Differential Lockers: The truth about locking differentials

"It doesn't look too deep," your passenger says, as your approach the harmless looking mud pudding in the middle of the trail. "Just go for it." Ignoring everything you've read about off road driving and recovery, you switch into 4-Low and slowly drive into the murky pool. Ten seconds later you're stuck, with one front and one rear wheel spinning helplessly. As you hand your passenger a shovel, you reflect on the obvious: you need a differential locker.

That most 4x4s are really only two wheel drive is something many new four wheelers learn the hard way: the first time they drive over or through an off road obstacle and get stuck. Yes, the sticker on your truck says 4x4 but that doesn't tell the entire story. Unless your truck has a locking differential, your 4WD truck is putting down less that half the traction it could be.

What is a differential locker, what does it do, and how does it work? Odds are if you drive a 4WD truck and are on this site, you have some idea of what a differential locker is. But even muddy 4WD veterans often get it wrong as there are many types of differential lockers. So to help clear the locking differential air, we've put together this differential locker overview.

Open vs Locked Differentials
Most vehicles have open differentials. This allows power to be applied to one wheel on the axle while the other wheel rotates independently. The idea is to improve on-road handling and cornering by allowing power to be applied smoothly while each wheel rotates at different speeds--such as when cornering. With a differential locker, the axles are essentially locked and power is applied to both wheels equally, regardless of traction conditions or wheel speed. So instead of one wheel spinning helplessly (the low traction wheel) both wheel spin equally. Off road, the traction improvement is stunning.

Types of Differential Lockers
For four wheelers, there are two main types of differential lockers: switched and automatic. A switched locker utilizes some kind of actuating switch--electronic, cable, air--to lock the differential only when extra traction is needed. When switched off, the differential remains open. Automatic locking differentials remained in a locked state until they automatically unlock around corners, to enable the wheels to rotate at different speeds.

Benefits of Differential Lockers
Traction, traction, and more traction: a locking differential can completely transform the off-road capabilities of any 4WD truck. By providing power evenly to both wheels regardless of the surface conditions, a locked differential provides enormous traction improvements. In tests, vehicles with locked differentials have performed better in 2WD than vehicles with open differentials in 4WD. (See Aussie Locker Evaluation)

Disadvantages of Differential Lockers
The main disadvantage of a differential locker is on the pavement: tire chirping around corners, some additional noise from the differential, accelerate tire wear, and different handling characteristics. With switched lockers, this can be avoided by simply disengaging the locker. Auto lockers utilize an auto-disengagement mechanism that unlocks in corners, but it's not always silent or smooth.

Which Differential Locker is Right for Me?
That depends on how, where, and how often you drive your 4WD truck. Switched lockers can be expensive ($800-$1500) and must be precisely installed. They also have extra components--wires, air lines, switches, compressors, cables--that can potentially be damaged in extreme off-road conditions. Auto differential lockers are often much cheaper ($150-$500), can be installed by the backyard mechanic, and have no external components making them very robust and maintenance free with all the traction advantages of a switched locker.

Whichever locker you decide on, remember the Golden Rule of Differential Lockers: You will still get stuck, you'll just get stuck a lot worse and further from home. 4WD trucks with differential lockers have such vastly improved traction, they can get you into even more trouble off-road. So use your locker wisely and remember you always need to be able to get back. And no off road modification replaces driver skills, knowledge, and respect for the trail.

Learn More: Aussie Locker Installation: Locked at Last

4WD Truck and Off Road Video Player

We've recently added a 4WD Truck and Off Road Video Player (over there, in the right column) to make it easier to get more of what you love: quality off-road clips and 4WD videos from around the world, all tastefully presented in a custom 4WD Traveller video player and hosted by YouTube:

Watch the latest videos on YouTube.com

These 4WD truck and off road videos bring a little of the great off road outdoors to your desktop, and you don't even have to get dirty. Which isn't always a good thing: getting dirty--and experiencing nature and the outdoors firsthand, not just reading about it in National Geographic or Overlander 4WD Magazine--is what it's all about.

So get inspired by watching these videos, and then get yourself out there for the real thing.

Buying a used 4WD Truck: What to look out for

If you're in the market for a used 4WD Truck (and by 4WD truck, we mean any 4x4, SUV, or pick-up with four wheel drive, body on frame, and an engine) there are a few things you need to look out for.

Buying a used 4WD truck is a little different than buying a used car. There are 4WD drive-line components that need to be inspected, a higher chance of damage from off road use, and the possibility of rust in hard to get at places.

For those who can find their way around a vehicle and don't mind getting dirty, doing your own inspection and buying a used 4WD truck can save you thousands. It also might be the only way to get the 4WD truck of your dreams as they're not making the classics anymore.

While every used 4wd truck is different, we've put together a list of a few main areas that you should pay careful attention to before shelling out your hard-earned dough for a new-to-you 4WD truck.

1 - Download a Vehicle Inspection Form
Download a vehicle inspection form (here's one example), print it out, and inspect everything it tells you to inspect. You'll need a few tools and some skill, but this is a great way to get to know the 4WD truck you're thinking of purchasing.

