2001 4runner with locking center diff. When should you lock it? And is it providing equal traction to all wheels?
thanks

 

Don't lock it on dry surfaces as this causes the front and rear axles to turn at the same speed which is the way a conventional 4x4 works. You'll hear it "chirp" when turning if you do. This causes excessive stress on it.

Use it off-road on loose surfaces: sand, rocks or on snow.

It also disables VSC as you know which you'd then be able to spin your tires in sand, for example, instead of having the engine power cut to nil.

 

thanks

 

When should you lock it?
As described above... any time that you are in a situation where increased traction is required.


And is it providing equal traction to all wheels?
No. A center locking differential only forces equal power to front and rear. The axle diffs are still "open", thus they provide power to the wheel with the least traction.

There's a great explanation at: http://www.britishpacific.com/offroad/ARB.html

I quote from that site:

"On late model trucks with center locking differentials, the axles are still open (one wheel can spin when loosing traction), so don't be confused into thinking that your late model is a true 4WD because it has a center differential lock. Lock the center differential, engage both Air Lockers, and THEN you're armed for bear!"