4x4 info screen

[suvowner]

All manufcturers are different in how they employ their locking differentials. Some are indeed only Limited Slip and not true locking differentials but are labeled as such. Land Rover Active Locking Rear Differential option does NOT include lower gear ratio. It is an electronicly activated locking differential not Limited Slip and a full sized spare tire.

Under most conditions, the LR4 without ALRD will climb the exact same terrain as one with the option. The only difference would be how it gets the job done. The LR4 with the locking diff will lose less if any momentum as the rear wheels struggle to gain traction. After seeing an LR4 without the diff lock climb some seriously scary rocks, trees and loose dirt, I am convinced only the most ********* off roader will wish he had it.

it looks like the locking diff is simply an electronically actuated clutch pack.....so not a true locker.....enough torque could make the clutch packs slip.....i thought i read somewhere the locking diff was a lower geared axle ratio than the non locker, as number of manufacturers have been known to do this.....

for a locking diff to be able to be driven on pavement, it has to be de-tuned so you dont get drivetrain binding when turning, so some engineers claim the brake activated torque transfer actuallly responds faster and better in all but a few situations

 

[Gregorio]

it looks like the locking diff is simply an electronically actuated clutch pack.....so not a true locker.....enough torque could make the clutch packs slip.....i thought i read somewhere the locking diff was a lower geared axle ratio than the non locker, as number of manufacturers have been known to do this.....

for a locking diff to be able to be driven on pavement, it has to be de-tuned so you dont get drivetrain binding when turning, so some engineers claim the brake activated torque transfer actuallly responds faster and better in all but a few situations

I've never seen a lower gear ratio offered as a package or as a requirement with a locking differential. Optional but not paired.

There are number of automatic locking differntials available for street use. GM's Eaton unit installed on millions of pickups is one. De-tuned is a poor word for what manufacturers do to prevent drivetrain bind. However, all of the OEMs employ some kind of engage/disengage mechanism to keep it unloaded when encountering the minimal wheel speed differences when going around a corner but lock it fully when severe slippage occurs. Some aftermarket lockers are not always so elegant in their operation.

The LR3 with locking diff I saw was a true locker actuated by a solenoid on top. Looks like the LR4 uses the same unit. According to the tech that was demonstrating the vehicle it at the event said the action is controlled by the computer and can lock and unlock in milliseconds. The unit does have a small clutch pack but this looks like it is there to facilitte the smooth and rapid engagement of the locker.

Here is a cutaway showing the internals

http://www.cutawaycreations.com/cutaways.php?project=land-rover-electronic-rear-differential#/IMAGES/car4/images/image1.jpg