During turns, a locking differential operates like an open differential - the wheels can rotate at different speeds. are conditions in which a locked differential can significantly affect what a vehicle like the Jeep Wrangler or Toyota Tacoma is capable of. locking rear differential or NOT ? What Is a Locking Differential? Normally in a stock Rubicon Jeep we would need to be in 4WD low to engage the rear locker, and then press the AXLE LOCK button once to engage the rear differential. They can also contaminate the lubricant with metal particles from the ratcheting action unless the lube is changed frequently. I also like to make sure to get the towing package as it includes a heavier alternator and battery, transmission cooler, and better radiator. Therefore, are there any other Con's related to Performance and/or Gas Consumption with having a locking rear differential on a new Tahoe. This #FeatureFriday is all about the electronic locking rear differential feature available in the Ford F-150, Super Duty, and the ALL-NEW Ranger. Snow, sand, mud, etc. Not for on-road vehicles, only recommended for off-road ONLY vehicles equipped for extreme rock crawling or any kind of desert racing. It's when one wheel begins to slip that the difference in speed between the axles engages the traction equalizing device. https://4wheeldriveguide.com/what-is-differential-lock-used-for Had nothing to do with the differential. There are times I never had to touch the 4x4 lever because the lock button did the trick and then some. A gun is as good or as bad as the man using it. You want a locking rear. Locking differentials may be preferable to someone who doesn’t want to do a lot of maintenance. Of my four 4 wheel drive vehicles, two of them have lockers. well i am looking to get a 4x4 SUV such as the Hummer H3, Toyota FJ Cruiser or the Nissan Xterra i have found plenty of trucks that are 4x4 but no locking rear diff will i need it or not and if not why not and if i do what would i need it for They make lockers for all model 4runners. From there, one driveshaft turns the front axle, and another turns the rear axle. A sidebar trivia question from the past: Remember those locking systems where you'd manually turn a hub-mounted selector that was located center of the wheel, one on either side? There are a couple of manufacturers that make selectable lockers like Eaton and ARB. use a set of multi-disc clutches to tie the two axles together instead of letting the low-traction wheel spin. These sa… The Nissan Xterra 4x4 does not have a locking rear differential, but the Xterra Pro4-X does have a locking rear differential. Get the top Guns & Ammo stories delivered right to your inbox every week. You may never need one but that one time you do when you are many miles from help and you are by yourself it will be well worth it. Headed to Ski-Mountain – Center Diff Lock. :driving: Later. If any of your tires come slightly off the ground, all the traction from that axle is going to go to that tire (the one with the least resistance) and the tire that is actually making contact with the ground will have zero traction going to it. I think they are well worth the money. Also, locking differentials still give you good traction in … These types of systems can be found on Toyotas, Nissans, Jeeps, Ford, GMs, Rams and many others. Locking Differential - Locker. Nope, the wheel hub dials locked the front wheels into engagement with the front driving axle. The factory Toyota off road packages come with a protective under frame skid plates, stiffer shocks and suspension and a factory serviceable LRD when bought that way. Selectable Lockers: This is the locker that is the most recommended since you can jump from an open differential to a fully locked one with the flip of a switch or the pull of a cable. The differential allows the tires to rotate at different speeds. Thanks, Teach. A locking differential is designed to overcome the chief limitation of a standard open differential by essentially "locking" both wheels on an axle together as if on a common shaft. I nearly always get out without engaging the front wheel drive. Before we go further, let it be said that lockers are only used for very extreme conditions. Let’s look at three applications. And that’s why we have the need for traction-aiding differentials. In this case you are on the freeway, on pavement and the road is probably slick, especially if it is icy-cold. If you have it in the front you youll have to learn to drive it in rain, snow & mud as the front will tend to pull in a direction you may not want to go. The only way to ensure this is with a pair of front and rear locking differentials. This being said, the differentials get their name from the mechanism that disconnects the wheel with the most resistance so you can turn with ease and without skipping tires. And, also which axle to put a selectable locker in. -. While limited slip differentials are better for going off-road than a completely open differential, a locking differential that you can totally control is … Basically what teach said, I have a Dodge 1500 with the factory limited slip or posi-traction in both axles, on hard pavement in a tight turn the front does tend to rachet a little. All Rights Reserved. You go on to any forum and you will see countless threads on the topic. Limited Slip Differential: This style of differential will automatically send some traction to the other tire once it feels one tire is slipping. An ARB selectable locker can be actuated at any time. There is no mechanism for it to lock and unlock. To make something simple is a thousand times more difficult than to make something complex. No matter how much traction (or how little) a wheel has, it will be forced to rotate in sync with the