D3 rear diff lock

**rmp** · 20th April 2010, 08:22 PM

Gordon is correct. Because lockers place more stress on the transmission -- think of a twin-locked vehicle climbing with diagonal wheels in the air -- then the transmission, specifically axles, needs uprating. If all you do is dirt roads with a locked vehicle obviously you won't have an issue, and remember breakages often build up over time as parts weaken so driving one hill with no damage doesn't mean to say all is fine.

Whether you *need* a D3 locker is covered in the FAQ.

As to an aftermarket locker and Terrain Response; I think it would work but not optimally.

In older vehicles you just had traction control as as a locker prevented the wheels from spinning at different rates then the traction control on that axle never activated so no problem. The D3 is however different as the ETC is not so isolated, it's part of the entire system which controls engine torque, front/rear torque split, front and rear ETC linked together. The factory locker is designed to be a part of all this, an aftermarket one is not. I can't see a D3 aftermarket locker selling enough to be viable so my advice is specify one when you buy and search out vehicles that have one when you source secondhand.

**Jesse B** · 20th April 2010, 09:36 PM

Originally Posted by gghaggis

As to whether you actually need a diff lock in a D3, for 95% of any terrain a good driver will encounter, you won't need it - the traction control is _that_ good. That remaining 5% is probably something you'd never drive without 35" tyres and a lift anyway. We've proven this again and again on our training days, and the only terrain where the difference is noticeable is steep rock climbs.

Cheers,

Gordon

To add my voice to this discussion: when I ordered my D4 I, for reasons I will never be able to explain, allowed myself to be talked out of the rear e-diff (by overly "helpful" sales staff). When I realised maybe I'd got this wrong my vehicle was close to shipping - and I was not going to go to the back of queue. From then on, until Saturday a few weeks back, I stressed to the max about "stuffing this up".

Having been out on one of GOE's training days - and having discovered how effortlessly brilliant the Traction Control system is - I've set my mind at rest. The places my vehicle went without a rear diff lock were well beyond where I'd be chosing to go - and certainly wild enough to cover unexpected situations. From my experience that day the key was throttle control - just enough juice to break a wheel free, and let the TC kick in. Truly it is a brilliant system!

So, for those who (like me) may have not ticked that box - relax! I reckon the beast will get me anywhere I want to go, and well further than I'm ever likely to try. If I had my time again? Well, of course I'd order one - but I would not be jumping on any queue for an aftermarket locker. And what a relief it is to no longer be stressing about it!

**ADMIRAL** · 20th April 2010, 09:48 PM

Originally Posted by Neil P

I don't honestly think the D3 and it's cousins are a " knock about"
design TBH . The older they become , the closer to a vehicle-crusher
they will get . The electronics will be the death of them . They'll be
out lived by X5's . Keeping them on the road will be a lost battle
of unacceptable expense.
Before mine is 6 and out of warranty, it'll be ditched . I wouldn't
touch it with a barge pole after that , and it's not even diesel
( thank God ).

Vastly different vehicles. If you have ever looked under an X5, you will realise that even if it had the drive system to get it half the places a D3/D4 will go, it would never survive the beating. Most definitely a driveway cruiser.

**Dirty3** · 20th April 2010, 10:28 PM

Originally Posted by Jesse B

To add my voice to this discussion: when I ordered my D4 I, for reasons I will never be able to explain, allowed myself to be talked out of the rear e-diff (by overly "helpful" sales staff). From my experience that day the key was throttle control - just enough juice to break a wheel free, and let the TC kick in. Truly it is a brilliant system!

So, for those who (like me) may have not ticked that box - relax! I reckon the beast will get me anywhere I want to go, and well further than I'm ever likely to try. If I had my time again? Well, of course I'd order one - but I would not be jumping on any queue for an aftermarket locker. And what a relief it is to no longer be stressing about it!

Thanks for all the feedback, it is truly appreciated. I too was talked out of the eDiff when looking to buy a D4. As I didn't go ahead anyway, I found a couple of D3's for sale with them, but eventually went with a D3 (I pick it up tomorrow!!!) low Km's. After all the advice here, it sounds like i've got enough tiger in the tank coming my way. Really keen to have a play this weekend up in the Jamieson area, so will report back. Thanks again,
Cheers, Neil.

**furrydog** · 24th June 2010, 02:07 PM

Neil,
I went the same way as you. The 2 LDR salesman I dealt with both pushed D4 without the elocker. Their reasoning was that D4 doesn’t need it and most people won’t use it and don’t want to pay for it. So LDR Australia will not order them except on a special order.

**CaverD3** · 24th June 2010, 06:07 PM

Someone in the UK has installed a LR diff lock after buying. Awaiting details on how he did it.

**ADMIRAL** · 25th June 2010, 09:52 PM

Originally Posted by furrydog

Neil,
I went the same way as you. The 2 LDR salesman I dealt with both pushed D4 without the elocker. Their reasoning was that D4 doesn’t need it and most people won’t use it and don’t want to pay for it. So LDR Australia will not order them except on a special order.

It must be up to the dealers. When I ordered mine, there were three available, ( for this dealer ) already on the boat. Apart from trim differences, all had the E diff and xenon headlight option.

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