Thread: Diff Lock in or out on dirt

Originally Posted by rick130

...
as an aside, I read somewhere once that the diff gears in the LT85 were originally Dana 44 side gears, (as it was used in the rear of certain Jags, and hence in the parts bin) is this correct ?
What about the LT230 ?

I think you're confusing LT95 and LT85, which has the LT230 t/case.

I remember Bill Larman posting what the centre diff gears for LT95 and later LT230 matched up with, but can't remember what it was.

As the gears in the centre diff are tiny, there is no way I could imagine them in an Dana 44 - I have worked on jag diffs but was a long time ago.

Interestingly, that RRC label states 'engage diff lock before traction is likely to be lost'.

Simply read the terrain, don't be scared to lock it if traction is going to be compromised and of course be aware of what wind up is so you know when to unlock it, again ahead of time.

Originally Posted by 350RRC

Hi,

I don't use low range often, but I've never considered it mandatory to lock the CDL when I do. I think breaking things would be less likely with open F&R diffs and an open CDL.

Isn't that why axles need upgrading when lockers are fitted?

I only use the CDL when I get bogged.

Just for info I did accidently drive about 1000kms on bitumen with the CDL on. Caused a weird tyre wear pattern and had a very slight vibration, but no lasting damage.

cheers, DL

With the centre diff locked off road, the load is better distributed between the front and rear axles, so less load on some.

I've had front and rear lockers on my rangie for many years. It isn't necessary to upgrade axles when lockers are fitted. In most cases lockers allow you to negotiate obstacles with a lost less right foot and less load on drive train - it all depends on how you drive.

The only extra load lockers impose on the axles (neglecting wind-up if used inappropriately on hard surfaces), is if one tyre is in the air and the one on the ground is spinning at high speed, then when the vehicle moves and spinning airborne tyre suddenly comes down, then there can be very high shock loads on the axle.

[Edit]: another situation where lockers will increase load on axles, is when a tyre is jambed in rocks. [end edit]

On rock ledges it is often necessary to spin the tyres a lot to get traction - this is when you need lockers AND upgraded axles. It is not simply because a diff is locked - it is the situation and how it is driven.

IMHO blaming locked diffs for causing axles to fail is missunderstanding the situation.

Also, IMHO, it is uterly foolish and stupid and can, in some situations be irresponsible to wait until you are bogged before locking the centre diff.

Originally Posted by Bush65

I think you're confusing LT95 and LT85, which has the LT230 t/case.

I remember Bill Larman posting what the centre diff gears for LT95 and later LT230 matched up with, but can't remember what it was.

As the gears in the centre diff are tiny, there is no way I could imagine them in an Dana 44 - I have worked on jag diffs but was a long time ago.

yep, a typo.

I blame James Boag.

In the 03 D2 manual it says......



WHEN TO USE THE DIFF LOCK
As a general rule , the differential should be locked only in order to drive on loose or slippery off-road surfaces. ALWAYS unlock the differential for normal road driving or as soon as a surface giving good grip is reached whether high or low gears are selected.

WARNING
Do not drive at speeds in excess of 60 km/h with the diff locked, otherwise it may, under certain situations affect the brake performance under ABS conditions

WARNING
if driven on normal road surfaces with the diff locked, the steering will feel stiff, excessive tyre wear will occur and the transmission will be 'wound up' putting excessive strain on the transmission

Hi,

Ok im a little confused, I went driving on the weekend up a river bed which has some wet sand spots and some very loose sand spots. The whole way (20km) I was just in low range, no cdl engaged.
Will this cause damage to anything or could it have caused damaged to anything?

Thanks