Centre diff lock

[Two89w Member Find all posts View Profile Close Two89w]

As I am new to Prado and I am waiting for my owners manual etc, can someone please tell me if I should use centre diff lock in both 4L and 4H?

When the rear diff lock is engaged does it stop the traction control on the front wheels?

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

A centre diff lock is essentially the same as putting the hubs in and shifting from 2H to 4H or 4L on an old 4wd. If you are in situation where traction is an issue you should be using your centre diff lock- A Prado is a vehicle which has so called "constant 4 wheel drive". This essentially means that any wheel front or back can be driven at any time by the motor- If the centre diff lock button is not pressed, then all power will be sent to the wheel with the least amount of traction (put simply, the least amount of grip on whatever surface your travelling on). The centre diff lock button means that the gearbox is forced to split power and torque 50/50 to each axel- Essentially one front wheel and one back wheel WILL be receiving power from the engine, as compared to an unlocked scenario where only one wheel on any axle will be receiving power (this explination ignores the Limited Slip Diff on the back, but that's another matter again).

A rear diff lock is a useful traction aid, and unless you've got an up spec model (Kakadu, Option on a VX?, or fitted aftermarket) then you won't have it. A rear diff lock basically forces both rear wheels to rotate at the same speed, which means that you can't really turn corners easily, as when cornering both wheels need to move at different speeds (the outside wheel travels future than the inside).

4H and 4L are just different gearing, with 4L have a much greater reduction so you can travel slowly in situations which require it (ascending or descending steep hills, travelling over rocks etc.)

TL; DR: Use your centre diff lock where you need grip on the road i.e. The beach, mud, sand, snow, slippery surfaces. NEVER USE CENTER DIFF LOCK ON A BITUMEN ROAD or any other surface with high levels of grip (concrete etc.) doing so can destroy expensive components in your car.

EDIT: Your prado manual will come with an additional book giving you some basic instruction in 4wding, I would advise that you read it and perhaps watch some youtube videos (Ronny Dahl is great) before heading out onto the trails for the first time- You'll spare yourself a lot of heartache by informing yourself first

[Mule5010 Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close Mule5010]

Traction control is still active with centre transfer / rear diff locks engaged. only stability control and ABS is disengaged (unless you are using DAC)

I would only be concerned about using the centre lock or rear diff locks in 4H as it will effect your cars ability to turn.