When To Lock The Center-Differential? | Lexus GX460

[@crazygooseventures]

The only thing the centre diff lock does is ensure power is evenly distributed to the front and rear AXLES. That ensures better traction as that power delivery potentially hits a wheel with traction. Not engaging the centre diff lock and allowing the vehicle’s full time 4WD system to operate means that in a slippery scenario, power delivery could result in it being allocated to a wheel that has no traction (unless a traction control system kicks in). The CDL minimizes this scenario (doesn’t eliminate it unless you have axle lockers) as it forces the front and rear axles to spin at the same rate, thus giving you more traction. Realistically, CDL should only be used when you’re on a low traction surface otherwise your driveline will suffer windup so use it when you think you’ll need it and disengage it when your done.

[@LexusGX460-OFF-ROAD]

around here "low traction" is anytime you are offroad... 😃

[@yankee2yankee216]

The 50:50 F:R split is important, because if one end is getting more power than the other, as in a 60:40 split, that end will be more likely to slip. If all wheels are getting exactly the same amount of power, it is more likely that NONE of the wheels will slip. I’m not sure if the analogy with wheel speed is apt or not, but here goes… If the front wheels are turning at a different rate from the rear wheels, it will be impossible for both front and rear to maintain traction. If front and rear are turning at the same rate, it will be possible, and much more likely, for all 4 wheels to maintain traction. Locking the center differential makes a useful improvement to traction - in difficult situations only. In high speed highway situations, it would make the vehicle handle badly, and cause excessive tire and mechanical wear, in a similar way that 4WD does when driven on pavement.

[@thenomad01]

I think of it as having one shoe in a sneaker the other in a hiking boot. One foot will slip, the other will grip. You'll go forward but rely on the shoe with traction, placing it where it is best used. The other shoe gets traction, but to a lesser degree. You can have two sneakers and will fail on a slope, two hiking boots will get you up that slope and fail at a much higher slope.

[@Damienvizuete]

Sir, you are the Ernest Hemingway of the Desert. I too explain the GX’s technology to my wife using birth defects and physical malady analogies. Mostly hers. A-TRAC is like her hammer toes, Adaptive Cruise Control like her lazy eye… etc. etc. 😂😂😂😂

[@LexusGX460-OFF-ROAD]

😆 😢 lol thank you ❤️ 😆 🤣

[@mosasa1307]

goddamn you're ruthless lmfao

[@LexusGX460-OFF-ROAD]

Snowflake Warning: The disease mentioned in the analogy is completely curable via surgery in modern times. Nobody is afflicted by this condition anymore. You may now chill 😎🤙

[@SteveSherron]

One of the better explanations I’ve heard. Thanks

[@LexusGX460-OFF-ROAD]

THANKS... and thank you for your support 🙏

[@zulfiquarm]

Love the 80's theme music at the beginning!

[@deanrotering879]

I have watched a bunch of your videos now and subscribed. Four wheel drive education. Thanks a lot!

[@LexusGX460-OFF-ROAD]

🙏 ❤️ thank you so much for subscribing... it really helps the channel 😃

[@jcbc7587]

I'm parked uphill, can I use this when car is turned on?

[@bencti4851]

My only concern to turn on the center dif on regular dirt off road is that to not damage the differential if the dirt road is not that harsh like the dirt road ur going now on this video which is a straight dirt road. Please advise. Thanks

[@LexusGX460-OFF-ROAD]

as long as you are off-road it's OK to lock the center. Some people even lock it on road in deep snow... but that's up to you 😃

[@HamadaEizan]

What about in the rain?

[@agent_054]

What would you say is the estimated maximum speed you can travel with the center diff locked on a GX460?

[@LexusGX460-OFF-ROAD]

@agents54 as fast as you want as long as you're offroad... you must NOT be on pavement

[@Dzazter]

How do you know its not one normal leg and one leg longer than the other? ;)

[@zarcoquesada]

Great video. Can you use 4L with the center diff Unlocked on a paved road? I’m assuming there’s no transmission windup if you don’t lock the center diff. Sometimes I need to descend a very steep incline (2 miles) with a heavy trailer and need engine braking.

[@LexusGX460-OFF-ROAD]

yes you could be in 4L w/ Center unlocked on a paved road... however there is little practical use for this mode... one exception might be some super steep 3rd-world paved road... place it in 4L to have more uphill control

[@zarcoquesada]

@@LexusGX460-OFF-ROAD Thank you 🙏🏼

[@Nahhmah]

How fast can I drive with center lock on? When should one use 4lo AND center lock ? What conditions

[@LexusGX460-OFF-ROAD]

please see our video on 4lo for beginners 😃 ✌️ kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z4Csmat8rLSGidU

[@Nahhmah]

@@LexusGX460-OFF-ROAD I did a couple of times, and pressed like. Can you just tell me how fast I can go

[@Loren460]

The analogy is of good taste.

