Diff Locks Required?

Submitted: Wednesday, May 16, 2007 at 01:33
ThreadID: 45526 Views:2920 Replies:13 FollowUps:4
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Hi all, We have recently bought a 60 series Landcruiser on gas/petrol and are planning a trip around oz for the end of the year. We are making a few mods: 2" Suspension lift, Snorkel, Rooftop tent, storage drawers mainly. I wanted your advice as to whether I should get diff locks fitted or not, I have had mixed advice some saying they have no trouble without them and some highly recommending them. It is quite expensive to get done so I want to know if I really need it.
Thanks
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Reply By: Eric from Cape York Connections - Wednesday, May 16, 2007 at 06:15

Wednesday, May 16, 2007 at 06:15
I use on of these in the rear

Locked Drive Systems
Details of a company promoting the range of locking truck differentials called NoSpins® and Detroit Lockers®.
www.locked-drive.com.au/ - 4k - Cached - Similar pages

all the best
Eric
AnswerID: 240251

Reply By: Sand Man (SA) - Wednesday, May 16, 2007 at 06:53

Wednesday, May 16, 2007 at 06:53
dlazare,

Diff Locks are not necessary for you to successfully complete your trip.
They can actually get you into deeper trouble than if you didn't have them.

If you happen across a "dodgy" bit of ground, stop, visually inspect and determine if you can get through, find a detour, or back track to another route.

This is unlikely to happen that often either, especially if you are travelling in dry conditions.

In other situations, advice from locals, or other travellers, will give you the information you need to make the best decision.

If you are recently new to 4WDing, save your money to spend on something more important mate.
Bill


I'm diagonally parked in a parallel Universe!

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AnswerID: 240253

Reply By: Member - Ruth D (QLD) - Wednesday, May 16, 2007 at 06:55

Wednesday, May 16, 2007 at 06:55
Had a 60 series for years and years in the bush doing all sorts of things with it - it was basic and I didn't have diff locks and could get out of the various scrapes and tight spots I got into - including on sand at beaches and in the desert and mud.I'm really old and have managed without most of the expensive additional add-ons (there'll be some nasty replies I think LOL) - it's horses for courses. I did have a suspension lift - didn't have a snorkel but I don't go into deep water either. I'd be saving the money to spend on more time travelling! Hope you have a wonderful time.
AnswerID: 240254

Follow Up By: Voxson - Wednesday, May 16, 2007 at 07:38

Wednesday, May 16, 2007 at 07:38
Gday...
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FollowupID: 501236

Follow Up By: Willem - Wednesday, May 16, 2007 at 07:59

Wednesday, May 16, 2007 at 07:59
Excuse me madam.....but don't you answer your emails?

"I did have a suspension lift "...........enough said....lol

(Not you Voxson...lol)

Cheers
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FollowupID: 501241

Follow Up By: Member - Ruth D (QLD) - Wednesday, May 16, 2007 at 17:44

Wednesday, May 16, 2007 at 17:44
G'day yourself, Voxson. Going o.k? Where you off to this year?
As for you Willem, trust you to be horrid! In fact, I need another suspension lift, this time in the rear end, so there!
I'll answer my emails when I have more time - playing in a concert on Friday night and typing is like practising! Ha ha ha.(and I'm stressed and nervous).
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FollowupID: 501335

Reply By: Notso - Wednesday, May 16, 2007 at 07:21

Wednesday, May 16, 2007 at 07:21
Well I've always thought of 4WD to get me out of trouble not into it, so never had or required a diff lock.

Good driving skills and a sharp eye for trouble will stop you getting into situations where you may need it.
AnswerID: 240255

Reply By: Willem - Wednesday, May 16, 2007 at 08:02

Wednesday, May 16, 2007 at 08:02
I have seen a bit of Australia and have not required difflocks in any of my 23 4x4's

Difflocks are good however if you are young and daring and wanting to go up steep pinches or really difficult terrain.

Still, those difflocks will probably be as expensive as the 60 series....lol

Cheers
AnswerID: 240260

Reply By: Robin - Wednesday, May 16, 2007 at 08:31

Wednesday, May 16, 2007 at 08:31
Hi dlazare

On other sites people ask similar but different questions ->
Do I need 4wd or is 2wd ok ?
How much does a trailer limit my travels?

