Land Rover defender

[George Papantoniou]

When I read a discussion about ATV's the other day (someones talking about their "Mules" carrying their equipment), I thought about asking if someone knows whether the new Land Rover Defender can lock all its differentials (which could be handy in a difficult situation). A friend gave me a ride in a brand new one (equipped with lots of off-road goodies) and I can say I was impressed. But the vehicle had All-time 4wd installed and just two levers, one for the transmission "low" position and one that mentions "diff lock". I just couldn't find out if the "Diff lock" lever would lock ALL THREE differentials (all-time 4wd's have three of them) or if it did it only for the middle one (like it is usual for most all-time 4WD ATV's like the American or the Japanese). So, can someone enlighten us on this matter ?

 

[Andy K]

To my knowledge only the centre diff has a lock. I don't know if there is option to lock all three. There's a pretty good review of the Defender 90 here.

 

[Helen B]

In addition to the standard lock on the transfer box, aren't cable or air axle diff locks available as options - as with most Land Rovers?

And what's wrong with fiddle brakes, anyway?

Best,
Helen

 

[df cardwell]

Always thought a Land Rover with a Linhof ball head would be my ideal tripod.

Got the ball head...

 

[Helen B]

I prefer an ice axe with a ball head - it can get to places a Land Rover can't.

 

[df cardwell]

And gets more attention in the city !

 

[hortense]

A differnetial lock lever is one that when pulled, locks the pion gear so that both wheels turn at the same speed regardless of which wheel has more traction (not a good idea on the pavement).

 

[bjorke]

And gets more attention in the city !

The Land Rover, or the ice axe?

 

[BruceN]

I'm still holding out for a SuperCub on amphib floats with a ballhead.

 

[Graeme Hird]

The diff lock only operates on the central diff. Landrover use electronics to control wheel slip through their brakes effectively transferring all power to the wheel with traction when one starts slipping.

Sort of like a digital version of a diff lock ...

 

[Daniel Lawton]

Save your money and buy a Jeep! :') Or for that price buy two or three. Hmm.......I hope I didn't just start the digital v. analog of the offroading world.

 

[mikebarger]

Daniel

That's me. We don't have a Rover or Hummer dealer close, so I just went with a Rover/Hummer recovery vehicle. Figured I couldn't go wrong with something meant to recover a hummer or Rover.

Yes, it's a wrangler

Mike

 

[Helen B]

Graeme Hird wrote: "Landrover use electronics to control wheel slip through their brakes effectively transferring all power to the wheel with traction when one starts slipping.

Sort of like a digital version of a diff lock ..."

More like a fiddle brake than a diff lock?

Here are axle diff locks for a Defender.

 

[mikebarger]

Helen,

These are nice lockers, standard on the wrangler rubicon, front and rear.

Mike

 

[johnnywalker]

I'm still holding out for a SuperCub on amphib floats with a ballhead.

I had wheeled skiis, floats and wheels for mine. No ballhead tho. Those were the days.

 

[George Papantoniou]

In addition to the standard lock on the transfer box, aren't cable or air axle diff locks available as options - as with most Land Rovers?

And what's wrong with fiddle brakes, anyway?

Best,
Helen

Hi Helen. Great stuff, this Air Diff Locks. I surely would like my Land Rover (just dreaming) to be equipped with a couple of those...

Can you elaborate on the "fiddle brakes" subject ? I have no idea what you're talking about...

 

[George Papantoniou]

The diff lock only operates on the central diff. Landrover use electronics to control wheel slip through their brakes effectively transferring all power to the wheel with traction when one starts slipping.

Sort of like a digital version of a diff lock ...

I don't think they've installed electronic traction control on the Defender, Graeme. This kind of stuff is installed on new Land Cruisers, Range Rovers and Mercedes ML's. It's not supposed to work in situations like the ones a Defender owner is likeky to encounter... I mean, it may work, But then again, it might not. Just like digicams. I wouldn't be willing to take the risk.

 

[George Papantoniou]

Save your money and buy a Jeep! :') Or for that price buy two or three. Hmm.......I hope I didn't just start the digital v. analog of the offroading world.

Daniel, Michael, I respect the offroad abilities of all ATV that are small, light and have their wheels at the vehicle's extremities. Like the Willy's (which I have tried on impossible places and has overcome every obstacle imaginable) and the Wrangler. But, I would never choose a vehicle like that because I need lots of loading and seating space, something that those Jeeps lack... I'd love to be able to have one just to go for short off-road drives in mud, snow and the rest and have fun (it's really great fun doing it !!!).

 

[PeterDendrinos]

Daniel, Michael, I respect the offroad abilities of all ATV that are small, light and have their wheels at the vehicle's extremities. Like the Willy's (which I have tried on impossible places and has overcome every obstacle imaginable) and the Wrangler. But, I would never choose a vehicle like that because I need lots of loading and seating space, something that those Jeeps lack... I'd love to be able to have one just to go for short off-road drives in mud, snow and the rest and have fun (it's really great fun doing it !!!).

Well this is where i was at several years ago with the family and my Sequoia. Now that the kids have grown up and have their own cars, i an able to dedicate the Sequoia to photography. So air lockers front and back, hydraulic shocks front and back, winch, brush guard all around, skid plates under entire bottom of vehicle, air bags in rear springs, lift kit, bigger very aggressive tires, new exhaust system, new front bumper.

That ought to get me where i want to go!!


Pete

 

[Dave Wooten]

FWIW,

after many years of off roading in desert areas in high heat, going through several jeeps-good vehicles- I have switched to diesel 4wd engine, I can leave it running all day with the air on full blast....(In over 100 degree heat) it doesnt heat up and is the most awesome workhorse I have had climbing or pulling incredibly heavy loads....the milage is equal to or greater then the 6 and eight cylinder gas engines I used for so many years and on long hauls is quite good....i can manually lock my hubs or switch on the fly etc....so far I am happy with it....

 

[roteague]

Graeme Hird wrote: "Landrover use electronics to control wheel slip through their brakes effectively transferring all power to the wheel with traction when one starts slipping.

Sort of like a digital version of a diff lock ..."

More like a fiddle brake than a diff lock?

Here are axle diff locks for a Defender.

More like a cheap Japanese knock-off of someone else's product - something Toyoto excels in.

 

[Helen B]

George asked; "Can you elaborate on the "fiddle brakes" subject ? I have no idea what you're talking about..."

Fiddle brakes are individual hand brakes for the rear wheels. Trials cars usually have them I think. They can be used to help when turning, for control going down hills and to slow down or stop a wheel that has lost traction. It's an alternative to the brute force approach. An eccentric climbing friend of mine fitted them to his Escort van. I'm not really into off-roading, by the way, at least not with the assistance of an infernal combustion engine. I just used to live with someone who was into it, and shared the kitchen with parts from four or five Land Rovers.

Best,
Helen

 

[hortense]

FWIW,

... diesel 4wd ....

Who makes diesel 4WDs?

 

[Dave Wooten]

Ford and Dodge and now Chevy

In Australia I have heard you can get the cummins dodge diesel in the jeep

 

[Andy K]

Who makes diesel 4WDs?

Land Rover.