When do you need diff locks?

[SnowGuide Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close SnowGuide]

I must admit to being a little surprised that I don't have the option of locking the diff on the Prado. Is there some other smartness which negates the need for them?

For those with air lockers installed, when do you use them, do they make a significant difference and and would you make the purchase again?

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[stevensr34 Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close stevensr34]

Well they do have a rear LSD, which works when new and gradually wears out... This is better than an open diff, but obviously a locking diff would be better. I believe an air locker or two makes a very significant improvement! Just have to save up...$2000 for one, $3000 for both...

[williade Avid PP Poster! Find all posts View Profile Close williade]

I must admit to being a little surprised that I don't have the option of locking the diff on the Prado.

Prado's are full time 4WD which means they have 3 differentials. 1 for each axle and 1 called the center differential.

The center differential splits the torque from the transmission equally between the front and rear differentials. The center differential IS lockable and when in a locked state is essentially the same as high range 4WD in a Part-time 4WD.

Is there some other smartness which negates the need for them?

Most Prado's have a Limited Slip Diff in the rear axle and others have traction control. Traction control can be as good as a locking diff in some terrain.

I am guessing from your open ended question that this article from LCOOL would make some good reading material for you.

http://www.lcool.org/technical/diffs/diffs.html

[kav Avid PP Poster! Find all posts View Profile Close kav]

Is there some other smartness which negates the need for them?

two words traction control . in my opinion , better than twin diff locks .

[williade Avid PP Poster! Find all posts View Profile Close williade]

Is there some other smartness which negates the need for them?

two words traction control . in my opinion , better than twin diff locks .

It's also more expensive than twin lockers. Other than being easier to use, I recon you've got your work cut out demonstrating the superiority of trc. In sand diff locks > trc. In mud diff locks > trc. In loose rocks diff locks > trc. Have I missed anything?

[kav Avid PP Poster! Find all posts View Profile Close kav]

i recently did testing on the creb track against 2 other prado's with diff locks and mud tyres , the results were stunning to say the least . but i guess i had an advantage , they were both running coopers . whats goin on declan have you been bad , your green light thingy has gone grey .

[williade Avid PP Poster! Find all posts View Profile Close williade]

they were both running coopers . whats goin on declan have you been bad , your green light thingy has gone grey .

My rep box has always been grey. I guess I suck. I'll never be cool like all you guys with green boxes.

Coopers? Last time I saw coopers, they were waiting to be tossed into a hopper outside Bob Jane.

[samo Addicted PP Member Find all posts View Profile Close samo]

so i gather you have got some mudders then?