rear locker

[waltersr]

Hi, new to the forum. This has probably been talked about a few times before but I can't find the answer I'm looking for. I have a 2015 D4 HSE. I purchased it second hand and it isn't fitted with an elocker. I haven't got it stuck.....yet but would like to fit a rear locker if an option is out there. So the question is: If an elocker can't be retro fitted post factory, are there other options out there?

[ramblingboy42]

welcome, I've seen plenty of options for a rear locker, ARB do one , Harrop do one.

go down to the pinnacles and put your query there, you will get a lot better response.

my apology , you are already there...I had just been in introductions...my bad

[DiscoJeffster]

You just don’t need it. Go out there and use it and you’ll soon see it’s really not something worth trying to retrofit. They’re supremely capable without.

[loanrangie]

fit a winch so at least you can get yourself out if stuck, the few guys here that have fitted a discreet winch kit look good.

[letherm]

DiscoJeffster is right on the money.

The advances in programming of the traction control system over the years, especially from late 2013 onwards meant that the fitment of the extra diff locker was effectively a waste of money unless you are going to very extreme areas. Not my personal experience but from experts on this forum in previous threads.

Martin

[DiscoJeffster]

And as per ^^^ you can get the 2013+ code flashed to earlier models to give the equivalent improvements.

[INter674]

Mine has one and looking at the system readout it is called upon quite a bit off road esp in muddy situations. But yes they are v good without.

I'd go a winch first.

[DiscoJeffster]

Mine has one and looking at the system readout it is called upon quite a bit off road esp in muddy situations. But yes they are v good without.

I'd go a winch first.

Well of course if you have one it’ll absolutely use it, but I argue that for most people they’d never exceed the capability of the electronic equivalent.

[gavinwibrow]

And as per ^^^ you can get the 2013+ code flashed to earlier models to give the equivalent improvements.


Care to provide a few hints on flashing options for us less learned?
I think I remember Tombie making a comment over a year ago about 3? recommended ones @ $25 ea for the 2.7, but now can't find it and interested in any appropriate updates for my poverty 2.7, and how to access them.

[DiscoJeffster]

Care to provide a few hints on flashing options for us less learned?
I think I remember Tombie making a comment over a year ago about 3? recommended ones @ $25 ea for the 2.7, but now can't find it and interested in any appropriate updates for my poverty 2.7, and how to access them.

I contacted GAP for the latest code the the traction system and had that sent and flashed. Yes was pretty cheap in that range but can’t remember the exact cost. It’s whatever they charge for a custom flash.

[INter674]

Well of course if you have one it’ll absolutely use it, but I argue that for most people they’d never exceed the capability of the electronic equivalent.


Agree..I did not know mine had one until I saw the graphic..then got under and noted the wiring etc....not something I'm used to gaining in life....a bonus😚

In any event no matter the traction aids the tyres let it down and that's why I'd go a discrete winch.

[John_D4]

I agree with the above. I move to a 2013 D4 after selling my D2 and was also researching rear lockers. But there’s never been a time where I’ve actually needed one. The traction control and programming makes a rear locker obsolete. There’s been a few times where I’ve had all 4 wheels spinning at once. I’d also spend my money on a discrete winch mount and winch first and seeing how you like it before spending any other money on something that you will most likely find out you don’t need.

By memory in hard off roading I used 21psi front and 27 or 28 psi rear - that got me through pretty much everything

[gavinwibrow]

I contacted GAP for the latest code the the traction system and had that sent and flashed. Yes was pretty cheap in that range but can’t remember the exact cost. It’s whatever they charge for a custom flash.

Thanks for that.
And the follow up question - is there any relatively easy way to find out just what updates are available to pick and choose from?

[dirvine]

I guess if you have a rear diff lock (as I do) then you really dont know what its like without one. The only way you could see if they are worth the extra $1000 on car purchase is to have 2 cars do the same track and see how they go. I think a rear locker will get you slightly further in certain situations, but in a LR with it locking and partially locking etc I just wonder whether one that is one or off and "switchable" by the driver if they wanted, or just allow the TC to work it would be a better option. As others have said, I much prefer a winch (which I have) just because it WILL get me through at the end of the day. Lockers will get you IN and sometimes THROUGH a problem but not always!!

[Graeme]

I guess if you have a rear diff lock (as I do) then you really don't know what its like without one.You would if you unplugged the RDCU!

