Locking the Centre Diff, when?

**Jimmy** · 20th March 2006, 04:43 PM

Hi all,

Just wanting to find some info on locking the centre diff on a 2001 Defender. I havent needed to yet, but wondering when and for what occasion you would do it. For example, there is a warning about high revs in 1st and 2nd gear low range - should this be avoided. Also, what about when recovering a Toyota, snatching, or under weight from a trailer or something. Can things go pear-shaped when not used right.

Perhaps a few examples of when anyone has used the diff lock would be handy.

Cheers
Jimmy

**BigJon** · 20th March 2006, 04:56 PM

Lock the centre diff at any stage when traction is likely to be lost. This ensures that you will minimise the chances of wheel spin. Do not lock the centre diff on hard, high traction surfaces, as damage to the drive train can result. Some people advocate locking the centre diff for high speed dirt road driving, but my Rangie whines a bit when I do that, so I avoid it.

**George130** · 20th March 2006, 05:24 PM

I lock mine whenever I'm on dirt (Only due to thinkinh that non constant 4wd vehicles don't have the choice. A friend of mine clains he can feel the difference in handling so locks the centre diff now when he drives it. Others have pointed out that the centre diff is small and easily broken? so lock when on loose surface.
Never lock on solid ground, sealed roads.

**DaveS3** · 20th March 2006, 05:58 PM

After the centre diff is locked on a dirt road my car is completly different to drive. Far less understeer, and you can drive in far more control if driving a bit quicker.

You get that cool little light to

disco95 · 20th March 2006, 06:18 PM

Arte you driving a TD5 or bent 8 :?: I don't know about the diesel, but my 3.9 revs without any problems, in any gear

As for locking the centre, I just don't get to do it anywhere near often enough

I want to give it a go on high speed dirt when given the chance as I've heard that handling improves greatly.

**stevo68** · 20th March 2006, 08:33 PM

Hey All,

With the D3 it does it automatically on/off, dependant on the situation, though if Rock Crawl is switched on the centre diff engages straight away. As of yet I dont think the rear diffs have engaged. Now I know some of you may say " well lardy daa daa" :wink: but thought you maybe interested to know

Of note on our recent club 4WD training day ( and I wont mention any names :wink: ) on member was trying to get up a real slippery slope, and couldnt get up. Then jokingly someone said " hey have you engaged your diffs", ummm he hadnt. As soon as he did it went straight up, impressive stuff,

Regards

Stevo

**Tusker** · 21st March 2006, 07:19 AM

Story goes that the Army labelled their CDLs as on-road & off-road. Or used to anyway.

Thats pretty much how I use mine. Its faster & more stable with the CDL engaged on high speed dirt. Just disengage it if doing say a 3point turn in the bush.

Regards
Max P

**Ace** · 21st March 2006, 11:26 AM

I lock mine as soon as low range is needed. If i am doing a long dirt road drive i lock it. Matt

**Jimmy** · 21st March 2006, 12:13 PM

what about when using a snatchy/recovering, where 1st and 2nd gear low range will be used with high-ish revs???? or towing???? any danger?

**Timmo** · 21st March 2006, 07:59 PM

I only use it for really tricky bits, river crossings, steep slippery sections. Can just push the lever across on the go, when you think you will need it, and i always take it out again as soon as it isn't needed. Haven't tried it on high speed dirt, but find the 90 pretty well balanced for that anyway, no significant oversteer or understeer.

Thread: Locking the Centre Diff, when?

Thread Tools

Locking the Centre Diff, when?

Bookmarks

Bookmarks

Posting Permissions