Open Differentials vs. Traction Control vs. Lockers

[@moose2934]

This is by far, got to be one of the - if not the - most intuitive video preaching the purpose of these features on 4x4s. Thanks!

[@haroldpapillon4686]

You are right on the money bro

[@jessewoody5772]

Except for the fact that he said on the open diff the wheels with traction get no power. This is false: There is one phenomenon that we are not accounting for here: Torque cannot exist without resistance. If an engine can produce 240 lbs/ft it does not mean that it always is. If you were to place the whole jeep on blocks and place it in drive you will only have the amount of torque necessary to rotate the mass(drivetrain, tires) . Thats why on a Dyno there are rollers that apply "resistance" and then you can measure the amount of resistance that can be overcome(Torque). Don't confuse rotational speed as being the same thing. On an open diff,lets say one wheel on glare ice, the other on dry pavement- both wheels will see the same amount of torque. If it only requires 15 lbs/ft to spin the tire on ice, the tire that is not spinning is also receiving 15 lbs/ft, even though it may look like its doing nothing it is applying effort to the ground. Although it is likely no wheres near enough to move the vehicle. When you apply some amount of additional resistance to the spinning tire(LSD, BLD) the non spinning tire will receive a commensurate amount of torque and hopefully be enough to move the vehicle. If its an LSD it may still not be enough. The BLD can completely stop the spinning tire if needed and send enough torque to propel the vehicle

[@divebobber]

@@jessewoody5772 Thanks for that explanation Jesse!

[@Zvalgryn]

This video really helped me understand because until now I've only heard people talk about how great and necessary lockers were. Now I know there is pros and cons or rather a time and a place.

[@ag135i]

Thanks the brake tapping while accelerating was really a useful and helpful tip.

[@allan80supra]

Just added a T2 torsens (with preload packs) front (Truetrack) and rear (Torquelock) on my LC100, only tested the rear so far and it was great no airlines, wires, switches... locking - unlocking, works well with the traction control, just drive with no wheel spin, well worth investigating as an option!

[@CopperJohn907]

Have you had the chance to take it off road much since you got it installed? How has it stacked up against mechanical lockers in tough spots? Seems like the best option for all around function and practicality

[@littlebill1987]

By far one of the best differential videos I seen. You didn't claim you was a expert, you said diffs are very complex and you gave your opinion on your video and also opened up for correction if the information was incorrect in anyway. Great job👍. Too many KZbinrs are experts and can't even get a fully loaded Jeep with lockers unstuck in there videos.

[@nudibanches]

I was just about to suggest that video from the 1930s as a good easy explanation and then you mentioned it. Funny how they were able to explain things so much better 80 years ago than we can today. I recommend their entire series as the fundamentals haven't changed at all.

[@sking2173]

Our strength doesn’t really lie in our diversity ...

[@robertg.8830]

That was a great simple straight up explanation, no dancing around the subj matter. Thank you ALL-Terrain Family !!

[@dancoulson6579]

That video you referenced called 'Around the corner' is brilliant. By far the best, most engaging, and most intuitive explanation I've ever seen.

[@Gerard-Red]

THANK YOU!. Great explanation with a great example to see how it actually works. You deserve a medal.

[@ronramlow6963]

Mike, good video/explanation on a tough process/function to describe. What I did here was activate the rear locker. As is explained, also locking the front dif is sometimes a must (not standard on many 4X4s), but can be a real handful in a tight situation where you have to maneuver. It can be very detrimental to run either locker on a hard surface, like pavement which doesn’t allow for any give, thereby transferring all of the stress directly to the drive train. Best to confine it’s use to sand, snow, or mud..ewwww, on the last one! :) Note: I had also disconnected the sway bar for more front wheel articulation. I used to have to do that mechanically on our TJ. On the Rubicons all functions are done electronically. In the 80s on my K5 Blazer I installed Warn locking hubs which often meant getting out of the rig in nasty conditions to actuate them. It didn’t have a locking differential, and in ‘87 we got hung up on a tight switch-back (Black Bear Pass, CO) with one front wheel, and the opposite rear wheel floating two feet in the air. I think that underscores what you’re showing in this video. Hope this has been of some help. We’ll be seeing you on New Year’s Day for your Como group ride. It should be another fun adventure of exploring awesome Nevada. Not anticipating much mud.🤞

[@mrad4234]

Had a fj cruiser with atrac and selectable locker. Loved the selectable locker. Marlin crawler has some videos illustrating open diffs with extreme gearing that can make someone scratch their head

[@7150285]

I have the 5th 4runner with A-trac as well. I heard it's not good idea to use A-trac in mud. Would you agree or disagree?

