When to Engage Diff Lock ...

My question refers to sand driving, but I suppose it's valid anywhere ...

The diff lock - when to engage. Traditionally, when I get stuck the first thing I remember to do is try low range and then oh, I can always lock the centre diff! But from re-reading the manual, it seems like it may be better to be proactive and lock and un-lock the centre diff whilst moving and in high range before getting bogged. This car is a 2006 Defender - is this practical or wise.

This business of 'wind-up'; I assume that becasue the drive-shafts aren't free to rotate independently that they are subject to some sort of twisting force and this doesn't allow the lock to dissengage until you stop and go back and forth a few times.

And would anyone know what the best bet is for cross-axle diff locks?

If you anticipate there is a rsik of getting stuck you can engage the diff lock at any point. Remember you don't need to depress the clutch.

Don't worry about wind up off road - generally speaking it's not a big problem as on unmadeup surfaces the wheels can slip to prevent it.

If you disengage the diff lock and you find the warning lamp won't go out, you are right that a short reverse usually does the trick.

Cheers

Blippie