Auto locker for an 85 range rover

[leighscott]

Hi all. I was wondering what would be the best auto locker for my 85 range rover.

[isuzutoo-eh]

Not many options available, Detroit for the rear, can't run an auto locker in the front due to being constant four wheel drive.

[clubagreenie]

Eh? Why is there one available for it and other constants like my D2?

[isuzutoo-eh]

There is one available because its the same diff in the front as the rear. Doesn't mean you should do it though.
Auto locking diffs such as Detroits should not be fitted to the front of constant four wheel drives as they won't allow you to steer properly. Ask the blokes with selectable lockers how good the steering is with the front locked. Then imagine the problems of having it constantly engaged and trying to negotiate suburbia.
Hence why some of us run a limited slip diff that doesn't completely lock up in the front.

[leighscott]

Thank you all for ur advise. I was think I would just do the rear of now

[isuzutoo-eh]

Don't forget to upgrade axles at the same time. It'll only be a matter of time before you break one otherwise.

[clubagreenie]

But the ashcroft is ok in the front?

[isuzutoo-eh]

C'mon Justin, didn't you do any research to try and understand the systems before getting your ATB?
The Ashcroft ATB is a limited slip diff, not a locker, hence no problem in the front.
The Ashcroft Locker is a selectable locker and can be switched open, hence no problem in the front.
Detroit locker is (practically) always locked. Hence big problem in the front (of constant 4WD).


A few years ago I drove a Series 3 with a Detroit in the front, when 4WD was selected, steering became very heavy and tiring as it always wanted to drive straight ahead, it was a real fight to control. Continuous understeer. The very same characteristics that will always be present in a constant 4WD with auto-locker in the front. The S3 is part time 4WD so it wasn't much of a problem when in 2WD mode.