[@Offshore1977]

Brake lock differential on Jeep. Its a factory traction control. It’s very effective but you must continue to give it slight gas so it stays engaged just as you mentioned.

[@COShea-iw6ii]

Having just upgraded to a locking rear diff with my 4R TRD OR, I'm glad to see real world demos of use. Makes sense on the turning limitations... more knowledge to keep me out of "over-confidence" land. Great video.

[@lancerman]

Excellent explanation for this common 4 wheeling encounters. I just forwarded to my wife to watch.

[@bquade70]

And ya know she'll be thrilled.... Haha.

[@s0steezy]

Awesome video, the last 4 on this concept didn't make much sense but now I feel I have a grasp!

[@michaeldose2041]

IMHO the Thorsen style locker is the best of both worlds. I've used, Detroit, Lunch box, and Thorsen. I first discovered Thorsen in my Camaro Z28 the beauty of that unit is you won't even know you have it, until you need it. Literally when I bought the car I didn't know it had one. I was so impressed I installed one in my Yukon.

[@AllTerrainFamily]

I’ve heard they can be annoying when making tight turns on pavement.

[@michaeldose2041]

@@AllTerrainFamily You may be confusing the Torsen with the Detroit Locker or the Lunch Box locker because the Torsen allows differential action. Unless you start spinning a tire it has no effect. My detroit locker always let me know it was there chirping and barking and torque steer. On my Yukon I have a Torsen in the rear and a lunch box locker in the front, for cost, and because I swapped in a Dana 60 with locking hubs. I would NEVER use a standard locker in the front without hubs that would be horrible, on the pavement. I am sure the reason selectable lockers (in front) are used is because installing locking hubs is impractical because of cost or part unavailability. I can control the locker in front by using the transfer case shifter. Admittedly, not as good as unlocking a locker but I rarely find the need to unlock my front axle off pavement. Also, I've never used a Torsen in a full time front axle, because I would never own one, my guess is it would work just fine and be a much cheaper/simpler alternative than a selectable locker, just like my full time rear axle. In both my Camaro and Yukon the Torsen has no effect until you need it.

[@tpj1959]

Traded my Jeep Rubicon in for a Toyota Tundra. Glad to see the Tundra in this video. I told my wife we could still go a lot of places in the Tundra. I wanted more towing and hauling capability. I do want to add lockers eventually.

[@bradleyjohnson452]

I am in the same boat. I have a 2nd Gen Tundra and worry about it being too big for some trails.

[@shawnomeara22]

Bradley Johnson only if your worried about NV pin striping.

[@shawnomeara22]

Tim Johnson, I did the same thing. First I traded it in for an F150, but started having problems with it right away, traded it in for the Power Wagon and haven’t looked back. The factory lockers and low gears are hard to beat.

[@tpj1959]

@@shawnomeara22 Power Wagon...you SOB...Ha

[@tpj1959]

@@shawnomeara22 I am worried about the scratches, but I'll get over it.

[@CopperJohn907]

Hahaha good old "around the bend", had a professor that have us watch that video in one of my engineering classes. 80 years later, it cant be better explained. That was a great example, it was nice getting to see a few traction control systems compared to a locking on the same feature

[@raylshots]

fantastic demo, and so easy to understand from your demo thumbs up

[@knightwing4]

I’ve always been into cars but I never fully understood how the rear diff worked. Just looking at one didn’t quite explain it. I watched the video you suggested in your video. That was the best explanation I’ve ever seen so now I get it. Thanks for that and keep up your videos to.

[@darryllora5775]

Wow! I did already know how diff locks etc work, but it was great to get good video & audio confirmation. You put (& showed) it so well I'm sure anybody would clearly understand it. 10 outa 10...

[@joelhuntress6736]

Thank you for explaining this in a very easy to understand way. Now I know what I want and the reason I want it in my next truck.

[@wchunko]

Good Job! Well done! When I was learning how to drive HUMVEE's while getting ready for a deployment to Afghanistan we were taught to use a little bit of braking if the wheels started spinning.

[@jameseroh6544]

Good little demonstration. For years my vehicles had open diffs. I just drag the brake. Now, several of my vehicles have LSD's, both gear and clutch type. Some of my friends have lockers in their vehicles. But out overlanding in the desert and mountains. I prefer the gear type LSD.

[@AllTerrainFamily]

I don’t have much experience with those, but our new van has it.

