4wd drive vs 2wd w/locker

[John W]

I did. The transfer case is front rear. The only way anything is transferred side to side is a limited slip. A locker locks both sides together and therefore doesn't transfer power from side to side.

Let me rephrase the question;
The video I linked to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RcRBYpccP6g appears to show a 4x4 vehicle with 4x4 engaged, and only 1 wheel spinning.
Wouldn't at least 1 wheel on each axle spin, or no?

The video states; If you stop 3 wheels from being able to turn, the power will be transmitted to the one remaining wheel.

That doesn't sound correct to me. Am I mistaken?

Or is this just a Range Rover thing, or am I misunderstanding the UK terminology?

 

[Haf-E]

Some transfer cases include an additional differential - allow the vehicle to be "full-time" 4wd capable. If the vehicle has one of these "center" differentials - then it can spin just one wheel and be stuck. Most of these includes a way to "lock" this center differential - which then splits the power equally to the front and rear. Then it takes two wheels spinning to get stuck - one front and one rear - unless you have diff locks. Don't lock the center diff on dry pavement or damage might occur.

 

[IdaSHO]

That depends upon the type of transfer case or "center diff"

Traditional full size transfer cases when engaged in 4x4 send equal power to front and rear. Even with open diffs, you will never have just one tire spinning, you will have TWO.

 

[bknudtsen]

John W, Range Rovers have a center locking diff as well. They are a full time awd set up where torque bias can be split front to back by the center diff. This differs from your van which has a transfer case that splits torque bias 50/50 front and rear. In that video scenario, your van would have spun one front and one rear tire.

 

[toylandcruiser]

Let me rephrase the question;
The video I linked to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RcRBYpccP6g appears to show a 4x4 vehicle with 4x4 engaged, and only 1 wheel spinning.
Wouldn't at least 1 wheel on each axle spin, or no?

The video states; If you stop 3 wheels from being able to turn, the power will be transmitted to the one remaining wheel.

That doesn't sound correct to me. Am I mistaken?

Or is this just a Range Rover thing, or am I misunderstanding the UK terminology?

Only one wheel will spin because the transfer case is not locked. When they lock it then one in front and one in the rear will spin.
The Brits call it a center diff because it's all wheel drive until it's locked. When they are saying lock center diff they are just putting the transfer case in 4wd.

Those who would give up essential liberty to purchase a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety.
Benjamin Franklin

 

[toylandcruiser]

That depends upon the type of transfer case or "center diff"

Traditional full size transfer cases when engaged in 4x4 send equal power to front and rear. Even with open diffs, you will never have just one tire spinning, you will have TWO.

You've obviously have never had one tire on a rock and one tire in the air. The one in the air will get 100% of the power in an open diff.


Those who would give up essential liberty to purchase a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety.
Benjamin Franklin

 

[bknudtsen]

You've obviously have never had one tire on a rock and one tire in the air. The one in the air will get 100% of the power in an open diff.


Those who would give up essential liberty to purchase a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety.
Benjamin Franklin

I am pretty sure was talking front and rear. Not on the same axle.

 

[John W]

I understand now thanks for the explanation guys.

I think 4x4 plus front and rear lockers would be the ultimate setup.

From the videos posted, I'd have much more confidence in a rig with 4x4, over 2wd with locker, although some instances 2wd with locker might be better.

 

[bknudtsen]

I understand now thanks for the explanation guys.

I think 4x4 plus front and rear lockers would be the ultimate setup.

From the videos posted, I'd have much more confidence in a rig with 4x4, over 2wd with locker, although some instances 2wd with locker might be better.

No worries. To add to the decision process...
.
Lockers front and rear are great for certain types of terrain, but a front locker can make steering difficult. It all depends on what you want to do. I prefer open diffs for snow driving, as they are more predictable and tend not to get the vehicle going sideways. BUT, I like a rear locker in the dirt and rocks. So, an ARB out back makes sense. I will leave my front open for now. TruTracs front and rear can get you through a lot of terrain, but in the snow take some practice.

 

[mog]

These examples are not gnarly at all, and that's the point. As simple as they are in 4wd, a 2wd van could really get immobilized quite easily in any one of these common overlanding scenarios. Yes, it's debatable wether or not you could thrash your locked, winched, 2wheeler through them, but what's not debatable is the fact that is how trucks get broken, and people get stranded. All was routinely stress free in 4wd.

T.Low, wow great examples of not hard core wheeling, but everyday expo'ing were 4x4 sure made a difference. Thanks !

 

[John W]

Makes sense, I can see that.
Now ya got me googling Detroit and trutrac diffs, and how they work. ARB seems simpler, locks the diff completely.

 

[bknudtsen]

If you have a Sterling in the rear, then you have lots of options. Yukon makes some good traction devices as well. If you have the Dana 60 semi-float like me, then ARB is your only option. Just gotta decide what type of terrain you will see the most. Lockers aren't cheap. No need to pony up the cash if you don't need them.

 

[toylandcruiser]

T.Low, wow great examples of not hard core wheeling, but everyday expo'ing were 4x4 sure made a difference. Thanks !

I guess your expoing is different than mine. Never mind the fact that the van had a LSD plus 4wd. Not open 4wd.


Those who would give up essential liberty to purchase a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety.
Benjamin Franklin

 

[IdaSHO]

You've obviously have never had one tire on a rock and one tire in the air. The one in the air will get 100% of the power in an open diff.


Those who would give up essential liberty to purchase a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety.
Benjamin Franklin

Reread my post pal.

I am correct.

 

[bknudtsen]

I guess your expoing is different than mine. Never mind the fact that the van had a LSD plus 4wd. Not open 4wd.


Those who would give up essential liberty to purchase a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety.
Benjamin Franklin

Why do you say it had a LSD? Every SMB with lockers that I have seen run ARB's.