Front Maxi-Drive Diff Lock Question

[123rover50]

On a recent solo Simpson trip I broke a RH front CV joint. (Stage one). Salisbury diffs front and rear. Widened track with custom axles.
I just removed it and the axle and got out in 3WD (Maxi-Drive was engaged).
Just thinking now what if it was the LH CV (Long axle). With diff lock engaged I can remove the CV and axle OK but can I still drive with it removed?
I know I could swap CV,s over from right to left to give me 3WD again but lets say the axle splines are damaged and it has to be removed as well.
I am wondering if the Diff Lock mechanism is self supporting and not needing the axle in place to continue.

Keith

[Blknight.aus]

Its not, it slides in a long the axle...

From memory you couldnt even slide it in and weld it in place as the selection collar needs to be reomved to install the diff...

you could always lock the gears via welding or stuffing the center... anthing short of welding wouldnt last too long though.

[123rover50]

Ok , it slides in to engagement along the axle then the vacuum holds it engaged.
When standing still I can now remove the long axle and CV and put it back again no problems.
Are you saying that once I start moving with diff lock still engaged and long axle out that it will all fall to bits and no drive to the short axle.
I was thinking that the vacuum would hold it engaged and drive even without the axle being there.
Its been in there since Mal installed it 30 years ago and my memory is getting a bit hazy.

[TonyC]

My understanding is that it locks one axle to the carrier, once one axle can't move in relation to the carrier , then the diff centre can't do it's thing.

If you remove the axle gets locked to the carrier, then it can't lock.

That said, I've never owned or seen a Maxi Drive Locker apart, so I'll stand corrected if I'm wrong.

Tony

[Tins]

Maybe some of this thread will refresh your memory, Keith. Sure, it's a rear, but....

Fitting Maxidrives (https://www.aulro.com/afvb/technical-chatter/25621-fitting-maxidrives-3.html)

[123rover50]

Maybe some of this thread will refresh your memory, Keith. Sure, it's a rear, but....

Fitting Maxidrives (https://www.aulro.com/afvb/technical-chatter/25621-fitting-maxidrives-3.html)


Thanks John. Good thread. Missed that back in the day.
Nearly got it back together using the CV,s from a 6x6 front axle I have here as Stage ones are getting hard to find. They are a bit shorter so had to use the stubbs from the 6x6 axle as well.
Anyway, looks as if its going together OK so not going to worry about breaking anything now. Will wait until , if or when it happens. Should be OK for another try next season , thats if the CMML I have been diagnosed with lets me.[bighmmm]