Diff lock - option?

Hi all

Disco '52 plate and I think the only option missing is the diff lock. I cannot move the transfer lever to the left, even though the sticker above it indicates it's possible. I note the user manual says it's an option so perhaps it wasn't fitted new.

Is there a simple way to engage it, ie is it simply an electrical switch somewhere on the autobox?

Or do I need one of these? www.discovery2.co.uk / D2 CDL levers..... THE BEST!!

Cheers
Lea

At that price i will do without thanks.:5biagree:

I too was thinking that, but if it's simply an electrical switch in which the lever operates then that would be a simple (read cheap) option!

LeaUK said:

Hi all

Disco '52 plate and I think the only option missing is the diff lock. I cannot move the transfer lever to the left, even though the sticker above it indicates it's possible. I note the user manual says it's an option so perhaps it wasn't fitted new.

Is there a simple way to engage it, ie is it simply an electrical switch somewhere on the autobox?

Or do I need one of these? www.discovery2.co.uk / D2 CDL levers..... THE BEST!!

Cheers
Lea

Click to expand...

There is much on here about diff locks, and if you search through you will find how to determine if your vehicle has it fitted in the transfer box or not. Basically if you crawl underneath the offside and feel on the top of the transfer box, almost immediately above the propshaft UJ, you should feel a spigot, see photo here

www.discovery2.co.uk/Factory Diff Lock

and the photo "have you got the hardware"

This shows you the operating spigot. If you have it, then your box has a difflock fitted and there are a couple of options. You can fit the Ashcroft version or there is a great guy "50pence" or "50" in the Cambridgeshire area who adapts the standard linkage, but cost is still £200 odd. Follow this link

www.discovery2.co.uk / D2 CDL levers..... THE BEST!!

Wish it was as simple as an electrical fitting!!
Hope this helps
Regards
Tony

Chances are on a 52 plate D2 that you won't have the internals in the transfer box for the diff-lock. The early pre-facelift ones did but still had no lever fitted. For yours you would most likely need a new/used transfer box and lever kit, gets very expensive.

A D2 can get most places without a centre diff-lock thanks to the traction control system, it does make it a bit more hard work though, especially climbing steep uneven hills. the CDL is worth fitting if you do a lot of off roading, if not then don't bother.

Hi Guys

Thanks for the useful feedback. I just feel I'm missing something without it and it seems odd that the top of the range didn't have it as standard, perhaps it's due to advances in the TC? I've heard this from other experienced owners.

As I don't intend to do serious off-roading, this has confirmed my suspicions, it's really not worth adding especially as 1. It's not a simple electric switch 2. I probably don't have the necessary within the box itself!

Cheers and thanks again.
Lea

LeaUK said:

Hi Guys

Thanks for the useful feedback. I just feel I'm missing something without it and it seems odd that the top of the range didn't have it as standard, perhaps it's due to advances in the TC? I've heard this from other experienced owners.

As I don't intend to do serious off-roading, this has confirmed my suspicions, it's really not worth adding especially as 1. It's not a simple electric switch 2. I probably don't have the necessary within the box itself!

Cheers and thanks again.
Lea

Click to expand...

Your 2002 model was right in the middle of the period that LR completely omitted the centre diff locking mechanism from the transfer box.

Without this function in the transfer box, enabling the CDL isnt just a case of fitting a lever, but also, either the front output housing from a transfer box that has the CDL mechanism, or, a complete, CDL equipped transfer box.

The D2,s TC system is/was good enough for the designers at LR to agree that it would be all the D2 would need when going offroad.

Cheers.

The D2,s TC system is/was good enough for the designers at LR to agree that it would be all the D2 would need when going offroad.

Click to expand...

If it's good enough for them, it's good enough for me! And I'm not missing out..brain realigned. Now off to fix the other issues!

Cheers
Lea

I'm new here, but want to tell a wee story. Last December, I bought an 03 plate Disco TD5 GS with a dodgey rear diff and bought a 2nd hand diff to fit when the original finally failed. I figured I could just put the diff lock in and move it on front wheel drive if/when the inevitable happened - after all, there's a label by the H/L lever that shows the diff lock position. When the inevitable did happen and I had no rear wheel drive at all, I was stunned to discover I had to diff lock, and the TC system did nothing. Guess how I moved the vehicle under its own steam. I used the handbrake as a diff lock. Did some very weird things to the gearing, though, so I only used it to manoeuvre the car, as I didn't want to give one side of the CD all the work to do. I am now seriously looking at fitting a CDL.

Anyone know offhand if the CDL bits from a 1993 TDi will fit the 03 TD5, as I happen to have a TDI kicking about as well?

Or, is anyone interested in a '93 TDi as a project? I've done most of the welding on it, but it's a bit scruffy to look at. Used to drive great, though, apart from a jumpy 2nd gear. If get any sensible offers for it, I'll sell it in one piece. Otherwise, I might just break it, although it's a solid enough beastie.

Just my 2p's worth but if you have a centre locking diff (check as per Hellastony's post) it could just be a siezed lever, i've just changed mine as it wouldnt move left as it has most likely never been put in difflock before (or for significant amount of time)

I'd strip the centre console/gear surrounds off and take a picture of what lurks beneath and someone will tell you right away if its got DL or not

Will 200/300TDi CD with difflock fit a TD5? I would like to have a proper-looking difflock on my TD5, which only has the Traction Control system at the moment. I've already proved to myself that the TC is useless when all drive at the back end is lost, so I'm hoping to swap transfer boxes or just the central diff with a 1993 TDi I also happen to have. Does anyone know if this is possible as a straight swap? Thx