What Are Diff Lockers?
When Might You Need Diff Lockers?
Off-Roading: If you’re regularly hitting tough trails with rocks, mud, or steep climbs, diff lockers can be a lifesaver. They give you the traction you need when the terrain gets tricky.
Rock Crawling: For hardcore off-road activities like rock crawling, lockers are almost a must. They let you control your vehicle precisely, helping you climb over big rocks and navigate uneven ground.
Snow and Ice: In deep snow or icy conditions, lockers help keep your vehicle moving by ensuring both wheels on an axle work together, even if one wheel slips.
Towing and Heavy Loads: If you’re towing or carrying heavy loads on uneven ground, diff lockers help keep things stable and make sure both wheels on the axle pull their weight.
When Might You Skip Diff Lockers?
Daily Driving: For everyday driving on paved roads, lockers are usually unnecessary. In fact, they can mess with handling if left engaged. An open differential or limited-slip differential (LSD) is typically enough for most drivers.
Light Off-Roading: If your off-road adventures are more about dirt roads or light trails, you might not need diff lockers. A good traction control system or LSD might do the trick without the extra cost and complexity.
Types of Diff Lockers
- Automatic Lockers: These engage automatically when needed and disengage when they’re not. They’re great if you want a simple, no-fuss solution for off-roading.
- Selectable Lockers: These let you manually engage or disengage the locker, giving you more control over different driving conditions. They’re a favorite for people who use their vehicle both on and off-road.