[@Vodafone16v]

Excellent video mate! As someone already said, the Jeeps are equipped with BLD (brake lock differential) which is basically the traction control. It applies a little braking when slippage is detected, as you explained in the video. Would have been nice if you included LIMITED SLIP diffs on this comparison! The Jeeps call theirs the Trac-Lok diffs (equipped in JK Willys). The Rubicon has de Tru-Lok diffs front&rear. Cheers!

[@AllTerrainFamily]

Thanks ! Next time i get a chance we’ll look at LS.

[@tpj1959]

I had an Xterra Pro 4X and a Jeep Rubicon. I have also owned a 4runner SR5 and two Tundras; Toyota's had no lockers. I only had to use the lockers twice and they worked to get me unstuck. In those two situations I could have backed out and used momentum. In fact, the worse I got stuck was in the Rubicon. I got into some sand and had to use my maxtrax boards to get out. I feel the Xterra and the Rubicon were equal in off-road abilities. Rubicon has front lockers which I feel are mostly not necessary. I never got stuck in the 4runner or the Tundra...but maybe I didn't/haven't put those in the same position as the Rubicon and Xterra. A short note on downhill assist..4Runner was terrible, Xterra was satisfactory, Rubicon was sublime, Tundra has first gear (works pretty good). I traded my Rubicon in for the Tundra...Yeah, it was hard but I feel the Tundra just has more versatility.

[@stevenlefebvre2991]

Tim Johnson I totally agree with you I have a tundra and a 4runner they are amazing vehicles

[@haroldpapillon4686]

Am a proud Tundra owner 2017 4 1/2 BDS lift

[@haroldpapillon4686]

@@stevenlefebvre2991 👍🏾

[@mritron7649]

That was a great demonstration. Selectable lockers are the best but most expensive. Automatic lockers generally work great in the rear and selectable locker in the front if a front locker is really needed. Generally just the addition of a locker in the rear makes the world of a differance! Also the longer the wheel base the easier it is to steer with a spool or locked locker in the rear. Great video! Every year when the snow would hit and the road side would have it plowed up 2 or 3 feet deep I could pull over in old chevy truck in 2 wheel drive put passenger side in the deep snow and driver side on the pavement and light throttle get locker to lock and pull rite out! Yearly test lol that was a 14 bolt rear with the factory governor style GM locker worked very well.

[@motorhead_jt21]

Tremendously well explained video

[@streetstomper]

What a great demo, I just picked up a new Beast that has front and rear lockers, I can't wait to get out there and make a video of it just a tad bit much snow on the ground right now...fingers crossed for the weekend forecast 🤞

[@TS-xj5mt]

Well done, very well done

[@meateaterwhitetail7291]

I'm a 2wd offroader. I run open diff . If you're running dirt roads, gravel hills up hill. Open diff is good enough. If you're running on uneven roads where one of your wheels is in the ditch. It's more for a lsd and lockers, rock crawling, you need lockers for sure.

[@rudyelvis9468]

Great Video!! Like the way you explained it. I have a better understanding. Thank you very Much

[@Jeff92346]

Great demonstration. My preference is manually selected lockers, with electric lockers being my preference. My setup gives the driver the choice.

[@averagealice8877]

Excellent illustration of all of this - Thanks so much! (Although rest assured we're never trying a road like that one!)

[@keithsj10]

I had to add an Auburn Gear limited slip differential to my 2017 Tundra. The traction control was working fine until I came up against a difficult section of steep, loose rocks. Even if I still can't get up a section like that, I like to see that all four wheels, or at least three, are spinning. I don't have front lockers. Nice video. See if you can include a lsd next time 👍

[@zamboni68]

Good video. Straightforward and accurate information.

[@paullangenberg5907]

One difflock good ,two better. Only have too use one most of the time when things get tricky. With double lockers engaged you can get yourself into a lot of trouble as your vehecle wont stop for much and a rollover is a distinct possibility . You can have 2 wheels in the air and will still be traveling forwars traction control works well in most cases but can be hard on your vehecle for extended periods off use

[@sixoh_diesel5662]

This is why the 3rd Gen is the best gen especially with the e-locker!

[@ld5108]

3rd gen of what?

[@AllTerrainFamily]

4Runner

[@ThePyleDriver]

Really nice job with the subject and choice of video clips! I think you were right on the Jeep traction control. As part of the LS swap in my JKUR traction control is disabled so it now drives more like an old school rig. As a side note I find the sway bar disconnect useful a lot more often than the lockers for most situations. The lockers sure are nice when you need em though :p

[@AllTerrainFamily]

Yes. We have noticed on Brent’s jeep that the sway bar is really limiting off road. Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment.

