MB 917 Center and Rear Diff locks.

[philcia]

Hi All,

My 917, after some delays is finally on it’s way to Hamburg and should arrive in Halifax around Christmas.

Since I will have a snowy drive across Canada. I am wondering how the 4WD system works. I have Center and rear diff locks. See attached pic.

1. Is my truck constant 4WD?
2. Center diff lock makes it full 4WD? Equal power front and rear?

Also can the Center diff lock be engaged “on the fly” or do you have to be stationary?

Cheers
Phil

 

[Joe917]

Full time 4X4, diff locks can be engaged while rolling with no load, walking pace with no throttle, engaging the clutch would help.
The truck is full time 4X4 with open diffs. When you lock the diff you split the power 50/50. Engage the center diff on snow covered roads, it becomes a different truck!
Get some air brake training now ( although you may have millions of commercial air brake miles already). Use the engine brake on all long descents. FYI, Legally you can't drive that truck without a Z(air brake) endorsement.

 

[philcia]

Full time 4X4, diff locks can be engaged while rolling with no load, walking pace with no throttle, engaging the clutch would help.
The truck is full time 4X4 with open diffs. When you lock the diff you split the power 50/50. Engage the center diff on snow covered roads, it becomes a different truck!
Get some air brake training now ( although you may have millions of commercial air brake miles already). Use the engine brake on all long descents. FYI, Legally you can't drive that truck without a Z(air brake) endorsement.

Thanks Joe917 That is what I thought but wanted confirmation from someone that knows. I have my air brake endorsement. The engine brake will be new to me so thanks for that bit of advice.