>Which prompts me to ask... a lockable rear diff must help in mud and snow. You'd need to get three wheels stuck then so ruts wouldn't pose the same problem (maybe I should just learn to drive properly...). So does anyone make one, and is it _really_ such a good idea?
I think so makes a big difference when climbing up steep rocky/rutted tracks.
(or would you then just break axles even quicker?) 'Course I'm talking rover
ddiffs here, none of that late-model stuff.
If used judiciously (sp) diff locks can reduce the risk of axle breakage, prevents one wheel spin-out etc. Of course if you hang the whole vehicle off of one diff locked driving wheel, first gear low range and give 'er the gas expect something to give.
There are a number of people in OZ who make these things for rover diffs.
The cheapest involves a modified flange with a bloody great bolt sticking out of the axle. Get out undo the bolt and bingo locked diff. Cheap primitive and effective (just like a land-rover :-) A more advanced version of this is vacuum operated. Made by Jack MacNamara, I think they advertise in Land Rover Owner. They include heavy duty axles in the kits.
ARB air-lockers are available for the rover 4.7 diff. I think they are just Rangie ones with an adaptor or something, should be available in the US ??
Mal Story still makes his maxi-drive kits I think, his Sidewinder, ( a coil sprung 4 wheel steer 4 wheel diff locked land-rover) has to be seen to be believed. Front axle kits include/require a modified swivel housing to take sIII V8 cv joints as he feels that the uni-joints aren't strong enough.
Some mob over here (I forget their name) make an Automatic locking diff for the rover type axles. A clone of the No-Spin "Detroit locker" heard good reports but wouldnt want one on a swb. Dont think it would turn too well.
Cheers
Daryl
dwebb@waite.adelaide.edu.au