Centre Diff Lock Button

[Guest Close Guest]

Hi all, im new to this forum site and also new to 4 wheel driving.

I recently just purchased a 2000 model Prado and my question is do you have to come to a complete stop to engage the centre diff lock or can you do it on the go :?:

Thanks
Wazza27

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

You can just hit the button as long as you are driving in a straight line.

If you want to change to low range you need to stop.

[mike1100 Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close mike1100]

Does the diff lock make much difference?

[Steve M Addicted PP Member Find all posts View Profile Close Steve M]

Locks front and back 50/50 equal power either end. Steve

Does the diff lock make much difference?

[StormyKnight Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close StormyKnight]

Does the diff lock make much difference?

In a constant 4WD vehicle like the Prados...

With the centre diff lock unlocked, only 1 wheel (front or rear) on the whole car needs to loose traction & all the power will go to that wheel.

With the centre diff lock locked, two wheels, one back & one front need to loose traction before all power will go to those tractionless wheels.

In addition, a rear limited slip diff will direct some power to the rear wheel still with traction & even better a diff lock will give both rear wheels equal power. A diff lock on both the front & rear will mean that all four wheels have to loose traction before you end up stopping.


As far as the Prado is concerned, a diff lock would be an advanatge due to the lack of articulation in the front end i.e. The front end will lift a wheel quite easily due to the IFS suspension & the interaction with the sway bar. Many times I have been outperformed by 'solid axel' vehicles because they can more easily keep their wheels on the ground. This is most noticable on steep tracks containing large contour banks where the weight of the vehicle is spread diagonally front to rear. It is very easy then to lift a front wheel & come to a grinding holt.

[Guest Close Guest]

Thanks for all the advice guys, it sure answered my question.