[@LexusGX460-OFF-ROAD]

🙏 🤲 ❤️

[@HamadaEizan]

A spicy meatball of an analogy!

[@LexusGX460-OFF-ROAD]

@@HamadaEizan spicy meatballs do sound good now that you mention it..

[@HamadaEizan]

@@LexusGX460-OFF-ROAD but not as good as this video. 🙂

[@LexusGX460-OFF-ROAD]

@@HamadaEizan 🥰

[@Miguel.Rosado7224]

Thank you for the video. highly appreciate it and educational but can you lock the center differential on four high and is there’s a speed limit with the center diff locked? thank you.

[@LexusGX460-OFF-ROAD]

Thank you. There is no speed limit, just be sure you are offroad to prevent driveline binding 😀

[@sevendeuces]

So just turn it on when go offroadi ng to be safe? Also, how is your stock strut and spring system handle all those extra weights you put on? I think sooner or later you are going to need to upgrade to a decent lift system.

[@LexusGX460-OFF-ROAD]

Yes lock the center when you go offroad. yes our skids add weight! But so far the stock suspension has been fantastic 👌 👏 😀

[@ivankorth4458]

Can I lock center diff in high 4x4 or only low

[@LexusGX460-OFF-ROAD]

4L or 4H. You can lock the center in both ranges 😃

[@c.mihalic324]

What is the top speed with locked diff?

[@LexusGX460-OFF-ROAD]

anything as long as you are *off-road* /loose surface

[@akhilthandaserry8088]

Is there a speed limit when you lock diff in a GX?

[@LexusGX460-OFF-ROAD]

come to a complete stop, put it in neutral then engage the lock. So 0mph. Please see our video on HOW to lock the center differential. Thank you.

[@cuzimaluzer777]

@@LexusGX460-OFF-ROAD no I think he's asking when you have the center diff locked, what's the maximum mph you should go.

[@LexusGX460-OFF-ROAD]

@@cuzimaluzer777 oh I see.... no maximum limit, just make sure you are *offroad* when it's locked

[@SweetSpotDon]

I don’t get the analogy. A person with a shorter left leg than right is short on the left side. So does that mean if the road is lower on the left side we should use the center diff?

[@mosasa1307]

No, the point is it evenly distributes power to both front and rear. So like 60% rear and 40 %front. With CLD on, (im ass at math) it evenly distributes power between the front and rear. Alternatively, I could be speaking out of my ass and didn't understand a single thing from this video...

[@ovid4]

@@mosasa1307Nope you said it perfectly 😊

[@mikemitchell9138]

Another great vid, thank you.

[@LexusGX460-OFF-ROAD]

Thank you for your support Mike 🙏 🙌 ❤️

[@ptzish]

I hit the button on mine every time I get on the interstate and lean back to relax. Is it detrimental to the system to hit the button at interstate speeds? The button could not be in a worse place for tall people.

[@Gemini_0815]

I strongly advise all viewers to not pay attention to this explanation. Have you ever tried to not use your diff lock? The car will drive better in almost all conditions with the diff not locked. The only reason to lock it would be in extremely slippery conditions like mud or deep snow. The Center diff is a so called torsen diff, originally launched in the first audi quattro Models. It locks automatically once wheel spin on one axle occurs. It will do this in less than a second. Only very technical sections require manual locking.

[@LexusGX460-OFF-ROAD]

we lock it all the time off road for a true 50/50 power split ideal for offroading... default will have 40/60 front, rear. Every 4x4 defaults to 50/50 in 4WD. Locking the center gives you 50/50 4WD... same as any other 4x4 .... great for off-roading

[@Gemini_0815]

Default torque distribution is 40/60, correct. When locking the diff, you do not get 50/50 torque distribution. this is a misconception. What you get is equal speed of both axles, no matter the torque. So in fact, you’re getting anything between 0/100 and 100/0 depending on the surface situation.

[@Gemini_0815]

And that’s why it is not a good idea to use it in such modest conditions. It hinders free movement of the wheels when turning corners.

[@LexusGX460-OFF-ROAD]

@@Gemini_0815 you get 50/50 torque and thus 50/50 speed. Speed and torque are exact reciprocols. Locking the center will split 50% torque/speed front and rear. This is also explicitly stated in the GX460 owner's manual 😃

[@Gemini_0815]

@@LexusGX460-OFF-ROAD again, this is a common misconception. Equal speed means different torque. Equal torque means different speed. The user manual, if it states this, was obviously written by someone without an engineering background

[@HamadaEizan]

I wonder what's this feature is like in the snow?

[@LexusGX460-OFF-ROAD]

People often lock it in the snow too, even on road in deep snow... but be cautious ⚠️

[@SteelmoonWatches]

A rear diff lock is better for off-roading however.

