Thread: Safe Application of CDL

Hmmm.... Actually, it's easier saying when it should NOT be applied and that's basically when the diff is actually working. I've engaged CDL at speed plenty of times, usually on sand, etc...

Quite often, CDL can be a bugger to disengage & can be very frustrating going back & forth until it pops out!

Mark.

As far as I know the you should not travel over 40km when CDL is engaged, and I always stop when I engage the CDL. I dont do any sand driving so have not needed to try on the fly.
When disengaging the front wheels should be straight and if it seems to be a little slow turning off just stop and roll back wards and I find it disengages no prob.

There is no speed limit for the diff lock. It should not be engaged when there is a big difference in speed between the front and rear prop shafts - i.e when turning at any speed or when one wheel is spinning. Driving on hard, good gripping surfaces for long distances with it engaged will cause excess tyre wear and may eventually cause problems with parts of the drive train, and may also alter handling.

Some advocate engaging it whenever travelling on rough surfaces such as corrugations to avoid repeated shock loading of the diff - the dog clutch is a lot tougher than the centre diff.

To disengage if it doesn't want to come out, stop, and reverse a short distance - usually works. Wheels must be straight ahead.

I find too a when youve disengaged the cdl,if you just take your foot off the accelerator for a sec,(takes the pressure off drivetrain)and it'll come off,failing that,reverse as JD said,and if you whack the cdl on before you hit the slippery stuff,(however fast your goin)no worries.And mirrors,use it often

from a panel in front of gearstick in a defender;
WARNING
The differential lock should only be engaged when traction is likely to be lost.Wide throttle openings should be avoided when used in conjunction with 1st & 2nd gear low range.As soon as the difficult surface has been crossed,the differential lock must be released

Yes, good point - with the centre diff locked and traction lost on one axle, all available torque is transferred to the axle that is gripping, and this, in first and second low range is enough to do damage if you use full throttle and the wheels actually grip, especially if they grip after spinning briefly.
John

My book says to engage only when under 8kph. With the auto it says while rolling under the recommended speed go to neutral, engage, then slip back into drive or reverse then off you go.

When I had my diff lock kit installed by Graeme Cooper's Ward told me if the cdl won't disengage role back and forward and then try driving in a figure 8 and if it still won't disengage once back in town on a hard surface find a jack and put it under the front diff jack up untill one wheel just off the ground and then it should disengage as under no load. If it still won't disengage you have a big problem.

Sorry should of added spin the wheel thats just off the ground.