other. These differentials are more durable than limited differentials, which means they will last longer. These units provide 100% lock and will disengage completely so, driving would be exactly the same as driving a vehicle with open differentials but having that on-demand locking option is great! This forces both wheels to turn in unison, regardless of the traction (or lack thereof) available to either wheel individually. Do you NEED lockers for overlanding? The areas that I hunt are mostly red clay and turn to red slime when it rains and lockers make a huge difference when things get really slippery. Having the front wheels engaged while in 2WD would cause the front drivetrain to run without torque from the ****, putting unusual wear on it. An automatic locking rear differential solves the problem presented by the open differential by using a mechanism that locks the rotation of one wheel relative to the other. I did it often in my old jeep just so I could turn decent. That, my friend, is exactly how you get stuck…even if you have a 4X4 vehicle. Selectable Differentials – This involves fully-locking differentials that you must manually activate and deactivate as needed. Most stock 4X4 vehicles come stock equipped with open differentials (Wrangler Rubicons, e-locker Toyotas and some other models will come with lockers as a factory option). Truth to be told is; even though not everybody needs differential lockers, everybody could use them at some point when off-roading. There is almost no downside to having a limited slip differential, and a lot of advantages. With a locked differential both drive wheels will turn at the same speed making turning more difficult if you have full traction. One differential is on each of the two axles, and a central differential (known as a transfer case) lies between the front and rear axles. On the beach I'm more concerned when both wheels are buried in the sand. These systems usually create a lot of rattling noises as the teeth of the locker ratchet over each other in normal power-off turns. Locking Rear Differential option on Colorado The few times mine has engaged it acts very similar to my Stabila-Trac option on my old 2009 Silverado. The type of part-time system typically found on four-wheel-drive pickups and older SUVs works like this: The vehicle is usually rear-wheel drive. Electronic lockers, Air lockers and Cable Lockers fall under this category. Now, if both rear wheels have traction and one front wheel has traction, the vehicle will move forward. Having a push button (ARB) locking rear end for the last year plus made me miss it on my new truck. A locking differential or locker is a variation on the standard automotive differential. I assume that was to engage the differential lock, right? A traction-aiding differential is one that greatly inhibits or eliminates any difference in wheel speed. Most stock 4X4 vehicles come stock equipped with open differentials (Wrangler Rubicons, e-locker Toyotas and some other models will come with lockers as a factory option). Locking Differential. Some argue that having a locking differential in the front axle will allow the vehicle to climb better. Get it! And, that when in two-wheel drive, a front locker is unnoticeable. Lockers are not required in this scenario. Mark Twain. But, it provided the first hands-on demonstration of just how much difference a locked differential makes - a lot. IMAGE Von Violago. A locking differential (or diff locker) can make a significant difference in the performance of your 4wd in certain situations. The auto locking rears require you to relearn how to drive. Instead, for this example we will use a Jeep equipped with an ARB selectable locker to illustrate the rear locker. Locking differentials (generically referred to as “lockers”) can lock the axles together to provide 100% of available torque to the wheel with traction. When properly tired up it will help big time and in a pinch can save you from needing a tow. Some examples are Detroit, Aussie Locker, Lock-Rite, etc. Many manufacturers offer ABS traction control standard on their pickups and SUVs. Contrary to the "one wheel pulls" B S that a lot of supposedly in the know people claim, as long as both wheels on an axle have equal traction, there's no need for a locking device. Standard four wheel drive will do a great job at increasing traction. The transmission hooks up directly to a transfer case. Known also as diff-lock or locker, it is a modification to the standard automotive differential. Vehicles with a locked differential may be at a bigger advantage when it comes to traction compared to a vehicle with a standard or open differential, but only when the traction under each wheel is different. What Teach is refering to is a full time locker like the Detroit that I have in one of my jeeps. There are two basic types: Limited slip differentials or locking differentials, aka lockers. Unless life also hands you water and sugar, your lemonade is gonna suck! If you are still not sure what kind of locker is the best for your application, please give us a call 928-227-2026 or stop by the shop and we would be happy to answer all your questions and/or schedule your rig to get some lockers installed. Once you are moving, the locking diff becomes dangerous, when cornering, it will try to spin both wheels at the same rate. I understand how a locking rear differential works, but I just wanted to get some feedback from some of you who really know what it … There are three basic types of differentials – open, limited-slip and locking. When I stick my Kawasaki Mule, I lock the rear end and try to get out, before going to 4WD. By comparison, we see how a locking differential is useful on slippery or uneven terrain. ARB is air activated and requires