[@LexusGX460-OFF-ROAD]

ATRAC has never let us down 🙃... locks the front and rear with the brakes... amazing system 👏

[@colesisler582]

ATRAC is a brilliant system. Seriously. It is one of the smartest bits of off road tech ever. Rear lockers are great for crawling and hardcore stuff, but useless for trail riding with any type of speed.

[@EthCepher]

❤

[@HamadaEizan]

Yes , this video is 🤌👄 chef's kiss💋!

[@LexusGX460-OFF-ROAD]

Thank you 🙏 🤲 ❤️

[@phasick]

Love your videos, very informative and I learned a lot from them. This is more of a critique of your audio/music. The music on its own is not bad, but all of your selections are off vibe and obnoxious. That 8-bit theme song that comes in the intro is insanely loud and aggressive. In comparison to your vocal audio, it's extremely loud. You might have to crank up your vocals or turn down the music. It doesn't take away from the content you give, but it's more of a nuisance having to lower the volume and then raise it back up when you start talking again. Amazing knowledge when it comes to the GX, but the music selection is bad.

[@theasiamtmgroup]

What if the shorter leg is the normal one, and the longer one is the "genetically bad one?" ... Joke ....

[@UncleFjester]

Your Babling made this tough to watch, as if a driver can't see whats in front of him, apply the brakes, put it in 4H and continue? Being you're in the Mojave I must guess you found the one hit sativa cactus? 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@LexusGX460-OFF-ROAD]

4H? Is this video about 4H or the Center Locker? Yes this is a quiz.

[@Mlachake]

Your limited lack of understanding logic is not the authors problem. Deal with your deficiencies on your own. Good luck with that, your laugh is not cutting it!

[@williamstevenson8518]

This is a weird analogy. You could have chosen something better.

[@LexusGX460-OFF-ROAD]

it's a great analogy ❤️

[@many4173]

Terrible metaphor and you're certainly smart enough to explain 60/40 without using a human

[@LexusGX460-OFF-ROAD]

Automotive traction is an extension of human traction. So the analogy is quite fitting. But to be fair, there is a disclaimer pinned for more "sensitive" viewers. ✌️

[@mgonz6441]

The analogy is of bad taste.

[@LexusGX460-OFF-ROAD]

The default power split is uneven. Just like uneven legs. 😃✌️

[@GagandeepSingh1991]

I have been following your channel and I really love the way you explain technicalities of various features that the GX460 offers. I find most of your videos very insightful and you explain the details of complex parts in a simplified manner. I started watching this video last night to learn more about how a differential lock works and when to use it. I was not fully satisfied with the analogy/explanation you gave so I watched a lot more videos in the last 24 hrs to find the perfect explanation. I finally found a video that, in my humble opinion, does justice to this topic and gives a detailed explanation of how a differential works, what a differential lock does and how do traction control systems add value. Here's the link to the video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z2m8f6N9bK50h5osi=mU-4mGeSGIMprtNk. (the question that was bothering me and was not answered in your video: "how does locking center diff handle the case of a diagonal slippage, where on front and one rear wheel loses traction; the power will still be sent to the two slipping wheels in front and rear even with the center diff lock, as the front and rear diff are still unlocked and can allow the left and right wheels to rotate at different speeds) Also, I would like to emphasise that I do not mean to prove your explanation wrong in any way. I love your videos and I have personally learned a lot from them. I bought a 2017 Lexus GX460 exactly 1 year back and I have only driven it on road so far. But watching your videos encouraged (maybe I can say "pushed") me to take my car off-road as I started to realise that this is such a capable vehicle (thanks to your videos) and it's a shame if I don't take it off-road. Last weekend, I finally joined an off-road club and took my car to the desert where i learnt some basics of driving in loose sand. Thank you so much for your contribution to the community!!! :)

[@LexusGX460-OFF-ROAD]

this video was about WHEN to lock your center diff.. we did a video on HOW the center diff works here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pqepkINpq92tfa8

[@GagandeepSingh1991]

@@LexusGX460-OFF-ROAD thanks for sharing the detailed explanation of the Torsen type-c differential, quite helpful. The point I was trying to make was about how locking the differential helps and what is happening inside the car when one chooses to do so. Understanding how a locked differential changes things would also allow someone to have better judgement on when to use it and when not to. And I felt in your explanation of a center differential lock, you had not talked about the fact that even if center diff is locked, left and right wheels could still spin freely. So the video I shared covers this topic from that perspective as well and gives a more complete picture of how it works. Again, not trying to say your explanation is wrong. Just trying to share knowledge with you and your audience so that we all learn from each other :)

[@LexusGX460-OFF-ROAD]

the left and right wheels never "spin freely" on a GX460... TRAC (in 4h) will act like an LSD... and ATRAC (in 4L) will act like a locker... the ONLY way to get left and right wheels to spin freely is to hold.the traction control button for 5 seconds to disable all traction...