[@dadventuretv2538]

Nice vid and trail looks sick. Love my Land Rover LR4 with rear and center lockers and traction control and low range plus terrain select. Put it low, select the terrain setting and just keep the power to her slow and steady. Terrain select also adjusts throttle input making it super easy to give her the slightest amount of gas. Have had lots of times with a wheel on each side up and no problem. She just pulls and pulls.

[@jeromeburrasca6710]

My 4x4 Suburban came from the factory with the G80 auto locker. I have 285/70 17s right now and Bilstein 5100s frt and 5160s in rear. Knock on wood, I've never gotten stuck going out to my property in Pershing county so far.

[@AllTerrainFamily]

My dads Silverado had that. You can see in our last video that it wasn’t working. I don’t know much about it. It was great when it was working.

[@jeromeburrasca6710]

@@AllTerrainFamily They're some good KZbin videos on the G80. Just got to do scheduled maintenance and change it out if you you go with 35s or bigger. Check out the Bleepin Jeep channel and King shocks channel. Also full drooptv channel. They're all awesome!! :) Maybe your dad didn't use friction modifiers when he changed his diff fluid?

[@AllTerrainFamily]

Maybe he didn’t change the diff fluid.

[@joeray5394]

I had the g80 in a Tahoe, it's useful, but it's a clutch operated system, not a true locker. Think limited slip or posi-traction.

[@jeromeburrasca6710]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/rmWTiHqLqcmUgqs

[@redoakranch1783]

I know they have a bad rep but I love the GM G80 factory lockers. I’ve have 3 trucks with over 200k that see a lot of off road use and hauling and have never had an issue. I drive dirt roads in steep mountains and I wouldn’t want a selectable. But that’s just for my specific use.

[@SonnetGomes]

Thank you so much for posting this informative video. This really helped grasp the concepts of lock differentials and traction control. I would look to see a comparison of the turning radius of locked vs unlocked diff if at all possible. Thank you so much.

[@redman2751]

Keeps have traction control similar to atrac as well as that rubicon has front and rear lockers that can be individually selected. He probably just had the rear locker on as it looked like there was a slight turn in the road and front locked makes turning hard.

[@Andrew-dg7qm]

Great vid. Thanks for the detail on the effects of steering with front locker

[@Andrew-dg7qm]

I’m considering Aussie front lockers and a swaybar disconnect from my 99 TJ 2.5 L. It’s a budget ride and my daily driver, so it’s not like I’m going to turn it into super Jeep. But I might put in rear lockers with the dashboard switch later. If I do, I’ll wish I had a way to turn off the front lockers. Would you suggest front lockers that have a switch? Or maybe the sweet turning radius will balance out the problem of the front auto lockers? I should add that I’m in Hawaii...no snow. Thx

[@AllTerrainFamily]

I would do rear lockers first.

[@Andrew-dg7qm]

All-Terrain Family I totally hear that...’cept replaced rear end recently (before I learned about lockers) and has an LSD. Thx

[@stephenmusial9292]

depending on wheelbase auto lockers are awesome, I'm at 110" and I never feel my auto locker with regular driving, unless I hit the throttle hard in a turn its invisible. they can also be managable in the front given you have manual hubs.

[@jackle842000]

Great info that's hard to find with accurate representation. Thanks!

[@fabulousoffroaddesigns5080]

Very well done video. Nice work.

[@michaelfletcher1224]

Good video! I've got both a front and rear locker and though they do make turning harder I think its an over statement that a front locker makes it impossible to turn. The example in this video is clearly a good example of how it can sometimes make it push thru a turn... but one of the tires was in the air and the ground was so loose his other front tire wasn't getting any bite. I typically turn the front locker off as soon as I can but I've also used in a turn from time to time and it's not crazy if the surface allows a little slippage.

[@markgriffin4900]

I have a 2017 Tacoma trd offroad 4x4 and I've tried some obstacles with the active traction control on, with the locker and with both. I think the traction control isn't much better than an open differential but I refer to my locker as my get out of trouble free button.

[@KeithBickford]

Excellent video. I have a tundra with traction control. Just like in this video, I tend to let up on the throttle just before the traction control engages. I miss the off road features of my 4Runner TRD Off Road, but I like the benefits of having a full size truck, platinum level interior and V8 power.