2 - Get on the ground
Since you're inspecting a 4WD truck, you need to spend some extra time on the ground, under the vehicle, looking for signs of off road damage, rust, excessive mud/sand, holes in the frame, oil leaks or grease spray, and play in the drive-line components. Every five minutes you spend inspecting the underside of a 4WD truck could save you $500.

3 - Lock it, load it, step on it
This is a four wheel drive truck, so why would you even think of buying it without fully testing the 4WD components? You wouldn't. Instead, you'd lock the hubs, lock the differentials, lock the centre diff, engage 4-Low and 4-High, and drive around in tight circles, up over small hills, in forward and reverse, slowly and fast, to test for clunks, grinding, drive-line slop, and anything else that tells you there might be trouble down the road.

4 - Drive it long and hard
Even though this is a 4WD truck, odds are you'll be spending plenty of time on paved roads. So take the 4WD truck you're interested in out for a good long 1 hour drive and test the operation of all regular stuff, like heaters, wipers, defrosters, brakes, cup holders...whatever. Then get on the highway and step on it and make sure the engine and cooling system won't fail on your first road trip. This is the time to test it thoroughly: don't thrash it, stress test it (there is a difference).

5 - Other Prudent Steps
These aren't 4WD truck specific, but it's always a good idea to run a vehicle history report (such as Carfax) to make sure the 4WD truck you're interested in hasn't been rebuilt, leased, or sustained excessive damage. You can also check the Black Book price, which is generally lower than the asking price, to negotiate a better deal.

Buying a good used 4WD truck can be challenging, but deals are out there and plenty of 4WD trucks, SUVs, and pick-ups have only been used on city streets and are in great condition overall. Other 4WD trucks have been lovingly maintained and built up with plenty of options and accessories, making them bargains for the used price you pay.

Whatever 4WD truck you're interested in be sure to seek professional advice and assistance if you're not confident in your own abilities to assess the overall condition and value of a used 4WD truck. Often, buying the right 4x4 is a matter of gut instinct: the vehicle just feels right or feels wrong. Our advice: listen to your gut, but inspect the vehicle just the same.

Best 4WD Truck: Poll Results

Who makes the best 4WD Truck?
The results of are in: according to you--our esteemed readers--Toyota makes the best 4WD trucks. Our recent poll asked "Who makes the best 4x4s?" and got 19 votes in total. The breakdown was as follows:

Toyota	11 (57%)
Jeep	3 (15%)
Ford	0 (0%)
GM	0 (0%)
Suzuki	2 (10%)
Land Rover	1 (5%)
Nissan	1 (5%)
Mitsubishi	0 (0%)
Dodge	0 (0%)
Isuzu	1 (5%)

This poll reflects a reality we've seen on trails all over the world: lots of manufacturers make great 4WD trucks, but only Toyota made the best.

Our next poll is up now (see right column) and asks: What is the single best 4WD mod? Vote and let us know what you think.

4WD Truck: What makes the best?

For many there is no better vehicle than a 4WD Truck. Whether for work or play, the right 4WD Truck can get you where you need to go, help you do what you need to do, and bring you back with aplomb. But what makes one 4WD Truck better than another 4WD Truck?

That's what we want to find out: what features or modifications make your 4WD Truck perfectly suited to your lifestyle? Does your 4WD Truck have the best 4WD system, the most comfortable interior, the best fuel economy, or the most power?

For some, the ideal 4WD Truck might be one that carries the most payload and uses the least amount of fuel. For others, the perfect 4WD Truck might be one you can sleep in, wheel in, and camp in. For others, the 4WD Truck that takes the heaviest beating and lack of maintenance in stride might be the best 4WD Truck.

While we understand there's no one feature or modification that makes for the perfect 4WD Truck, we'd like to know what you think. So if you have a minute, post a comment below and let us know about your 4WD Truck.

4WD Driving Across China

Driving across China in a four wheel drive vehicle is a gruelling test of nerves, patience, and pocketbook. And it's getting much harder to enter the country with your own four wheel drive vehicle. At least that's the message from two 4WD overland travellers who recently completed a self-driven tour into China.

Although their page has a few broken links and missing images, this is some of the most up to date information about driving across China you'll find online: Nessie Adventures Driving Across China. If you've ever thought about driving overland across China in your own 4x4, read this first.

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Tees for Landcruiser Heads

If you drive a Toyota Landcruiser (or know someone who does) you no longer need to feel inadequate next to your Jeep T-shirt wearing compatriots.

The folks at SackWear.com have created some fine looking Landcruiser shirts with an interesting twist: languages other than English to add a truly international flavour.

Check it out and order yours today.

Ten Steps to Better Camping: Treat Lightly!

The nonprofit organization “Tread Lightly!” has released ten ways visitors can be more environmentally sensitive when camping on public land.

