Thread: Traction

You won't need lockers for most spots in the Cape. The only place I'd like them is if you are going to some out of the way spots. The very sandy trip into Bathurst Bay for example.

If you want lockers though, go for air and just get the rear done. I don't like true-tracs or other automatic lockers on cross slopes. With an ARB, you get to decide when the diff locks. I like that.

If I go for air lockers, do I need to upgrade axles?

Originally Posted by Sundowner

If I go for air lockers, do I need to upgrade axles?

Do you need to?
No.
Should you?
Yes.
I looked at lockers for mine, but for what I do I couldn't justify the cost.
Lockers and a bit of rough stuff will snap standard LR axles like twigs.
Get some maxidrives or something similar and you're set

Well just to be different, the people I have talked to that have the Ashcroft atbs fitted to their discos swear by them.
Combined with the traction control the reckon you can't go past the atb.
Considerably less than the diff lock option as well.

The claim is that they are all but every bit as good as a diff lock, but as they are "on" all the time, you don't have to worry when to use and when not to....

This is just from the people who have them and use them, not my experience as I haven't got them yet, but I will soon.

And they apparently are a lot more gentle on the standard drive train.

Just for consideration......now wait for all the "real difflock squad" to jump in and shoot 'em down....

CDl, Traction Control and Tru Tracs are a winning combination in many LR owners opinion, couple that trio with some good tyres, correct tyre pressures and good driving skill and a 2 inch lift and I reckon you could tackle most of Australia.

I'm sure some would disagree but I bet most would agree.

Dave

Originally Posted by bigkevg

Well just to be different, the people I have talked to that have the Ashcroft atbs fitted to their discos swear by them.
Combined with the traction control the reckon you can't go past the atb.
Considerably less than the diff lock option as well.

The claim is that they are all but every bit as good as a diff lock, but as they are "on" all the time, you don't have to worry when to use and when not to....

This is just from the people who have them and use them, not my experience as I haven't got them yet, but I will soon.

And they apparently are a lot more gentle on the standard drive train.

Just for consideration......now wait for all the "real difflock squad" to jump in and shoot 'em down....

I have never really looked at them before. Links for anyone interested:

Ashcroft Transmissions - Ashcroft ATB
LSD Kits

Found this comment interesting:

The advantage of a Limited Slip differential is totally automatic, no driver interaction and retains drive to both wheels at all times.

The disadvantage of ATB is that if one wheel is totally off the ground ,i.e. no drive then the other wheel similarly because the bias ratio is still 2:1 i.e. 2 x nothing is still nothing. Attempts at changing the preload or left foot braking can the fool the ATB into working or better still if the vehicle is fitted with ATC (automatic traction control) the ATB will enhance the action.

Seems like they would therefore be more effective in a vehicle such as the D2, which has traction control, than they would be in a vehicle without traction control. I also really like the automatic operation of it, especially in the event of a cross axel where Traction Control should automatically come into effect, loading up the non-traction side and causing the ATB to then multiply this to the traction side and gain grip.

Pricewise they are very competitive - seem to be half the cost of the locker and don't require the air compressor.

So, how does the ATB differ from the operation of a Truetrac?

I was reading this thread on Defender2.net earlier:

Defender2 - View topic - ATB (torsen) front and rear install

If it doesn't sell you on ATB's nothing will

If you don't have them already, I would spend the money on mud tyres first. we all ran Simex up there and I do it every time. You can run them a really low pressures so they soak up the corrugations and they hook up really well on the muddy and clay water exits and water logged tracks.

For diffs and axles, I'd check out lucky7 in the US for good pricing.