How important is the rear locking differential for beach driving?

[PaulLR3]

I took our LR3 to the dealer to replace a broken tailgate latch. I usually get a high-mileage LR3 loaner but they were out so they pulled the white plastic off a brand new LR4 for me. Very nice vehicle with so many small improvements. Exta 75 HP is great. So now I'm thinking about trading our LR3 for an LR4 once incentives on 2011's come out. Our LR3 has the heavy duty package with the locking rear differential. Apparently this feature is nearly impossible to find on LR4's. (Or at least on the 2011 LR4's that are available) Will I miss the locking rear differential when driving in soft sand on the beach? Or is the limited slip differential good enough? Thanks!

 

[Disco Mike]

Paul, if your LR3 is working well, stay away from the LR4, they are having so many problems with them, mainly diffs failing.
As for your question look at the rear locker as giving you 50% more traction, when needed, also don't forget to air down to get even better traction.

 

[PaulLR3]

Thanks Mike. I think what really got me interested in the LR4 is the new engine. That power was the only thing we missed going from a 4.2 Q7 to our LR3. But our LR3 has been really reliable so I might as well stay with it and wait until they get the bugs out of the LR4.

 

[Disco Mike]

If you hold onto the LR3 start changing all the fluids, ALL, every 30,000 or sooner to prevent any failures.

 

[Count Laszlo]

I sometimes I troll in the LR3 area - saying the LR4 has issues (stay away) isn't really correct at all IMO. I've had zero problems with mine and other LR4 owners have had annoying issues like surround cameras etc., but no mechanical issues as noted by Mike. Are you getting this info from other boards or ROW feedback? IMO, the LR4 is miles ahead of the LR3 in all areas. Looks, engine, power, luxury, refinement, and handling... the list goes on and on. The LR3 is a great truck, but the LR4 is truly the zenith of this model. BTW, I don’t think the rear diff utilizes beach driving needs since the rear axle is usually sitting flat on a flat surface; it’s more of a serious rock-crawling need with extreme rear axel twisting from what I’ve read.

 

[PaulLR3]

Yeah, I think you really need the rear locker when rock climbing and one of the rear wheels is in the air. On the beach I'm more concerned when both wheels are buried in the sand. So if you don't have the rear locking differential, what do you have...a limited slip differential?

 

[Houm_WA]

The LR4 is pretty awesome for its bigger engine and interior.

...but the exterior looks stupid. Too much foo-foo. The LR3 is much more rugged looking and I prefer it. Of course this is a matter of taste and opinion, so don't bother arguing with it! ha ha hah ah a h

 

[tlt]

If I was buying a new one, I would get the locker, even if you had to special order it. It's also helpful in climbing, mud, etc... why not if it's available I guess, unless it is only ever going to be on pavement or a little beach combing.

I have the locker on the LR3, and I am glad that I thought about it enough to get it to begin with. I have only managed to get completely stuck three times so far though, every time it was on a lake shore, once intentionally.

 

[toddjb122]

The LR4 is pretty awesome for its bigger engine and interior.

...but the exterior looks stupid. Too much foo-foo. The LR3 is much more rugged looking and I prefer it. Of course this is a matter of taste and opinion, so don't bother arguing with it! ha ha hah ah a h

Yeah, I'd have to agree. I love the LR3, and the LR4 as well, but the amount of time I'm hauling gear, messy kids, the dog, etc...I'd rather have a less luxurious options package, but keep all the mechanical capabilities. They should have a "Sport" package that strips out the wood veneer, upgraded leather, cameras, etc... It's a nice looking vehicle no matter how you'd option it, but I'd love to shave off some cost in exchange for glitter I could give two ***** about.

Personal taste, though...

 

[bbyer]

Fancy Anti lock Brakes

Yeah, I think you really need the rear locker when rock climbing and one of the rear wheels is in the air. On the beach I'm more concerned when both wheels are buried in the sand. So if you don't have the rear locking differential, what do you have...a limited slip differential?

The "not Electronic differential" is to my understanding a normal open differential.

With the variety of traction programs controlled by the round knob, Land Rover then uses the anti-lock brake feature selectively to retain or regain traction. I call it the "almost in time" system, but pretty much to everyones surprise, with Land Rover it works pretty good.

Given the complexity of the Electronic Differential, except for extreme use, the regular open differential with the traction program is considered by most to be way better than any variation anyone else has.

Also the Electronic Differential will lock, but it is more of a limited slip type, Below is a cutaway of the E Diff. The plates and narrow tooth gears are missing from the normal one, and of course no stepper motor.

More cuts of the LR3 and the RRS are available from the Cutaway Creations link below.

http://www.cutawaycreations.com/cut...over-lr3-2005#/IMAGES/car1/images/image11.jpg