Member Since: 10 Dec 2015
Location: Somewhere
Posts: 275
Rear Locking Differential
What are (if any) the disadvantages/issues with having the additional rear locking differential?
6th Dec 2017 7:02 pm
DSL Keeper of the wheelie bin
Member Since: 11 May 2006
Location: Off again! :-)
Posts: 73134
IMHO another thing to go wrong for not a lot of upside. Ive off-roaded many times with cars with an active diff, in most conditions from tracks to mud to desert to snow/ice, and never seen they have done any better than I have. Tyre choice is much more important.
6th Dec 2017 7:37 pm
M3DPO
Member Since: 22 Sep 2010
Location: Notts.
Posts: 8244
It substantially reduces wear and tear on the brakes, traction system and transmission including drive shafts, particularly on long excursions, the traction system does not need to work on the rears as the wheels are locked together. It helps to reduce brake fade due to brakes overheating. All farm tractors have a mechanical locked rear diff.
Not quite right Del, a rear diff lock will prevent other components wearing including the rear diff as it is locked an not working. It will also help fuel economy if that is relevant. I see you are enquiring about brake components on another post! It can when others can't,
It will when others won't,
It goes where others don't.
6th Dec 2017 7:42 pm
DSL Keeper of the wheelie bin
Member Since: 11 May 2006
Location: Off again! :-)
Posts: 73134
Waaaaaaay too techie for me. I was just thinking re was it worth it for off-roading.
6th Dec 2017 8:08 pm
Bodsy Site Sponsor
Member Since: 06 Nov 2006
Location: In the Clubhouse
Posts: 21361
Having driven both locking and non locking diff discos over the same terrain, the locking diff will do the same as the non locking diff, but with far far less drama and power required than non locking diff.
Given the choice, locking diff every time.
If no choice, then you’ll still get there. Bodsys Brake Bible
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6th Dec 2017 8:17 pm
M3DPO
Member Since: 22 Sep 2010
Location: Notts.
Posts: 8244
If you are seriously off roading regularly yes without a doubt, and no I haven't got one, not on the Disco anyway. It can when others can't,
It will when others won't,
It goes where others don't.
6th Dec 2017 8:18 pm
DSL Keeper of the wheelie bin
Member Since: 11 May 2006
Location: Off again! :-)
Posts: 73134
Having driven both locking and non locking diff discos over the same terrain, the locking diff will do the same as the non locking diff, but with far far less drama and power required than non locking diff.
Given the choice, locking diff every time.
If no choice, then you’ll still get there.
Ditto.
Both our D4s have got active rear diffs, prefered to spend the money on that than a RES. The old girl has been given plenty of chances to use it, the new girl not so much yet. But as Bodsy said, with or without you’ll get through the terrain, the difference being that with the active diff it’s a little easier and therefore less stressful on the mechanics of the vehicle.
However, tyre choices make a considerable difference, so the correct tyre choice combined with an active diff is ideal, but it not having an active diff wouldn’t put me off a potential new D4 on it’s own.LRs are a fond memory, apart from the maintenance.
6th Dec 2017 8:57 pm
Erea
Member Since: 19 Mar 2012
Location: Munster
Posts: 1509
As tractors with locking rear diff have been mentioned.
Normally on a tractor I have it in 2wd,
when things look as if it’s going to get difficult 4wd and
when I’ve gone somewhere I shouldn’t have.... hit the diff.
6th Dec 2017 9:21 pm
Landroverfan1
Member Since: 10 Dec 2015
Location: Somewhere
Posts: 275
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I was just thinking re was it worth it for off-roading. 