[@vishalganatra7719]

Well I always thght that nothing beats the good old tried and tested diff locks But the new traction control systems in Rubicons and Range rovers are pretty good too , it’s as good as having lockers

[@jessebartunek3195]

I have a KL Cherokee Trailhawk. The traction control is amazing, but it is not the same as a locker. There is a HUGE difference. When I engage my locker the driving is much more controlled with less slippage, no bucking, quieter (no brakes noises similar to ABS), and easier on the entire drivetrain. There is no substitute for lockers!

[@robertom883]

I had a 2000 4Runner with ARB air lockers back and front. Based on my experience save yourself some money and avoid lockers on the front axle specially with an IFS hard on the CVs. Also when lockers engaged on slippery mud they can track your vehicle sideways onto a tree or a rock. Now I own a 2016 Tacoma trd off road, even though it has rear locker from factory I prefer to use A-trac most of the time.

[@AllTerrainFamily]

Yeah. A-trac would have worked for the 4Runners. The Tundra got sketchy because of the size. Maybe realignment would have solved that problem.

[@lukestoyz]

All-Terrain Family and of course a steady gas pedal, but easier said than done on the 07-13 Tundras. I have one

[@jeremyaaron6725]

Saying that by engaging a locker you're "turning off" the diff is an oversimplification which could be misleading. A better way to explain it is the locker binds the two rear axle shafts together, forcing torque to be evenly split between both wheels, regardless of traction.

[@AllTerrainFamily]

I say potato you say starchy, tuberous crop from the perennial nightshade Solanum tuberosum...

[@jamie_grieve]

Sorry but you and 11 likes are wrong and ATF was correct. The torque is NOT evenly split between both wheels with a locked diff, quite the opposite in fact. The torque to each wheel on the same axle is always the same with an OPEN differential. With a locked diff, the torque can be 100% different at each wheel because the diff is locked. A scenario could be when one wheel is slipping on ice, the other on asphalt but the vehicle can't move because the torque at both wheels is identical which is that of the wheel traction on the ice. Locking the diff allows the vehicle to move because now the torque available to each wheel is different and the traction of the asphalt can be used by virtue of say 95% of the torque required to move and 5% from the wheel slipping on the ice. ATF was perfectly correct to describe the locker as turning off the diff, no different to welding it solid and it not being there at all like a spool.

[@scottcampbell2836]

Turning off implies a selectable locker. A relatively recent invention

[@tpv59]

@@AllTerrainFamily ??????????????????????//

[@CreepTone]

Great video man ❤

[@afunkusamongus]

You are correct about the JK traction control. The Rubicon has a front and rear locker. It’s possible that he had only the rear locker engaged but hard to tell from that clip because I can’t see if there is any wheel spin in the rear. The JK traction control has a great reputation and is probably still one of the fastest responding. It does however reset if you let off the throttle, and doesn’t respond if you increase throttle too fast to avoid breaking things. I’ve been thought that if you have a little momentum and know how to use it well, it’s almost as good as a locker. The lockers real benefit is that you don’t need momentum.

[@mojavedesert2610]

Excellent and informative video!🏜️

[@dandahermitseals5582]

That was pretty good. The Toyota E-lock is the bomb!!! We live in the mountains of the NW and climb 1800 feet ekevation from our bottom gate to our driveway entry. Horrible shit called moon dust and basically is a tracked vehicle acess route. I have one but we run 4x4s up n down. Our daily routine is what most people cal a hill climb ralley. Haha. My wife works at the hospital in town at the bottom and drives it daily. Haha. Country road. City visiters come up once n wont come back. Haha. Garanteed privacy.

[@dandahermitseals5582]

By the way I'm 75 and my wife is 65 and she drives a Toyota Tacoma. Sorry bout the spelling shakey old hands.

[@briantowers5177]

Thanks for this, I’m understanding now!

[@nicholasalbrecht9357]

This is the most intuitive explanation of these three things I have ever seen, thank you! Where do limited-slip differentials fit in? By the name it sounds like a middle ground between open diffs and locked ones? How useful are they off road?

[@AllTerrainFamily]

They are use full yes. But they ask very different. Some are better than others. I don’t really know enough to say much.

[@alice20001]

Jeep Compass here. It really does look like traction control. My compass does not have diff lock and it shows. Even with the traction control on, in extreme scenarios, a diff lock can make all the difference.

[@raylaux8295]

Wrangler calls it BLD (brake lock differential) and enables open differential to act like a LSD. The system is more responsive that typical traction control. Most Wranglers do not need lockers and many with BLD have conquered the Rubicon.

[@AllTerrainFamily]

I’ve seen it in action on video. It only works in Low right?

