[ringoism]

PS: Don't know if anyone else suggested it above, but for dual-purpose vehicles, a number of people in U.S. off-road forums suggest using an automatic locker only in the FRONT diff. That way, it can do it's job when most needed (nasty off-road conditions), but once the 4x4 is disengaged, it has no effects on driveability whatsoever. A LSD could still be used in the REAR, which should make for a very effective combination under most offroad conditions while not creating any compromises on the street.

[headers]

Originally Posted by ringoism

PS: Don't know if anyone else suggested it above, but for dual-purpose vehicles, a number of people in U.S. off-road forums suggest using an automatic locker only in the FRONT diff. That way, it can do it's job when most needed (nasty off-road conditions), but once the 4x4 is disengaged, it has no effects on driveability whatsoever. A LSD could still be used in the REAR, which should make for a very effective combination under most offroad conditions while not creating any compromises on the street.

One needs to have Free wheelin hubs installed for the above, else one will have understeer issues ONROAD!!

[ringoism]

Originally Posted by headers

One needs to have Free wheelin hubs installed for the above, else one will have understeer issues ONROAD!!

The way they're supposed to work, automatic lockers would not engage at all until there was torque applied; with your 4x4 lever disengaged, there would be no torque - hence no onroad understeer issues... However, I think lockout hubs are a great idea anyway for other reasons and I suppose they could prevent disasters if an automatic locker should somehow malfunction (if that's possible).

[headers]

Originally Posted by ringoism

The way they're supposed to work, automatic lockers would not engage at all until there was torque applied; with your 4x4 lever disengaged, there would be no torque - hence no onroad understeer issues... However, I think lockout hubs are a great idea anyway for other reasons and I suppose they could prevent disasters if an automatic locker should somehow malfunction (if that's possible).

Have you thought about the wheels driving the gears inside the differential? What would happen in an automatic locker setup then?

[diff_locked]

Originally Posted by Samurai

Instead they are allowing 2WD Scorpios in Mahindra Escape.

Not to mention the '4' AWD???4WD XUVs they had for the ASEAN thing which comprised of more than 30 vehicles . . .!!!
Ask Hormazd, he'll validate!!!

[TheTeacher]

Learned Gurus,

I was intending to acquire a Scorpio 4x4 and install an auto locking diff in the rear, like 1100D Sir has done (see Marengo: Rocky Beige Scorpio mHawk 4WD. 55,555 kms up! post 58). He obtained it from M&M and got it installed at the A.S.S.

However many of you in this thread have said it will adversely affect hoghway driving and handling (posts 1, 6, 26 and 89).

From 1100D Sir's posts, my understanding is that the locker becomes inactive when speed touches around 20 kmph.

Can you please provide some additional clarity on the subject that would help me? I have also posted in 1100D Sir's thread asking his experiences over the longer term (10-11 months).

Thanks.

[headers]

Go ahead and fit it No issues if the installation is done properly!

[TheTeacher]

Thank you headers! In response to my question in 1100D's thread, n.devdath has clarified that he has driven at speeds of 155 kmph with the diff locked installed in his read axle, so I think this is good to go.

[arun27g]

A small portion of some hard earned money has been approved by the Finance/Home Ministry to be spent on the Jeep, following intense negotiations and a few unmentionable sacrifices. I want to spend it wisely (!!!). Therefore, requesting expert advice on how to achieve what I want (if that is indeed possible)

What I have currently, is the Jeep CJ 500D refurbished and in service for many years. The tires are mounted on Gypsy R15 (I am told) standard discs both for the MT and AT set. To my knowledge, both differentials are standard stock and have been opened only for maintenance (replacement might have happened prior to 2010, when the Jeep was under my Father’s control). The front brakes are disc type and the rear ones are drum type.

At the risk of sounding stupid, what I want is to swap the existing differential assembly with that of a pick-up and install differential locks (manual) for both the front and rear assemblies. Please note that the Jeep is exposed to moderate tier-3 city traffic and reasonable off-roading and some expeditions at the beach.

I have approached my mechanic for the swap, and have been told that it has been swapped successfully in the past.

Now for the technical and reasonableness justification, I turn to you all

Thank You

[HillyThar]

After doing much research, I have decided to plunge for a rear differential locker, specifically the M Locker from Eaton, am going to fit it in my 2012 CRDe Thar, now clocking 75000 kms.

Where I stay in rural Himachal, there's snow/sleet/ice on the roads from early December till late March, and despite decent tread and a 4x4, uphill can be a bit hairy at times. The Thar got stuck a few times last winter going uphill in the estate, and spinning free rear tires simply didn't enable enough grip on turns for it to climb, I had to simply leave the vehicle there and came back when the snow melted the next day, this can be quite a downer, esp. as the steep uphill section is small and once on the main road even regular hatchbacks can ply.

There are a lot of conflicting opinions out there on the net on auto locking diff's, in general I gathered they can be useful in snow/ice esp. at low speeds, many people also say that an auto locking rear differential is absolute rubbish on snow as on uneven camber it may pull the vehicle to the sloping side. I believe I would need to adjust driving styles after its installed, and be very careful in letting anyone else driving it.

Damage: 28k, shipping from Eaton's distributor in Delhi to Shimla.

[tsk1979]

Originally Posted by HillyThar

After doing much research, I have decided to plunge for a rear differential locker, specifically the M Locker from Eaton, am going to fit it in my 2012 CRDe Thar, now clocking 75000 kms.

Where I stay in rural Himachal, there's snow/sleet/ice on the roads from early December till late March, and despite decent tread and a 4x4, uphill can be a bit hairy at times. The Thar got stuck a few times last winter going uphill in the estate, and spinning free rear tires simply didn't enable enough grip on turns for it to climb, I had to simply leave the vehicle there and came back when the snow melted the next day, this can be quite a downer, esp. as the steep uphill section is small and once on the main road even regular hatchbacks can ply.

There are a lot of conflicting opinions out there on the net on auto locking diff's, in general I gathered they can be useful in snow/ice esp. at low speeds, many people also say that an auto locking rear differential is absolute rubbish on snow as on uneven camber it may pull the vehicle to the sloping side. I believe I would need to adjust driving styles after its installed, and be very careful in letting anyone else driving it.

Damage: 28k, shipping from Eaton's distributor in Delhi to Shimla.

Its much better and cheaper to just go for a pair of snow chains for rear wheels. Thar has good wheelwell clearance. I doubt having a locker is going to give you a significant advantage.

[Sutripta]

Tanveer, your opinion on snowchains and mudplugging?

Regards
Sutripta

[HillyThar]

As I said, opinions on auto rear lockers in snow are varied. I do have a pair of these snow chains, and use them when on a long stretch of more or less constant snow where they are very helpful.

Lets see how the lockers work this snow, will update with a report then.

Originally Posted by tsk1979

Its much better and cheaper to just go for a pair of snow chains for rear wheels. Thar has good wheelwell clearance. I doubt having a locker is going to give you a significant advantage.

[tsk1979]

Originally Posted by Sutripta

Tanveer, your opinion on snowchains and mudplugging?

Regards
Sutripta

There is a class of chains called mud-chains. They are thicker snow chains and require high level of wheel well clearance. But they are frowned upon in trails because they permanently wreck them. However, in specialty events, they are used.

[Sutripta]

^^^
And snow chains and studs are normally banned on proper roads for the same reason.

My reason for asking you was because you have snowchains, have you ever used them in mud, and if so, your comments.

Regards
Sutripta