1. Whenever possible, use existing campsites. Camp on durable surfaces and place tents on a non-vegetated area. Do not dig trenches around tents.
2. Camp a least 200 feet from water, trails, and other campsites.
3. Pack out what you pack in. Carry a trash bag and pick up litter left by others.
4. Repackage snacks and food in baggies. This reduces weight and the amount of trash to carry out.
5. For cooking, consider using a camp stove instead of a campfire. Camp stoves leave less of an impact on the land.
6. Observe all fire restrictions. If you must build a fire—use existing fire rings, build a mound fire, or use a fire pan. Use only fallen timber for campfires. Do not cut standing trees. Clear a ten-foot diameter area around the site by removing any grass, twigs, leaves and extra firewood. Also, make sure there aren't any tree limbs or flammable objects hanging overhead. Allow the wood to burn down to a fine ash, if possible. Pour water on the fire and drown all embers until the hissing sound stops. Stir the campfire ashes and embers until everything is wet and cold to the touch. If you don’t have water, use dirt.
7. Detergents, toothpaste and soap harm fish and other aquatic life. Wash 200 feet away from streams and lakes. Scatter gray water so it filters through the soil.
8. In areas without toilets, use a portable latrine if possible, and pack out your waste. If you don’t have a portable latrine, you may need to bury your waste. Human waste should be disposed of in a shallow hole six to eight inches deep at least 200 feet from water sources, campsites, or trails. Cover and disguise the hole with natural materials. It is recommended to pack out your toilet paper.
9. High use areas may have other restrictions, so check with a land manager.
10. Following a trip, wash your gear and support vehicle to reduce the spread of invasive species.

More information can be found at www.treadlightly.org.

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4x4s: Is it time to buy big?

Doing the opposite of what the majority does has long been a reliable investment strategy. When everyone is selling their homes, buy. When everyone is selling stocks, buy. And when everyone is trying to sell their full sized truck or SUV? Buy, buy, buy.

Prices for full sized trucks and SUVs have never been lower. Trucks that recently sold for $30,000 new are now seen listed at $15,000 or less. Older 4x4s that used to hold their value have now plummeted.

For example, good used Toyota Landcruiser FJ60s--circa 1986--used to list for about $6000 in these parts. Now, I see them for sale regularly for $2000 or even $1000. And the same thing is happening to most full sized trucks, vans, SUVs, and even minivans. This is all due to the price of fuel of course, and to a lesser the wave of green religiosity that's sweeping the continent.

But for those who still need a larger vehicle--for work or play--there just aren't any really green alternatives. So if you buy a larger truck now, the amount of money you save on the purchase price could easily offset the higher fuel bill for many years to come. And since what goes up (fuel prices) is bound to come back down when the speculators get out of the picture, a larger vehicle could be a very wise investment right now.

Just something to think about...

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Biodiesel and WVO: Towns Grease the Wheels to Save Fuel

It nothing new to run diesel-powered vehicles on waste vegetable oil, such as the oil used in deep fryers the world over. Filter, clean, and scrub it and you're pretty much good to go. Farmers, hippies, conservationists, mechanics, and others have been running waste veggie oil (WVO) in their diesels for many years (arguably since the diesel engine was invested: it was designed to run on peanut oil).

Four wheelers might be among the latest converts: what better way to justify driving around a huge pile of steel, rubber, glass, and gears than to run it on a environmentally beneficial fuel like waste veggie oil (or bio-diesel made from waste veggie oil)?

Read the article: Greentech - Towns Grease the Wheels to Save Fuel - NYTimes.com

Don't confuse WVO or bio-diesel with "bio-fuels", the name given to any fuel made from a plant-based source and usually applied to ethanol for gasoline engines. WVO is a waste product and not made from a food-stock such as ethonal (corn, sugar cane). And bio-diesel (in Canada at least) is made primarily from rape seed oil and canola oil--not a dish served on many tables.

Today the New York Times has an article about a California town using WVO to fuel some of their fleet of diesel powered vehicles. To the people in the aricle this is obviously something new and their enthusiasm, while applaudable, would be better suited to the 1960's.

This is nothing new after all, and more adoptees means WVO is getting harder and harder to find (that will be the next subject the media focusses on: WVO that used to be poured down the drains or given away free is now as expensive as regular gasoline).

If you drive a diesel powered 4x4, buy a kit and get your WVO while you can.

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ZIL Crosscountry 4x4 Trucks

I just came across the website of Russian vehicle manufacturer ZIL (Zavod imeni Likhacheva) and was pleased to see they manufacture a complete line of "Crosscountry Trucks 4x4" some of which look truly awesome (like this one).

And their "Highclass cars" deserve mention too: the ZIL Limo is an example of Soviet-era design at its best.







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4x4 Forum with an International Flavour

If you're planning a long overland getaway in your 4WD vehicle, be sure to check out the 4WD Forums on Horizons Unlimited before you set out. I lurk (and post) to quite a few 4WD forums, and the members of the Horizons' forums are exceptionally experienced and international, and share a great deal of 4x4 vehicle and 4WD travel knowledge and experience.

Before you get there, check out the 4WD forums on Horizons Unlimited and learn from those who have already been there:

http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/4-wheels/

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4WD Travel Adventure: Photos from the Kootenays coming soon

Just sorting through some of the photos from our latest 4WD road trip into British Columbia's Kootenay region, and we'll post some photos shortly. In the meantime, here are a couple generic photos from Kootenay National Park:





































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