[@RyansJeepGarage]

It’s most aggressive in low range, although it will engage quite severely in low traction situations when it detects very high speed slipping such as on ice. It can be disabled in 2 wheel drive by pressing the traction control button, but stays on permanently in low. From what I’ve seen in my own JK, it works very effectively and it has gotten me through some pretty nasty trails

[@shawnomeara22]

Ryan's Jeep Garage do all JK’s come stock with that?

[@RyansJeepGarage]

Shawn O'Meara as far as I am aware yes

[@dp_NYC]

No.... it is a $600 option or comes on certain special editions... my winter version jk has it and it works great... for east coast wheeling ...I can go anywhere my rubi buddies can.

[@coreymartel1090]

Disconnecting your sway bars will also help keep the wheels planted on the ground, and it's free, locking diffs are expensive

[@joegriffin6699]

Ausi Lokka about £300. Easy to fit.

[@haroldpapillon4686]

From I see in the video. I don’t need a diff locker on my 2017 Tundra. Just use 4 low , tc on and low gear.

[@AllTerrainFamily]

For 99.9% of the things you’ll encounter that is true.

[@nealesmith1873]

Very interesting video. I've had open diff vehicles and with lockers but not yet any with traction control.

[@bquade70]

Excellent.

[@adrianw3985]

All traction control systems work on similar principles, but Toyota ATRAC is superior. Lockers are still best, but Toyota ATRAC is the next best thing.

[@adrianw3985]

Someone will probably ask why, so I should elaborate. ATRAC more aggressively brakes the wheel (then other manufactures) with no traction. That's why ATRAC only works in low range.

[@bigozo1981]

Damn right is aggressive. Became a believer until I bought a Tundra

[@TacoXL]

ATRAC II is even better! (-:

[@adrianw3985]

@@TacoXL since ATRAC "2" has been around for more then 10 years I would imagine that's what we are dealing with on most 4x4 Toyota's for a long time...

[@themouas]

The A-TRAC is ok, it's when crawl control is engaged that's when A-TRAC is most effective. Just the A-TRAC itself is only as good as Nissan's ABLS.

[@scottcampbell2836]

I heen at this a while. All diffs have pros and cons. I think for a 4x4 you drive a lot on road a selectable diff up front electric or air. And rear a good limited slip rear. You will have at best 4 wheels driving and at worst 3 wheels driving. And on snow or sloping surface your wheels can find their own traction. .with a ls you need to keep up on it or it becomes an open diff . traction control can be freaked out in low traction situation s. Plus electronic stuff can fail in cold or wet and muddy conditions. Even a lunchbox locker and LSD rear will give you great results. The rock crawl crowd has some who think 3000 dollars in lockers on your truck is the answer. A LSD rear. Lunch and a quality winch would be better money spent and the leftovers to the fuel fund.

[@douglasgantt9548]

Great video. I’m used to Ltd slip differentials and am trying to learn about electronic locking differentials (eld’s). The video doesn’t mention the former but helped me understand the latter. I’m forming the opinion that I prefer Ltd slip diffs over eld’s. Any knowledgeable feedback will be appreciated.

[@jaysarin2826]

Great video, subscribed!

[@johngray9702]

Thank you for your video

[@samjohnson9894]

3 mechanical locks are the only way to go. TC systems burn through brake pads and rotors. PLUS exuberant driving wherein the TC system is under constant load will often cause error codes to be thrown in just a few minutes. Limp home mode is a frequent result. Open diffs off road are a fools errand.

[@subratabn]

Which is less expensive and easier to replace, brake pads or transmission system components?

[@Kyle-nr6nm]

Having a locker is definitely better, but ATRAC hasn't let me down yet.

[@subratabn]

I feel the best arrangement for serious off-roading is to have a lockable central diff (transfer case) and traction control at the wheels.

[@RickinICT]

0:52 "It's made by... some automotive company in 1937" Hmm, "General Motors Sales Corporation". Never heard of 'em! 😆

[@brotherheed00]

Great video demonstration.

[@glenod]

My lc200 landcruiser is awesome for this stuff with the hill ascent button on. Havent needed lockers yet. Lockers can be dangerous in some situations as they both grab and toss the vehicle to one side and can cause roll over.

