Could someone please clarify the operation of the Diff Lock on my 2004 Discovery please. Is it a true diff lock similar to the after market air operated diff locks that give you 100% traction to all wheels when engaged.

I understand the basic operation of the transfer lever from high range to low range for better traction but what then does the diff lock do different to low range. Does this mean that in normal low range you do not have good traction compared to diff lock.

The manual does not clarify this very well.

regards Martin

The diff lock on a standard, factory vehicle works by locking the front and rear drive shafts together. There are three diffs, one on each axle and one between the two drive shafts. Without the diff lock engaged you will be able to loose drive with just one wheel spinning (i.e. on ice or mud), however, with the diff lock engaged you provide constant drive to both the front and rear axles, which means that should one wheel start to spin you will still have drive on the free axle. Should you have two wheels spinning, 1 front and 1 rear, you will still come to a halt, which is when aftermarket cross-axle lockers come in.

One warning though; do not drive great distances with your diff-lock engaged. This creates 'wind up' in the system, which can lead to catastrophic (and expensive) failure. Only use the diff-lock when you think you are likely to loose traction, knowing this comes with experience.

Hope this helps.

Chris

thanks chris

Your explanation is surely better than the one given by Landrover in the owners manual. You could imagine the trouble I could of gotten myself in if I believed I had true locking diffs.

Think about the two types of Diff. Lock as 'Centre Diff Lock' (the one you have).
and 'Cross Axle Diff Locks'. (the ones you don't).
Cruisermik.

thanks

brilliant explanation chris, that helped my understanding of it too....

No worries, glad to help out


Chris

Hi just thought i would ask as diff lock was not fitted as standard to 2004 model disco,because thet did not feel the need due to great traction control system fitted,can you get your car to go into diff lock is there a light on the dash or is it just high/low to the left, the manual and sticker on the gear tunnel is misleading as some cars had sticker on it that says diff lock but may not have linkage fitted,tiga

On some later series 2 discos, when bought from new there was a factory option to have it fitted or not, just have a play around with the smaller stick if it has one as im not sure but if you engage diff lock, a light will apear on the dash !!!

best explanation i have heard wel in mate thanks.