Outer Limits 4x4 Board

Question:

since a standard Rover (without traction control) has no lsd in rear (like patrols and cruisers) does this make them inferior offroad to those that do??


Question:

I am considering an auto locker for rear, does this adversely affect the constant 4wd system of the rovers at all?



greggo

Well if you ask this forum the answer will obviously be no.

2 points
Rear traction relies on ARTICULATION which is the difference between the height /drop of each wheel on obstacles. As Rovers generally have softer springs than Nissans, the wheels generally follow the terrain better and the wheels are on the ground more.
LSDs do not lock with one wheel in the air. They must be loaded by spinning before the wheel goes off the ground. This can be done with a normal diff by lightly applying the brakes. LSDs only are effective where one wheel is on moderately slippery surface and the other has traction. So any advantage is in pretty specific circumstances.

An auto rear locker Detroit Locker? is great for traction and does not affect constant 4WD at all. I had one in a 77 Rangie. They do have ideosyncracies. If they are loaded say uphill in mud , the car will plough understeer if you try to turn, as the outside wheel will not unlock. If you change gear on a gentle curve on road up a hill , the front will dive inwards a little.
And every now and then when you take off you will get an enormous CLUNK as the gears drop in. You WILL have to buy stronger axles at some stage as you WILL break standard axles so the price difference is not much between a Detroit and a Maxi.
I changed to a Maxi in my 92 as its more civilised.
Regards Philip A

As Philip said, it is all about keeping wheels on the ground and also about the right amount of throttle input.

As far as lockers go, the best solution IMHO is to go for a maxi-drive set up. You don't have to buy brand new - there are wreckers that specialise in Rovers - and you will save yourself heaps. The benefits are a more civilized ride and the choice of whether or not you need it. Lockers are really just your first piece of recovery equipment. Driver skill should never be replaced by them. With an auto locker, it is more of a set-and -forget system, but the skill factor is taken out somewhat.

With Maxi-drive you get stronger axels and a driver's choice locker. With a Detriot you get new centres, but your standard axels may feel the brunt - especially with bigger rubber.

Micka.