Diff Lockers
DIFFERENTIAL LOCKERS
A differential lockers (or diff locker) can make a significant difference in the performance of your 4WD in certain situations. Also known as diff-lock or locker, it is a modification to the standard automotive differential. Its purpose is to restrict each of the two wheels on an axle to the same rotational speed regardless of the traction available to each wheel.
LAMDA DIFFERENTIAL LOCKERS INSTALLATIONS
WHAT IS DIFFERENTIAL LOCKERS?
A locking differential is designed to overcome the chief limitation of a standard open differential by essentially “locking” both wheels on an axle together as if on a common shaft. This forces both wheels to turn in unison, regardless of the traction (or lack thereof) available to either wheel individually. When the differential is unlocked (open differential), it allows each wheel to rotate at different speeds (such as when negotiating a turn), thus avoiding tire scuffing. An open (or unlocked) differential always provides the same torque (rotational force) to each of the two wheels, on that axle. So although the wheels can rotate at different speeds, they apply the same rotational force, even if one is entirely stationary, and the other spinning. (Equal torque, unequal rotational speed). By contrast, a locked differential forces both left and right wheels on the same axle to rotate at the same speed under nearly all circumstances, without regard to tractional differences seen at either wheel. Therefore, each wheel can apply as much rotational force as the traction under it will allow, and the torques on each side-shaft will be unequal. (Unequal torque, equal rotational speeds).
APPLICATIONS
Four wheel driving across rough terrain can lead to some of the most exhilarating adventures one could have. But as any four wheeler can tell you, spinning your wheels and getting stuck leads to nothing but frustration. Often you know you have the right vehicle to take on the most extreme terrain, yet still you find that it baulks at the slightest of obstacles, losing traction at the most inappropriate times, leaving you stranded.
- Race cars often use locking differentials in order to maintain traction during high speed maneuvers or when accelerating at extreme rates. Additionally, vehicle dynamics are made more predictable when there is a loss of traction, as the driver knows that neither wheel will suddenly sap power if it encounters a low-friction surface.
- Some utility vehicles such as tow trucks, forklifts, tractors, and heavy equipment use locking differentials to maintain traction, especially when driving on soft, muddy, or uneven surfaces. Lockers are common in agricultural equipment and military trucks. On some farm tractors, there is a pedal that can be stepped on with the operator's heel to lock the differential as needed.
- Differential locking can also be used in the sport of drifting as an alternative to a limited-slip differential.
- Four-wheel drive vehicles that drive off-road often use a locking differential to keep from getting stuck when driving on loose, muddy, or rocky terrain. Locking differentials are considered essential equipment for serious off-road driving. Many such vehicles have a locking differential on the central differential (between the front and rear axles), rear differential and front differential; or any combination of any of the three. Differential locks are also used on some "non-utility" four-wheel-drive vehicles (such as the Mitsubishi Shogun) to compensate for a relative lack of axle articulation (vertical wheel movement). High amounts of articulation are desirable for off-road driving, to allow the wheels to maintain ground contact over uneven surfaces, but this can lead to excessive body-roll at high speeds on the road, as well as vague steering. Such 4x4s often have suspension systems designed as a compromise between articulation and handling. If articulation is limited, one wheel on an axle may be lifted off the ground by rough terrain, thus losing all traction to all wheels (all power goes to the lifted wheel, which spins freely). A rear locking differential is often supplied to make up for this compromise – if a wheel is lifted off the ground, the locking differential can be brought into play, driving the wheel that remains on the ground
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