Hi range, low range diff locks...for dummies

[tomw2000]

So what about a guide for those of who aren't so One Life Live It?

I've 53 plate defender and I suspect I'll never need to but can't help but think I ought to know how to use the thing.

The snow got me thinking that's all. Maybe there's some occasions that being in low range and locking the diff thingy would help?

Mocking expected. Advice greatfully received.

[x type]

http://www.liveridge4x4.com/offRoad/difflock.asp

basic explanation above

Normal driving use high ratio no diff lock ..... small lever (Transfer box lever )back and to the right

Driving in snow on "normal" flat road as above

Driving down hill in snow or ice push transfer box lever forward before going down hill for slow progress avoid use of breaks if possible ,use the gears to slow down should have diff lock light on dash lit

driving up hill in snow or ice push lever forward and push to the left for diff lock to help stop one wheel spinning on it's own

once clear of hill stop and move transfer lever back and to the right (normal driving ) make sure the light goes off on the dash , if it doesn't go off straight away reverse slowly until it does

One point to remember 4x4's are great in snow or ice for making progress BUT they don't stop any better than a 2 wheel drive car

i put the works Land Rover in a 360 degree spin last year doing 10 mph on a straight road after touching the brakes to slow down

Find a quiet road and try the high / low range and see the difference in speed you get , don't floor it in low range !!

for slow driving use low range all the time in ice / snow

be careful with diff lock you can knacker the box

[300bhp/ton]

tomw2000 said:

So what about a guide for those of who aren't so One Life Live It?

I've 53 plate defender and I suspect I'll never need to but can't help but think I ought to know how to use the thing.

The snow got me thinking that's all. Maybe there's some occasions that being in low range and locking the diff thingy would help?

Mocking expected. Advice greatfully received.

There's loads of info if you search, although practical experience will help also.


In terms of slippery conditions, tyres can make a difference as can tyre pressures.

The centre diff is exactly that, for normal driving it allows the front wheels to spin faster or slower than the rears. You need this on grippy surfaces such as a road.

Engaging diff lock simply locks the drivetrain so you get equal power front and rear at all times. On tarmac you'll notice its harder to turn the steering wheel because the front wheels will now always spin at the same speed as the rears.

The only time to use diff lock is on slippery surfaces, usually off road or equally on snow. It does have another use, which is when off road a wheel is lifted off the ground, with diff lock engaged you'll still move, with it not you may sit there spinning a wheel.

Do you have TCS? If so this will be really good in the snow too. But knowing how it works is good. It basically tries to mimic an axle locking diff. So when one wheel spins it'll brake the opposite wheel to promote traction and rotation on the wheel not moving.

In order for this to work you need to keep the power on, too many people back off the throttle when the TCS kicks in, which in turn stops the TCS working.

Low range is good for slippery conditions too, although only at low speed. It gives you far more wheel torque and control and allows you to move at walking speed or slower.