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-   -   Do Diff locks compensate for lack of articulation? (https://www.team-bhp.com/forum/4x4-technical/77930-do-diff-locks-compensate-lack-articulation-2.html)

Just check this pic....:)

http://www.orkut.co.in/Main#AlbumZoo...=1263971089108

With excellent articulation, diff locks are not really needed ....as per my experience.

If only one wheel in each axle has traction, how is articulation going to help you?

Exactly what if you are in a slush rut with two left wheels in slush, and 2 on dry ground. Even if your vehicle has the best articulation in the world, you are stuck.

Yes if ur tyres are good enough and if u have better articulation one wheel in each axle will do the job, pl check the snaps in the url mentioned above......

You think you can get Arka to agree with this statement?:)

Hi Sharath,

I partly agree to the statement. This will be true if the tyres are very grippy and there is sufficient weight on the mentioned wheels.

However, in such cases we tend to rev the vehicles (open diffs) resulting in strain and failure of the Tyre/ Steering knuckle/ Axle/ Prop-Shaft.

Regards,

Arka

Well if the tires are grippy, then there is no case of losing traction. The question being asked is that if one tire on each axle loses traction(snow/slush etc.,) will an open diff vehicle move? Well it won't no matter how grippy is the tire retaining traction is. In that case a LSD will help, and diff lock will definitely do the trick.

Arka, I specifically said no traction, that is in spite of grippy tyres or weight on the wheels. :)

I did not take the poll because both are not mutually exclusive! Hence you cannot choose only one!

According to me an off roaders basic virtue is to have sufficient articulation, diff locks are an advantage over it.

A way to offset lack of differential locks is by providing articulation, but articulation alone will not take you every where. Diff lock is like feather on the cap. But cap in itself is necessary.

Just a small example where one can get away with articulation without diff locks. However if this trail was slippery, then diff locks would have been required if negotiated without sufficient momentum. Bolero struggled even on hard ground in slow speed to clear this stretch due to insufficient articulation and road tires. Diff locks here would have made it easier for the driver to over come the obstacle in single shot

"I would go" for difflock, from a very different angle :) To improve articulation it takes a hell lot of work, diff lock in comparison is easier to achieve the results.

Whats the point of articulation when the darn axles cant put the power down to move the vehicle?

Hi Jaggu,

That's hell of a think to say, especially from a JEEPer.:Frustrati

Regards,

Arka

PS - If you think Articulation = SPOA, then you are right.

Thank much Arka, Another query would be like -

If there is IFS [as Thar], bad articulation and all, a front locker with IFS and LSD/MLD rear with leaf springs - the best possible combination [scenario] with the Thar?

Hi ADC

Sounds like a Force Gurkha to me.:D

Manufacturers rarely give Front and Rear Diff-Locks on Light 4x4s
i.e 1953 Delahaye VLR
1979 MB G-Wagen
2003 JEEP Wrangler Rubicon

In the 1990s Diff-Locks became the Buzz-Word and everyone (OEM) started fitting one on the Rear Differential.

Auto-Locker and M&M MLD are similar in purpose - Locked in Straight Lines, Opens on Turns.

I don't know of any other manufacturer fitting Auto-Lockers/MLD as OEM.

LSD is OEM since the 1960s for many Car & 4x4 manufacturer.

An LSD/MLD/Auto Locker up front (Diff) can cause serious steering issues, with out a Free-Wheeling Hub so Don't Expect them OEM.

Regards,

Arka

Ha ha, mostly but for big torque difference. All the benefits of the Gurkha are lost there, my own inference and could be wrong.


As for Thar - Absolutely there's no way that is coming as OEM, and even what the OEM is and how much - big mystery still .

Anyway, another point is like only with front diff locker and rear with LSD - straight line situation okay, but what happens when making a turn in slippery mud track

But if it is a more or less straight line in ice or mud with width available, with front locked there would be more traction A front locker with rear LSD is a good start - before one gets funds for getting the rear locked?

Ayoooo! Arka i was speaking without reference to any particular model or make, i thought the question was that???

So if i have a choice of having these 2 options in any of the vehicle, which will i pick up?! and hence the reply.

Hope this clears and you will not chase me in my dreams :D