Diff Lock Issues

[Doin_It]

So on a '97 D1 that I just pick up, bought, the diff lock is very hard to engage, (almost impossible) I'm wondering if it could be from lack of use and perhaps road grime/salt etc?.

So I'm thinking there must be some sort of linkage down there. It is a manual shift truck. So I took off the consule, and under there is a big 'ol rubber boot that is rivited down over the shifter and shifter for the diff/high/low. Is there a linakge system under there that is grimed up or am I on the wrong track?

Thanks..........

 

[Oxcart13]

On the right track. Gain access and spray some penetrating oil.

 

[Geo14cux]

drill out the rivits & replace with your choice
once you gain access it will become clear
clean up & lube the assembly

 

[gjackson]

See pic of linkage:

The bar from 38 to 40 moves left to right on the truck (towards you and away from you in the pic) to activate the diff lock. Diff lock mechanism is the bar down at 40. Notice the bolts on the mechanism cover down there. Quite common for mud and grime to collect there and goo up the works. Also,in some cases the linkage can get out of adjustment and will not engage (or dis-engage). So if everything is clean you might check that. FYI linkage at 41 is hi-low.

cheers

 

[Geo14cux]

Here is a pic of what you will likely need to lube. Yes Rob its yours!!

 

[Doin_It]

Thanks guys, I wasn't sure if I had to go after those rivits, but I will get at it this weekend. Next step will be a shop manual of some kind I guess so as to be up on all things Rover.

 

[Geo14cux]

I don't have time to find the link for the free download rave man
If no one else has posted it by Sunday I will find it for you

 

[sven]

http://www.landroverresource.com/

 

[Crookthumb]

nosivad_bor

nosivad_bor cdl fix

 

[UofRichmondRover]

You should be able to hit it with some WD40 from underneath the truck, at least I was able to on my automatic truck. Don't be afraid to stick your arm up there.

 

[Doin_It]

Don't be afraid to stick your arm up there.

I've done AI on cows, this shouldn't scare me to much!

Crookthumb - that link dosen't seem to work for me.

 

[Crookthumb]

Crookthumb - that link doesn't seem to work for me.

I think the DWeb is down for a while. I can't access it now either.

 

[R_Lefebvre]

WD40

I would only suggest you use a proper lubricant. WD40 is not. No offence intended, it's a common mistake, but WD40 is not a good lubricant. It's a water dispersant.

 

[I Leak Oil]

I've worked on many old vehicles and a lot of machinery older than me. What ever you want to call WD-40, it's worked well for me. To paraphrase a little bit, the proof is in my pudding!
Just get it loosened up, that's the point.
Jason T.

 

[Geo14cux]

WD is great for starting diesels.