Online Diesel Source

Locking Differentials

I remember the day I found out four-wheel drive (4x4) was not really four-wheel drive. Talk about disappointing! For the life of me, I couldn't figure out why this functionality was so misrepresented. Then I heard the term "All Wheel Drive" (AWD). I guess it made a little more sense that there had to be some way to distinguish the two from each other. I then asked myself, "How could I get all four wheels to turn in a truck?" The answer is in a locking differential.

To give you a better idea of what a locking differential does, let us first cover the basics of an open differential. Locking differentials provide increased traction as opposed to an open differential by ensuring each of the two wheels attached to the axle to the same rotational speed regardless of available traction. Locking differentials are designed to overcome the main limitation of an open differential by locking both wheels on the axle together, as if they were on a single shaft. Usually this is accomplished via pneumatics like on the ARB Air Locker or via vacuum. There are additional types of lockers that use centrifugal force like the Eaton G80 Locker, electromagnetics like Eaton's ELocker or even a manual "cable pull" style like the Ox Locker. When a locker is engaged both wheels are forced to turn at once, regardless of the traction each tire may or may not be getting. When the locking differential is unlocked (essentially acting as an open differential), it allows each wheel to turn at different speeds. This enables tires to scuff and wear down less while, say, turning. An open differential will always provide the same amount of torque to each of the two wheels on the axle. So although the wheels can turn at different speeds, the same amount of torque is applied to each wheel even if one is spinning and the other is not. When a locking differential is in effect, both wheels on the axle rotate at the same speed without regard to differences in traction at each wheel. When out on natures open terrain a locked differential can provide a significant traction gain over an open differential.

To give you the best visual representation, Online Diesel Source has located the following video on Eaton's G80 locking differential which displays exactly what it means to have a Limited Slip Differential, versus a Open Differential, versus a Locking Differential. The differences are absolutely amazing!

As you can see from the video, Chevrolet has their priorities straight. Chevrolet has been the trend setter in offering a factory locking differential since around the year 2000. As you can see from the above clip, the Ford F-150 is severely lacking in the traction department. Roughly ten years after Chevrolet came out with the G80, Ford has finally decided to step into the ring and give Chevrolet a run for its money. For the first time in Ford history, the 2009 F-150 with the FX-4 Off-Road package offers a factory option GKN electronic locking differential.