[@anthonyhitchings1051]

Nice examples, I love the traction control on my Liberty 4x4

[@henrikpetersson367]

I have a VW Amarok with both traction controle and Manual rearsxel diff lock. TCS puts the brakes on to only the spinning wheel but it sometimes holdes on to long. The wheel goes back to the ground and brakes. I also boggs down the vehicle. The Diff lock makes it more easy to have a constand momentum. Have had a Landrover with only centerdifflock also

[@themidnightrambler4865]

I'm not a fan of lockers, both front and rear, unless it's in a dedicated off road machine that you take to incredibly difficult places. For a normal street and off road vehicle, a traction device in the rear makes a night and day improvement. How you do this depends on how much money you are willing to spend. Lockers that can be turned on and off are great, even in the front axle, as they cause issues when disengaged and provide lots of help when engaged. The downside is the cost. Cost to buy and cost to have installed. I've been off roading for 50 years and have owned all manner of 4x4 vehicles. What I do is have a "lunch box" locker installed in the rear of my vehicle. The cost of the locker and the install is very economical. And since I'm not a rock crawler or other kind of extreme off roader, these work excellently, for me. Don't get me wrong, I've had to put my vehicles through some fairly extreme terrain, occasionally, but it's usually a short, bad section of a trail I'm on. A true locker, like a Lock right or PowerTrax no slip only has very minor effect on daily driving but is worth it's weight in gold and worth the very small trade off on road when out in the outback and the trail gets difficult. My current ride is a 1998 Jeep Cherokee with 4 inches of lift, a long arm 3 link front suspension, 33 inch tires, and a PowerTrax no slip in the rear. Quite drive-able on the street and awesome out in the boonies.

[@bigdaddy6965]

Mine has an open diff. I can't turn them on or off so I'm just going to have it locked full time. I usually off-road on sand so shouldn't be a big deal and it should help me out more.

[@scottcampbell2836]

In sand a LSD may be better option and tire pressure is vital. And the means to refill your tires for the ride home or as conditions change.

[@ec6933]

Me: "is that child playing with a rattlesnake?!?"

[@dandahermitseals5582]

Probably. Country kids. Go figure. Haha. If u aint got a cheekin in ur house you aint country !!! Haha

[@bushnut8305]

You can partially engage the e- brake a few clicks to simulate traction with a rear LSD.

[@fabulousoffroaddesigns5080]

bush nut if the vehicle has brake traction control it will do it, itself.

[@bigtrucklittlerv7969]

@@fabulousoffroaddesigns5080 Jeep calls it BLD

[@bushnut8305]

I’ve got 17 year old truck. No TC, just a good rear LSD and an open front. When I’ve been cross axled by applying the E brake a couple of clicks it fools the LSD by simulating traction at the spinning wheel. Not much I can do about the open front diff. Except install a locker.

[@bigtrucklittlerv7969]

@@bushnut8305 Good way to destroy you parking brake. It's not a Emergency brake and if you have a disc/drum that little shoe will twist all to shit.

[@subsyairsoft]

Thanks fella, great vid, very informative!

[@koitorob]

You totally missed out LIMITED slip diffs... Best of both worlds. Lock up when needed, and open when they aren't.

[@tylerjohn3414]

That description is more along the lines of lunchbox lockers. LSD is better than an open diff but it still will send most of the power to the unloaded wheel an still get into trouble in the same spots as a vehicle using traction control.

[@theninja001]

A great solution os turning brakes, like on Volkswagen Baja bigs and sand rails. You grab the brake for the wheel spinning and the power has to go to the other wheel. Just need to plumb it in to your brake lines.

[@ThatSkaterKTS]

I think it’s called brake torque vectoring. When it uses the brakes to catch the spinning wheel and force the other to move

[@Gary-ib8dz]

I could be wrong, but I think different companies use different names

[@humbertorubi4947]

Torsen diff is the answer. It combines the best of both worlds!

[@AllTerrainFamily]

Yes!

[@kevinp5325]

A true locking differential will always perform better in this kind of technical terrain.

[@humbertorubi4947]

All-Terrain Family My Mitsubishi Montero limited have one of these in the rear combined with a center lockable diff and it is simple phenomenal. Mitsu call this system Super Select II. It works great on curves and off camber situations. It’s curios is not used so often on more cars. Nice video 👍🏻

[@humbertorubi4947]

Kal P Sure! a true locking diff is almost fools proof but also have disadvantages in terms of direction control and the wear it suffers for long operation. In my humble opinion the torsen have the ability to mechanically get locked and still operate smother on curves and tricky sections without risk of break something for improper use or abuse. I think at the end there is more than one way to do the job and on 99% of time torsen will do it right. Obviously if you prefer fully locked diff is perfectly fine 👍🏻 at the end this is about the fun you have in the trails 😁

[@AllTerrainFamily]

I believe a torsion will still fail with in wheel completely in the air. Is that correct? Even still that rarely happens to more than one wheel at a time.

