Now that I have a diff lock my worries are over.

Credit: Brick Experiment Channel

 

Switchable Locker

Switchable Locker suppliers	Advantages	Disadvantages
	Flicking a switch engages the locker for “on demand” usage without compromising normal on road open differential handling characteristics. It is a complete carrier replacement operated by either an electromagnetic solenoid, air compressor or cable and being very robust is ideally suited to harsh off-road conditions.	Before challenging difficult steep incline or decline straight line obstacles, the unit must obviously be switched on. Due to the torque loading on the gearset this may not happen immediately. Switching the unit off may not conversely release the gearset as envisaged; indeed, it may become necessary to allow the vehicle to roll back to achieve the unlock mode which is not particularly helpful when taking part in challenges where points are lost on roll backs and tape touching. As with all switchable lockers, when negotiating a turn, they need to be timeously turned off in order to regain true open differential status i.e. where the greater outer wheel speed is allowed to differentiate from the slower inner speed in order to negotiate the corner. This of course begs the question as to why one would have to turn off the locker when adverse circumstances require maximum traction. Installation should only be undertaken by a competent mechanic as allowance has to be made for back lash tolerances and electrical wiring where applicable.

Limited Slip Differential

Limited Slip Differential	Advantages	Disadvantages
	Conventional l/slips use a friction or clutch plate design which when new can only transmit about 30% of the engine power to the axle. After time friction plates wear out on a diminishing return basis until eventually the l/s behaves as a conventional open differential offering very little or no traction when off road to the wheel requiring traction. As a result, the off-road community shuns them like a rash for use in challenging off road conditions. Limited slips offer a more seamless over delivery than a locker resulting in less aggressive on-road behaviour. L/s equipped vehicles perform well in sand dune bashing where locker equipped vehicles tend to bog down.	It’s not a full-on locker which offers 100% power to the wheel needing the torque. Clutch packs wear out and special limited slip oils are required.

Helical Gear Limited Slip Differential

Helical Gear Limited Slip Differential Suppliers	Advantages	Disadvantages
	A helical gear driven L/S is a completely integrated, durable gearset and as such does not require re-building after extended use. It intended for rear axles of either 4 x 2s or either of both axles in 4 x 4s as well as transfer cases and certain front wheel drive only applications. With the ability to transfer up to 75% torque on a linear demand basis power is delivered on a seamless basis to the wheel needing traction. A limited-slip-differential it is kinder to transmission components especially side shafts, CV’s and transfer cases which could have under engineered carrier bearings. It performs very well in muddy, slippery conditions where performance can be modulated with the judicious use of the accelerator foot. Standard gear oil is used.	In arduous off-road conditions it tends to groan and will not deliver full 100% locker performance. Helical gears can sometimes strip. Parts are expensive and sometimes not that readily available.

Auto Locker

Auto Locker Suppliers	Advantages	Disadvantages
	Auto lockers offer the best performance and value for money traction control on the market. Simplicity of design, always a sign of genius, of a replacement gearset o lunch box locker, makes it easy to install by someone familiar with basic hand tools and because only conventional differential oil is required, operational costs are kept to a minimum. The legendary performance of the Detroit Locker sets the standards by which all automatic lockers are judged. Its rugged construction and refinement over the years has made it a favourite with wheelers world-wide. Its appeal is not limited to American vehicles only as they cater for Japanese and certain far eastern vehicles as well. Conventional differential oils are used and no housing modifications are required	Some say that the operation of an auto locker is a little agricultural in operation due to torque steer and mechanical noises emanating from regular use especially when the unit is installed in the rear axle of one’s daily driver. In this instance we recommend installation in the front axle of a non-permanent drive 4 x 4 where noise and torque steer characteristics are virtually obviated but is of no consequence to serious competitors whose requirements for maximum controllable traction override some operational mechanical inputs. Locking teeth can also shear off causing the locker to jam which sometimes results in the shearing of axle side shafts.