an air source but is easily the most popular selectible locker out there and the Eaton is activated by an electric solenoid and is not as common although some of the factory lockers are actually manufactured by Eaton. It depends on where you are and what you are doing with the vehicle. Another side benefit was how nicely it smoothed out during acceleration even in 2 wheel drive after putting them in. However, an all-wheel-drive vehicle would have two separate differentials for the front and rear axles. Without it in four wheel drive you get two wheels pulling , one front one rear until you slip, and the third and fourth wheels … Front or Rear Differential Locked: Now it gets real. Vehicles with ABS have sensors on each wheel to determine if a wheel is locked when it should be spinning and if the ABS needs to be activated for that wheel. “A gun is a tool, no better or no worse than any other tool: an axe, a shovel or anything. In the world of 4WDs, locking differentials—aka differential locks or 'lockers,' as they are known in off-road-speak—are like magic tools. If you lock the front differential, and the center differential, not only does equal power go to the front and rear axle, but BOTH front wheels MUST turn at the same rate as the rear axle. I would say that a factory locker would cost less and not affect the trade-in value as much as an aftermarket locker. When driving off-road, a differential will always send power to the wheel with least resistance; so if a 4x4 loses traction (in the air, stuck in mud, etc.) Great for any kind of vehicle. They're not to be used on-road, and if used improperly can result in drivetrain damage or even an accident. A lot of really practical ideas are going by the wayside I feel, because the driving public has dummied down in proper usage. Remember that.”. Locking differentials allow both wheels to travel at the same speed, so when traction is lost for one wheel, both wheels will still keep spinning regardless of the amount of resistance. Thanks, LM. A locking rear diff can be added to about any vehicle with companys like ARB. Spools: These will keep both tires locked 100% all the time. With a locked differential, the torque will still flow to whichever wheel has more traction. Yeah, I think you really need the rear locker when rock climbing and one of the rear wheels is in the air. On my Jeep TJ i have Ox Lockers in both, each axle has its own shifter that locks the axle, this Jeep is set up as a minor rock crawler, when there not locked up its just like any 2 WD, with this set up you NEVER want to lock the axles on hard pavement. Most vehicles have one differential in the front axle or rear axle, depending on whether it is a front-wheel-drive or rear-wheel-drive vehicle. Differentials take the torque coming from the transmission through the driveshafts and transfer it to the wheels. I understand (I think) that a locking rear differential serves to have the rear wheels apply the same amount of power when engaged, but just how much do you need one? It looks like you're new here. A locking differential is designed to be used in difficult situations during off road driving as it is not constantly locked. A locking differential provides increased traction compared to a standard, or "open" differential by disallowing wheel speed differentiation between two wheels on the same axle under certain conditions. But I do go up into the snow to go skiing very often during the winter. This is how you get stuck. The CJ has full time lockers front and back and the cherokee that stays at the hunting camp has a Lincoln locker in the back. I personaly would not have a truck without a limited slip for everyday use at least in the rear. My FJ Cruiser has a pushbutton locker in the rear, and a locking xfer case. "Locker" axles have some sort of spline setup to physically tie the axles together so no slip whatsoever is present. ©2020 Outdoor Sportsman Group. What this means is that if you don’t have lockers, you truly only have 2 wheels providing traction to the vehicle at any given time when 4WD is engaged; one for the front axle and one for the rear axle. A differential is designed to let a set of wheels rotate at their own separate speeds. Truth to be told is; even though not everybody needs differential lockers, everybody could use them at some point when off-roading. Automatic Lockers: This style will always provide a 100% lock while allowing the tires to spin at a different speed when turning on a corner in order to allow for a smoother driving experience on the road. ... Rear locking differential 2-wheel drive TRD confusion. Does not provide a 100% lock and it is recommended for mild off-road, daily drivers, towing vehicles, etc. Great for off-road vehicles, not so good for on-road vehicles, specially if there is snow or ice present. There is a switch to lock the differential for off road driving and to unlock it … Locking rear differential means both wheels have the same force applied, and when used in combination with "4-wheel" drive you get three or four wheels pulling you through slippery stuff. Some manufacturers go beyond basic traction control with an off-road version. If you want to get involved, click one of these buttons! LDR or limited slip rear end is worth the money. Check out the videos of me in the photobucket in this link. However the Pro4-X is significantly more expensive. This will give more wear and tear on your tires on asphalt and your tires will … I have needed them a total of 3 times, but at that time, it was either have them, or walk a LONG way. A manually operated differential can be extremely hazardous on the front in fwd (that’s why you won’t see them there), and potentially bad on the rear in rwd if left on and driven by an inexperienced driver.