[@danieldehay5198]

Awesome video

[@abrighterday508]

Open diffs with an lsd is the most fun..really challenges the driver instead of the vehicle

[@AllTerrainFamily]

I actually agree. Open diff is a challenge

[@kushkeddiefilmz2742]

Center locking differentials can get you out of any situation in my experience . Although it is similar to identical to 4WD

[@kushkeddiefilmz2742]

What are your thoughts on to the center locking . Is it pretty much the same as 4WD ? Or is it just FWD with power sent to the rear axle ?

[@AllTerrainFamily]

Well, that only applies to all wheel drive. All the vehicles here don’t have center differentials. They’re basically locked at the transfer case. So a locked center diff is equivalent to the black 4Runner here.

[@philliptilleman8089]

My 2002 4runner has a center differential and I'd be curious to see how it would have handled the same situation. I am installing air lockers in February as my biggest issue is when I need to climb I can't climb very well with the center differential which causes me to come into obstacles with speed and not as much control.

[@AllTerrainFamily]

Your center diff doesn’t lock? I thought only the 4th gens had that.

[@AllTerrainFamily]

I’d actually like to have a newer 4Runner for the part time AWD. It’s much better in the snow we get around here. At least for city driving.

[@SteveH98264]

On my 2013 Wrangler (with open differentials) my traction control turns off when I'm in low range. I get through with low (15 psi) tire pressure, articulation, and driver skill. Yes, I eventually want lockers in both ends.

[@raylaux8295]

BLD is still enabled in 4 Low read your manual

[@SteveH98264]

You're correct, the "limited slip" function of the traction control still works in low range.

[@phantomwalker8251]

lunch box seem to be the go,if you like all the noise,elec or air are best [$$$$] but then the lines come out,often,& can get caught on objects,i,dont even like brake lines hanging down,just keep them neat.from other vids,it look as if a lock front,air/elec,& lsd rear is a good option,but not for serious 4x4,ing.2 things id NEVER,buy,ifs front,traction control.why,no wheel travel,plus the t/c can possibly roll your vehicle,as you dont know how far wheel is off the ground,you need contact with ground,as much as possible.my bronco was ttb [ifs] ,first time out,in a csoss up situ,i got out for a look,grabbed the drip rail,& could of pushed it over.ifs,rubbish.so,now it has 8 stud d44,d60 rear.job done.!!.5 or 6sp manual is the go,unless you can get an auto with lock up on low range.i prefer auto,but no good for down hill which is the most dangerous to lose control.my 2002 6cyl,mwm,4.2tdi,YOU,never got these in u.s.,[98-07],has an amazing low range,900 rpm,up or down any hill.they only come in 5sp.would be excellent in a smaller vehicle,12 lt 100,weighs 4t.

[@themouas]

Nice video. The Jeep Rubicon has the same system as the Toyota A-TRAC when lockers are not engaged. They're not traction control. Traction control is a system that keeps the wheels spinning at minimal on acceleration, these 4X4 systems are more like what Toyota calls their Active Trac for transferring torque to the wheels with the most traction rather than traction control.

[@fivepraone]

hey great video! but i have a suggestion for you! not all traction controls are the same; for exemple the traction control off the Jeep or a Land rover, engage WAY sooner and smother than the one on the Toyota. it would be great a video comparing the traction controls of different brands, and talking about the driving technic needed when you are diving a vehicle with traction control and compare it with the technic of driving a vehicle with lockers. cheers

[@ziggy149]

Having a build done to my Tundra - including rear and front ARB airlockers. Hope I didn’t make a mistake

[@AllTerrainFamily]

No way you made a mistake. Unless you hate traction.

[@adrianw3985]

ARB is an excellent choice, I have one on my Toyota. As long as the people doing the work are competent they are very reliable. Best thing about the ARB is you can engage and disengage on the fly if you so desire. They lock and unlock very fast.

[@ziggy149]

Thanks you guys. Originally had this build done because I thought we were going to head back up to Anchorage for an assignment in January. Thought lockers might help in case we ran into bad snow at some point. East coast til spring now and then hopefully head to the complete opposite side of the country where I can use my new toys.

[@DiHandley]

Excellent. Look up “Lokka” from Australia. You’ll be amazed!

[@yotaforlife8408]

ya I only use my locker when I am just about to hit the hard obstacle and then shut it off right away,I have crawl control but have really never needed it ,I know it could be useful for certain situations but I have never needed it but have tried it and it does a good job but I like using the go pedal

[@hungryhungryhummer]

You should have also included Torsen LSDs

[@andrewlynch5620]

Great vid. Thanks for the perspective. Very helpful