I looked for a MY12 4.4TDV8 L322 with an e-diff to replace my 3.0 D4 that had an e-diff but eventually settled for one without an e-diff. I noticed quite a difference in progress through sloppy conditions on my driveway between the 2 vehicles so kept a look-out for an e-diff to retrofit, which I eventually did and it now behaves as the D4 did. Unlike the D4, the L322 stopped production in 2012 so I didn't have the opportunity to upgrade TR to a later level. I can say that the vehicle performed magically on badly chopped-out approaches to sand ridges with its e-diff but I didn't disable the e-diff to compare progress with an open diff.

[DieselLSE]

You would if you unplugged the RDCU!

I looked for a MY12 4.4TDV8 L322 with an e-diff to replace my 3.0 D4 that had an e-diff but eventually settled for one without an e-diff. I noticed quite a difference in progress through sloppy conditions on my driveway between the 2 vehicles so kept a look-out for an e-diff to retrofit, which I eventually did and it now behaves as the D4 did. Unlike the D4, the L322 stopped production in 2012 so I didn't have the opportunity to upgrade TR to a later level. I can say that the vehicle performed magically on badly chopped-out approaches to sand ridges with its e-diff but I didn't disable the e-diff to compare progress with an open diff.
That's an interesting observation, Graeme.
I don't have an e-diff on my 3.0L 2013 D4 and have not noticed any issues in the bush as the D4 traction abilities are amazing. However, on a hilly farm track recently (on new Pirelli AT+ tyres at 36psi front, 40psi rear), I had to negotiate a steepish very wet and slippery patch - only about three or four car lengths long - and the D4 only just managed to work it's way through it. My gut feel at the time was that it would have found it much easier with the e-diff. Due to the heavy rain and the track being used more than we should have, the patch just became worse and worse. I didn't drive over it on the last day as I didn't need to and I didn't want to further damage the track. But if I had had to use it, I think I would have been OK, but getting stuck would have crossed my mind, so I would have lowered tyre pressures significantly. But I probably wouldn't have bothered doing that if I had an e-diff.

[Graeme]

I like the continued forward progress but I need to remember to switch off DSC beforehand to stay away from trees and fences as the vehicle gets badly out of shape when the throttle is cut.

Edit: Removing the 40A e-diff fuse would be the easiest way to disable it for a comparison, providing its done with the ignition off to ensure that the clutch pack isn't partly engaged.

[DieselLSE]

I like the continued forward progress but I need to remember to switch off DSC beforehand to stay away from trees and fences as the vehicle gets badly out of shape when the throttle is cut.
Yes! I wonder why DSC isn't automatically disabled in Low Range?

[Graeme]

I don't use low range on my driveway although I used it extensively on Googs track.

[waltersr]

welcome, I've seen plenty of options for a rear locker, ARB do one , Harrop do one.

go down to the pinnacles and put your query there, you will get a lot better response.

my apology , you are already there...I had just been in introductions...my bad

Thanks, however after speaking with Harrop and ARB there only seems to be a locker for the front of the D$ not the rear.

[waltersr]

Thanks for the replies everyone. I appreciate your input. I will be looking at winches and bars as it would appear a rear locker is out of the question. Cheers

[Tombie]

Yes! I wonder why DSC isn't automatically disabled in Low Range?

Low range isnt always about off-road [bigsmile]

[INter674]

Just drove the D4 SC in deepish snow for the first time and have to say it loves snow. On Halls track I met a couple Hiluxes and was tempted to pass them as they were struggling so much☺

The road tyres at 20psi seemed no problem at all as the snow mode and TC and diff locks worked their magic. Of course with this traction and supple ride comes risks as I found out entering a corner waay too quick...sheeezus...I nearly understeered off the road.

Going down the track the hill descent worked well albeit it was hard to get the throttle modulation/gear selection right to achieve less brutal braking.

Cops tried to stop me going back the other way saying the track was impossible to drive thru...mmm..I said that's BS but then had a brain fade and lost it and drove around the barrier...which resulted in a pursuit of sorts and a big telling off by Constabule Plod who accused me of speeding..ignoring the barrier..driving unsafely etc etc.

Anywho..he checked my licence (no offences in 30 plus years) ranted a bit more and then let me go saying there's trees down on Halls track and you won't get thru....to which I pointed to my chainsaw☺

Overly protective f wit🙄

A fun drive all round🙄

[101RRS]

Thanks, however after speaking with Harrop and ARB there only seems to be a locker for the front of the D$ not the rear.

You can put an ARB locker in the front and rear of a D3 - and if you change the rear diff of a D4 to a D3 Diff you can put ARB locker in both ends of a D4.