Center Diff Lock question

[Josh N]

OK, so here we go. As it says in my sig I am an 80 noob. In fact I am a Toyota noob having driven more Ford trucks in my life than anything else. Now I have this 92 FJ80 and love it considering I have wanted an 80 cruiser for nearly 10 years.

My question hopefully is a simple one. How do I tell if the center diff lock is actually engaged if the indicator on the dash is burned out? I ask this because I have found numerous dash lights burned out and and have been replacing them but have no experience using a center diff lock so not sure what it should feel like engaged.

 

[96beast]

When you shift into low, you should hear a "clunk", which signifies the CDL is engaged.

 

[AGGRESSIVEMACHINIST]

You could check it buy jacking the LC so that all four tires are free and trying to rotate the front and rear wheels. If the units are locked the wheels will all turn. When the front and rear are free you will be able to move them independitly. There is a great section in the FAQ section that far better explains this unit. It is the diff lock section. This may help you. Good luck and enjoy the new LC.

 

[Hayes]

ABS light should come on too. Although I don't know if that would be a true indicator.

 

[DWSCVR]

Just find the biggest,sandy hill and go for it...if you get stuck it aint workin...

 

[poppy walnut]

ABS light should come on too. Although I don't know if that would be a true indicator.

No abs on a 92

 

[mikgrail3]

You could check it on a dirt surface and just feel and listen. Drive in a circle with it off, then do it again with it on. You should hear and feel the tires start to drag a little. You will notice the difference with it on.

 

[retrofive]

Easiest method is find a gravel parking lot. Drive in tight figure 8's with and without the CDL engaged. You should feel a difference in how tight you can make the turns. Do you have a CDL button? are you in 4L with it enaged?

 

[Josh N]

Thanks for all the info guys. I ended up putting it up on jacks and doing the wheel turn thing. Its working, just a bad bulb in the dash yet again.

 

[poppy walnut]

Now would be a good time to do an LED conversion!