A differential equipped with a locking mechanism forces both wheels on an axle to rotate in unison, regardless of individual traction. This prevents all engine power from escaping through a single slipping wheel in mud, snow, or rock-crawling scenarios. Drivers typically engage the lock manually via a switch or lever, though automatic mechanical lockers engage when they sense a specific speed difference.
You'll need to engage the rear locking differential before we tackle that rock ledge.
Do not mix it up with
- Limited-slip differential: An LSD allows some speed difference between wheels for smooth cornering, while a locking differential forces a rigid 50/50 split.
Related terms
Diff lock
A mechanism that forces both wheels on an axle to turn at the exact same speed.
Open differential
A basic gear assembly that allows drive wheels to spin at different speeds while cornering.
Limited-slip differential
A differential that transfers torque to the wheel with the most traction to prevent wheelspin.
Diff
The gear assembly that allows driven wheels to rotate at different speeds during a turn.