When should you lock the differential?

When should you lock the differential?

Use your locking differential when you want to go off road, for driving on difficult terrain, such as dirt, gravel, mud or snow. You will only need to engage your locking differential when you need extra traction, so you may only use it for a few moments on each off road adventure.

Does the GX 470 have lockers?

No factory GX came with a locker. If you’re familiar with the ATRAC system, you can do wonders without one. Also, EVERY GX has rear air suspension. Certain GX’s have KDSS, which is hydraulically adjusted swaybar links to improve off road suspension travel and on road manners.

Why would you lock the differential?

A locking rear differential, once engaged, does not allow both wheels to spin freely. By ensuring that both wheels spin at the same rate, and applying unequal torque to each tire on the axle, the risk of losing traction or spinning out decreases dramatically.

Does the Lexus GX have locking differentials?

The aging but capable Toyota 4Runner platform makes for a serious luxury off-roader. The Lexus GX is the company’s second largest SUV after the LX. It shares a platform with the tough Toyota 4Runner and features a V8 engine and four-wheel drive with a center locking differential.

Is a locking differential worth it?

Four-wheel drive vehicles that drive off-road often use a locking differential to keep from getting stuck when driving on loose, muddy, or rocky terrain. Locking differentials are considered essential equipment for serious off-road driving.

Is it bad to drive with diff lock on?

Locking your differentials while off-roading and during extreme weather is very helpful and recommended. It is not recommended to engage your locking differential in the middle of your vehicle spinning out. This can make the spin-out worse and can cause damage to your vehicle.

How do you turn off the center differential lock on a Lexus GX 470?

To unlock the center differential, push the switch again. Stop the vehicle completely with brake pedal held down. Shift the shift lever to N. Push and shift the four-wheel drive control switch to L4.

Is Lexus gx470 full-time 4wd?

Because it’s a Lexus, rugged doesn’t mean outdated. On the contrary, the GX 470’s standard full-time four-wheel drive features electronic traction control (A-TRAC) and a locking Torsen? (torque-sensing) center differential, automatically dispatching torque to the tires with the best grip.

What platform is the Lexus GX built on?

Toyota Land Cruiser Prado platform
The GX is built on the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado platform, from which it derives its off-road capability. Lexus introduced the first generation, known as the GX 470 in 2002, and subsequently became the third SUV to enter the Lexus lineup.

What is Kdss on gx470?

The Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS) technology was employed initially in the Lexus GX 470, and subsequently the 200 Series Toyota Land Cruiser. KDSS, which is fully mechanical, can disengage the stabilizer bars (the bars are jointed, allowing movement independent of one another).

How much does a locking differential cost?

An electronic locking rear differential only cost $325. That’s a steal. These systems can take showroom 4X4s places that would have left their predecessors of decades past stuck in the mud.

Does the Lexus LX470 have a center locking center diff?

Unlike the 450, which has locking rear diffenential, the lx470 has center locking center diff and LSD rear. You can lock the center diff in either high or low.

When to engage the rear differential lock?

Only engage when there is no load on the differential. Unlike the 450, which has locking rear diffenential, the lx470 has center locking center diff and LSD rear. You can lock the center diff in either high or low. More sharing options…

Is the 2003 Landcruiser center locker the same as the 470?

… 2003 Landcruiser and I assume they are the same set up. If so, you are right, it is only a center locker but much of the same rules apply… The ’98 and ’99 LCs and 470 had an optional locking rear diff. Same dial, but only RR option.

Does the LX450 have a diff lock switch?

The switch was not a standard feature. More sharing options… The LX450 has a central diff lock which engages when the small lever next to the shift lever is moved into Low. Some LX450’s have factory installed electric activated diff locks which are engaged by the rotating swich to the left of the steering wheel on the dash.