So I got stuck in the snow - no locking diffs?

[Shylock]

Sorry in advance if this is the wrong forum.

I purchased my 2000 XLS a few months ago. After fooling around with 4W Low I noticed a "clunk" when it is engaged so I assumed this was the differentials locking. I guess I was wrong...

It dumped some snow last weekend so I thought I would go out and try it out in 4WD. Needless to say I was super bummed when I got stuck in very little snow. No problem I thought, I'll just put it in 4 Low! Well I was pretty suprised to find only 1 wheel turning on each axle ( of course the one that was slipping ).

Is this normal? I just assumed that the diffs would lock. Can anyone give me any info on this?

Thanks!

 

[IZwack]

Yes thats how differentials work. And 4LO is only a torque multiplier, it does not change the behavior of the differentials (it does not "lock" the differentials). If you can't get unstuck in 4HI and the tires are still spinning, then 4LO won't help

 

[Shylock]

So what exactly is the "clunk" sound - just the gear ratio changing?

 

[IZwack]

Exactly!

It is this gear being slid into position in a planetary gear set.


I know others would disagree, but in my opinion, you dont really need 4LO in the snow. Just keep it in 4HI and if you feel [D]rive is too fast, put the transmission shift lever to [2] or [1] for more control.

The reason is that, if the transfer case decides it doesn't want to come back out of 4LO, that is a mechanical problem and you'll probably be forced to drive the rest of the way in LO gears. On the other hand, if you're in 4HI and you cant seem to get the vehicle out of 4HI, this is an electrical problem and all you need do is unplug the connectors of the transfer case and the vehicle will be back in 2wd mode.

 

[Shylock]

Ok thanks. But is there any mod that can lock the diffs? I wanted to see all 4 wheels driving me out of the snow - not 2 wheels sitting still and the other 2 spinning.

I am totally new to 4 wheeling be what good is a vehicle if as soon as one wheel starts to slip the other one stops spinning???

 

[IZwack]

Search for "locker".

 

[Shylock]

So I have my Aussie Locker in now and love it. No noise and just a little bit of chirpping with the steering wheel at full lock.

Turns out I did not have an open diff. The clutch packs were totally worn out on the limited slip. Swapped in an open carrier and popped the locker in and been happy ever since!