I think your question does not take into account the applications that the vehicle would be expected to perform. If you’ve ever driven off-road with a 4×4 that has a locking rear differential you will be able to relate to how easy it makes a vehicle overcome most obstacles. It is, however, better than just an open differential. Why is having one front and one rear wheel being driven (4wd) compared to having two rear wheel driven (locking rear axle)? This means you will almost always be in 2H when driving on tarmac. There have been a lot of discussions here lately of the desire/requirement of having 4wd in a class B for certain traveling styles. Largest Tires on Stock Nissan Titan XD (W/WITHOUT A LIFT), Biggest Tires on Stock Ram 2500 (W/Without a Lift). Some, not all, Avalanches also look to have come with the G80 option for the rear (only) axle, which puts an auto locking differential in the rear. It is the identical system that is used in the 70s axle in the Express van. 2. Now here is where it gets iffy. eval(ez_write_tag([[728,90],'4wheeldriveguide_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_2',115,'0','0'])); A locking differential is like a magic button that gives a vehicle a major advantage over an open diff especially under challenging driving conditions like rock crawling or deep loose ruts. Your primary goal should be […], Big tire upgrades are one of the most popular upgrades done on almost all makes of pickups, so this article will clear up the most commonly asked question, what the biggest tire I can fit to my truck.Let’s find out what the maximum size tire you can fir to a Ram 2500 with and without […], link to Largest Tires on Stock Nissan Titan XD (W/WITHOUT A LIFT), link to Biggest Tires on Stock Ram 2500 (W/Without a Lift). Now remember, we have open differentials, so power is being supplied to the wheels with the least resistance. Same can … All Z71 2WD Colorados came with locking differentials (G80) and traction control. It functions similar to a manual mechanical differentials locker but not quite the same as there is still a small amount of traction lost first and wheel spinning necessary before the TC is automatically activated. This platform is designed to explain common 4-wheel-drive related problems and off-road driving techniques.Happy Wheeling! In essence, it locks them together as a unified shaft. But it isn’t, it’s a 2WD Sprinter. If you would like to know more about how a locking differential works and when it is appropriate to use, continue reading…. But what is a locking differential used for and when does one engage the locker? An LSD can never compete or make a vehicle as capable as one with a rear Diff locker. This has the advantage of sending all torque to whichever tire has grip, but causes excessive tire wear if permanently locked. (open differential). Once you manually engage the 4H mode then you close the center differential and power is split evenly across the 2 driveshafts. I have taken the 210 Popular down some rocky roads & passes with the open rear end and the limited slip Dana 70 that I installed- huge difference in traction. This gives you improved handling and traction. The most common Limited Slip Diff technology is clutch-pack based or pre-load spring based. Hope this helps. With this arrangement, a full-time 4WD vehicle is able to operate safely on the road with its center differential unlocked, then traverse loose terrain by locking that differential.

I’ve got an old 2wd with ~10” clearance stock, good weight distribution and good tires. Automatic locking diff is also known as an LSD or Limited Slip Diff. A friend helping me look for a new Hilux asked if I'd be interested in a 2WD truck with lockers (ARB or other -air locker) vs 4WD - saving some $ … Depending on the ute, a rear differential lock can be used in two- and four-wheel drive modes and generally only up to a certain speed. To find out, read further…. Use your differential lockers wisely to protect your vehicle, the off-road track as well as the environment. CHOOSING A 2WD VS 4X4 CAMPERVAN. A center diff locker (4H mode) makes for easier, safer and more controlled driving in sand, mud, gravel, snow. F150 Head to Head: 2WD vs. 4WD 2WD or 4WD, that is the question. I had a Suburban with the Eaton auto locker and the one time on snow I punched it in 2wd from a stop to see what it did, I had to spin the tire uncomfortably fast to engage it. Toyota sells a 2wd model that comes with a locking rear differential dubbed “TRD OFFROAD”.