Disco II diff lock

Hi all,

Sorry if this is a repost but can someone tell me if the later facelift model Disco IIs (i.e. post '52 reg) have diff locks. I seem to remember someone saying they were taken off but were they ever a manufacturer's option?

I'd be grateful for the info as I am thinking about selling my RRC Autobiography (which is too nice to use off road) and getting a Disco II instead so I can use it off road. I do want a vehicle with a diff lock though.

Many thanks,

James

Land Rover Discovery - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

This seems to indicate that the ES model had a diff lock?

Yes it was an option. I honestly can't remember the history, but some had no lever but did have all the internals.

A D2 with traction control and a locked centre diff is pretty unstoppable.

It is possible that you can just get the extra bits and retro fit it. Search on the Ashcroft Transmission for CDL....I think there is even a video on Youtube about it

Diff lock is optional, some have it some doesn't(but you can put a kit pretty easy)

You can check it yourself "on-the-scene" ... put the lever on neutral and push it to the right with contact on......if it's equipped it'll turn on the diff-lock warning lamp on the instrument pack(at the bottom of first column on the left side....... if everything is properly working)

My understanding is that the Discovery II diff. lock was an automatic gizmo that engaged itself in response to wheel spin. That is how my year 2000 ES auto works. This means that you have to have wheel spin first which is a bit late in the day if you have got yourself stuck in the clag. I would prefer to have the option to manually push the high/low ratio selection lever to the left before getting myself bogged down but the auto worked fine during the recent inclemency. It locked the diff. twice when I was climbing in fresh snow. I have heard a rumour that most of the mechanical linkage is still there and just requires connecting to the lever but I haven't got around to investigating yet.

^^^ that is traction control you are discribing there ^^^

Take a look at UPs excellent website. www.discovery2.co.uk

Basically D2s up to about May 2001 had the linkage but no in car control. The linkage was then phased out and after a few years gradually reintroduced but I think mainly as an option.

I would say that an early facelift is not going to have a diff lock unless retro-fitted. At what point a factory fitted diff lock is going to be a probably feature I could not say.

Either way, Ashcrofts can sell you the bits you need.

John366 said:

My understanding is that the Discovery II diff. lock was an automatic gizmo that engaged itself in response to wheel spin. That is how my year 2000 ES auto works.........

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Mine works like that too .......andyb66 already expound it .....I just reaffirm that it's definitely the TC........you could make certain because when it works(and you feel it) it must light up the TC warning lamp on the instrument pack.......if it's not you might have a problem. The Diff-lock lamp is beside TC and looks different......like a small differential.... our tipe of car just can be enhanced with diff-lock with the right kit because the transfer box is up to it

Thanks a lot guys. Further research this afternoon provides little clues about which ones had it available as an option although what you say about cars up to March 2001 is bang on. I do want a facelift model though so I guess it's a trip to Ashcrofts!

Just as a point of interest, if the diff lock light comes on when you put a D2 in reverse or brake then the fuse for these lights is blown and neither brake or reverse lights will work.

IIRC, all discos have the diff lock, just that only most D2s it was disconnected, as the traction control was added, and thus overrided the need for a manual diff lock.

HOWEVER due to popular demand it was then added as an option on some late models, approx 03 onwards.

Ashcroft/Anyone else might be able to dive in there and conect the linkage up no problem, all the gubbins is supposed to be inside anyway!

As an exaple, we have a 53 TD5 ES manual in at work at the mo, with no diff lock, and a 53 V8 ES Premium auto with diff lock.

Check it out anyway, if it's a retor fit it's only gonna be a few hundred quid to get it functioning i reckon...

Cheers, Sam.

Mr Noisy said:

IIRC, all discos have the diff lock, just that only most D2s it was disconnected, as the traction control was added, and thus overrided the need for a manual diff lock.


Check it out anyway, if it's a retor fit it's only gonna be a few hundred quid to get it functioning i reckon...

Cheers, Sam.

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No, SOME D2's had the difflock. Early models had the CDL internals in the TB but didn't have the linkage to the cab to make it operational. After this the internals were removed from the Transfer Box altogether. Finally on the later models CDL became optional all but on the top models where it was standard fitment.
The linkage will cost circa £200+ as an add on but those without the TB internals will pay more than double this to upgrade their box!

Well I have a 2000 X Reg Adventurer D2 and it has low ratio diff lock all fitted as standard.

Hi 2001 to 2003 difflock was left out of the transfer box build, on all other s it is fitted but unless you are really lucky there is no linkage,Ashcroft do a good linkage for about £240,using cables, i fitted a disco 1 linkage to my 2001, not easy,but if you do a seach online for fitting diso 1 diff linkage to Discovery 2 there are plenty of tips, (auto linkage will only fit auto) i think the only thing that can beat diff lock and traction control is a big tractor, i have been pulling a fully loaded Sankey trailer through heavy mud, with a lot of throttle no problem

cobra_mark said:

Well I have a 2000 X Reg Adventurer D2 and it has low ratio diff lock all fitted as standard.

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No it doesn't...........Difflock on a D2 was never "standard" even on the later ones it was a cost option. It might well have it in the case, infact your year def will, but if its linked up to the transfer lever it has been retro-fitted.

Wildthing said:

Hi 2001 to 2003 difflock was left out of the transfer box build

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So on these ones (i.e. no diff lock), what are the options to get one fitted? I mean, you can get one fitted? Are there any other better options like ARB thingies that I don't understand?

James R said:

So on these ones (i.e. no diff lock), what are the options to get one fitted? I mean, you can get one fitted? Are there any other better options like ARB thingies that I don't understand?

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Just an example that if U search enough U can find even with diff-lock fitted(see feature sets on this one).... Car Ad: Detailed Item View

I'm sure it's not the only one and there are also RHD ones

I can't engage the diff lock on mine (2003) but the Hi-Lo box works fine. The badge on the facia still shows the diff lock to the left though - when they discontinued it, did they remove the facia decals?

BigJock2005 said:

I can't engage the diff lock on mine (2003) but the Hi-Lo box works fine. The badge on the facia still shows the diff lock to the left though - when they discontinued it, did they remove the facia decals?

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When they face lifted the vehicle they fitted the "new" label" (which you have) to vehicles with and without a Diff lock, so all it does is confuse a LOT of people. The Label should be completely ignored on ANY later D2, If they are fitted with a differential lock, the lever will have it embosed on the transfer nob and the lever will sit to the right, not in the centre as it does with the High / Low only boxes.

James R said:

So on these ones (i.e. no diff lock), what are the options to get one fitted? I mean, you can get one fitted? Are there any other better options like ARB thingies that I don't understand?

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Yes you can have one fitted, or fit it yourself, your looking at £250 for ones WITH the internals in the case (upto approx May 01) and £500+ for teh parts to lock up one with NO parts in the case, 51/52/53/54 plate.

The ARB "thingies" as you call them are Lockers for the AXLE differentials, but absolutely no point fitting those if you cannot lock the Transfer case (centre differential lock)