I have a 1999 Toyota Hilux Raider 4×4 with a factory-fitted rear diff-lock.
1. If I select the 4×4 option and I lose traction on any one wheel, will that wheel spin and the vehicle stop, because I have no centre diff-lock?
2. May I engage the rear difflock without going into 4×4 mode? Will it work?
IAN SHAW – By e-mail
1. Your vehicle, like most parttime four-wheel drives, does not have a central differential, therefore it behaves like a vehicle that has a permanently- locked central diff. This means that in 4WD mode the front and rear axles are forced to rotate together at all times. At each axle the normal differential actions will ensure that the four wheels will only rotate together if they have the same traction at the road surface. If there is a significant difference in traction then one front plus one rear wheel will spin, and the vehicle will come to a stop.
2. The rear diff-lock works independently from the 4WD facility and this will enable you to lock the two rear wheels together to curb wheelspin, whether you have 4WD selected or not, but you should only do it on a soft surface.