Why aren't Defenders 4x4?!

MJI · Mar 13, 2015

Turboman said:
With all due respect to your Disco, I don't think traction control, which as I understand it is a system that applies the brake to a spinning wheel, is anything like as capable as axle lockers and centre diff locked. That is genuine all wheels driving.

It is not a bad system and is better than open diffs on an axle. the D2 and I presume same system on the Defender is actually pretty effective, but I do find it is not too good unless you rev to get wheelspin, it is more stable with diff lock engaged.

Turboman · Mar 13, 2015

MJI said:
It is not a bad system and is better than open diffs on an axle. the D2 and I presume same system on the Defender is actually pretty effective, but I do find it is not too good unless you rev to get wheelspin, it is more stable with diff lock engaged.

I think it must be quite good, I have it on my D2 as well, and I don't really notice it, so I guess it is working ok. I don't use the disco in really bad conditions, though, it is mainly for towing, just has ATs. I use the 90 if it is really greasy.

FlyingPete · Mar 13, 2015

The thing with traction control is that it acts automatically, whereas diff locks are usually manually operated. While for recreational offroading, knowing when to use these things and doing it yourself adds to the enjoyment, if I was doing off road driving for a living I'd be glad of one less thing to think about.

Some of the newer LR products (Disco 4 and Range Rover) have automatically-controlled diff locks in the transfer box, and optionally the rear axle, so it is a genuine 'point and go' experience.

The downside of a TC-only system is that some power is inevitably lost as friction in the brakes to scrub off 'excess' torque, whereas with diff locks all round 100% of the drive can go to one wheel.

DIFFLOCK66 · Mar 13, 2015

FlyingPete said:
So a defender is four-wheel drive, in that each wheel is being driven by the engine. With all three diffs open, each wheel receives exactly 1/4 of the total torque. Compare this to a 4x2, where two wheels receive half the torque and two wheels zero, and it should be obvious that you can apply twice as much tractive effort without breaking traction.

....and that is why the system works. However, once that traction is lost, then of course you're knacked and need help via lockers and/or TC.

On my laning trips I've been amazed at what the disco can driver over BEFORE the TC even thinks about kicking in; terrain or slopes which would have had a rear- or front- wheel drive car getting stuck, all because the tractive effort goes to all 4 wheels. :tea2:

Turboman · Mar 13, 2015

FlyingPete said:
The thing with traction control is that it acts automatically, whereas diff locks are usually manually operated.

Some are, Detroit and tru trac are completely automatic, and work mechanically, no air or electrical systems to go wrong

Thor1950 · Mar 13, 2015

Turboman said:
Some are, Detroit and tru trac are completely automatic, and work mechanically, no air or electrical systems to go wrong

Yep

Oldseadog · Mar 14, 2015

I had fun driving a 6x6 wagon many years ago. When diff lock was engaged, irrespective of the position of the steering wheel, she just wnt in a straight line as all the wheels were turning at the same speed!

SteNova · Mar 15, 2015

MJI said:
It is not a bad system and is better than open diffs on an axle. the D2 and I presume same system on the Defender is actually pretty effective, but I do find it is not too good unless you rev to get wheelspin, it is more stable with diff lock engaged.

Correct, you have to give it enough stick to get wheels pin and not let off or it thinks everything is ok

Why aren't Defenders 4x4?!

MJI

Well-Known Member

Turboman

Mab An Gov

FlyingPete

Well-Known Member

DIFFLOCK66

Well-Known Member

Turboman

Mab An Gov

Thor1950

Well-Known Member

Oldseadog

Well-Known Member

SteNova

Well-Known Member

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