Difflocks and other traction aids all add capability to a vehicle and while you
don't need difflocks its more about what you wish to do and also avoid.

If your mission is to get "around the block" then most of the main tracks - driven
at the right time - don't need difflocks and hardly even need 4wd.

However there is a whole realm of extra adventure that I would not miss out on
and here difflocks etc give you the confidence to go further even if not used.

This particularly applies if you travel alone.

A more relevant question might be ..

Given xyz circumstances - what traction aids are most cost effective ?

Answers could range from chains to sand mats or maybe a winch before lockers !


Robin Miller
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AnswerID: 240264

Reply By: Member - Oldplodder (QLD) - Wednesday, May 16, 2007 at 08:36

Wednesday, May 16, 2007 at 08:36
Would some good tyres make more initial difference to traction than diff locks?

Just thinking of the most stupid case, HT tyres and diff locks, if the wheels are spinning, diff locks are not going to make much difference.

So some decent tyres with a bit of grip, and knowing how to use the throttle as when to apply power and when to back off to keep traction will most probably make more difference initially. As mentioned above, picking a good line, and knowing your limits are the other important points.

As to which tyres, keeping out of that one. :o)))

You most probably are looking at upgrading any doubtful tyres before going anyway.
AnswerID: 240265

Follow Up By: Member - Rossco td105 - Wednesday, May 16, 2007 at 10:05

Wednesday, May 16, 2007 at 10:05
Oldplodder,

that's a bloody good point, a good quality set of AT or MT tyres will give a lot better traction and be more reliable than any factory HT tyre. Probably a third of the cost of a set of air type lockers and you will be using the tyres all the time!

Ross
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FollowupID: 501265

Reply By: mfewster - Wednesday, May 16, 2007 at 09:00

Wednesday, May 16, 2007 at 09:00
I have a 60 series with an autolocker in the front diff, It has been good, but I agree with those who say it isn't essential. The thing that IS essential is a high volume air pump so you can drop and raise tyre pressure easily in difficult terrain. In a 60 series, this will get you through most stuff you are going to meet, unless you are making a point of looking for extreme driving.
AnswerID: 240268

Reply By: Member - Duncs - Wednesday, May 16, 2007 at 09:13

Wednesday, May 16, 2007 at 09:13
My GQ was previously owned by a manager of ARB in NSW. As you can imagine it had everything you could ask for and then some.

Suspension mods, bullbar, rear step, fancy seats, it had a welder in the glove box, shower, dual batteries and of course a pair of ARB AirLock dif locks. It was fantastic and there were many occasions when the diff locks got me out of trouble.

I am in the proces of putting accessories on the GU, this will take some time because of a limited budget. First up was a decent bull bar, snorkel and dual battery system. Next I will upgrade suspension and fit a winch, these will be done at the same time because of the weight I will add with the winch. When that is done I will fit diff locks (ARB AirLocks).

There is no real hurry for any of them though and I have doen a fair bit of touring, towing a trailer with an essentially stock Nissan Patrol.

In my view diff locks are nice to have but not essential. Oh if you fit them learn how to use them because as others have elluded, they can get you into trouble as easily as they can get you out of it.

Hope this helps.
Duncs
AnswerID: 240269

Reply By: Footloose - Wednesday, May 16, 2007 at 10:14

Wednesday, May 16, 2007 at 10:14
Short answer is no.
AnswerID: 240281

Reply By: Steve63 - Wednesday, May 16, 2007 at 12:28

Wednesday, May 16, 2007 at 12:28
Depends on what you are going to do. DiffLocks can get you into more trouble and have there own issues. If you are just planning to wander around and go to the usual places I would say save your money. Even on the CSR they are not required. For 10% of people they are nice to have occasionally in very difficult situations. For 0.001% they are must haves. Most times correct driving technique and tyre pressues will save the day.

Steve
AnswerID: 240304

Reply By: hiab - Wednesday, May 16, 2007 at 23:28

Wednesday, May 16, 2007 at 23:28
no, you dont need them for a trip like yours. diff locks are for the very few hardcore off roaders, and for the rest pose/brag value.
AnswerID: 240466

Reply By: dlazare - Friday, May 18, 2007 at 18:55

Friday, May 18, 2007 at 18:55
Thanks to everyone for all your advice, I think I will spend my money on something else, (will probably need it for fuel these days)
AnswerID: 240850

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