whats a diff lock Page 664

A diff lock (locking differential) forces the left and right wheels on an axle to turn at the same speed, so the spinning one stops wasting your momentum.

It’s gold on loose stuff—sand, mud, rocks—at low speeds, keeping drive to the wheel with grip; use it when you’re bogging or climbing, then switch it off again.

Most 4x4 utes have a rear locker, some add a front, and many AWDs offer a centre diff lock or electronics that mimic one using the brakes.

Don’t use a locker on high‑grip bitumen or tight turns, or you’ll wind up the driveline faster than a magpie in spring.