Center Diff Lock ON in High

[brainhax]

Hi,
When driving with "H" on Dirt roads or tracks/fie trails, should we leave the Center Diff ON ? What would it do when left ON?
Thanks

 

[TCH2FLY]

Hi,
When driving with "H" on Dirt roads or tracks/fie trails, should we leave the Center Diff ON ? What would it do when left ON?
Thanks

You can but should you ... well I wouldn't use the center diff lock unless the grip is insufficient with it off. So normal dirt roads or light trails it really shouldn't be "needed" for making progress. If using it makes you more confident or you prefer not to switch back and forth leave it on, you won't damage the system.

If left on and you are driving at higher speeds on dirt roads you may find you get more understeer (not turning in as quickly as expected or continuing in a straight line) you may find at slow speeds the turn radius is slightly larger ... all this subject to your tires and actual road conditions.

 

[Rusty Marlin]

If you find it understeering on loose surfaces, apply a tap of brake with the left foot while staying in the throttle with the right. It'll bring the front end right into the turn. Works awsome in front wheel drive cars on dirt too (that's where I learned it.)
Requires some practice to not get panicky and let up on the throttle.

I run my center diff lock any time I feel the front end is hunting or scrabbeling for traction. If the ol' girl doesn't feel like she's grabbing and pulling like I want, I turn on the CDL.

 

[western flyer]

x3. I leave it off in HI on dirt unless drive traction is a considerable challenge, and even then I will turn it off for most tight turns in slushy snow and mud. I sometimes turn on the CDL while towing our off-road trailer up relatively steep hills on dirt if I am getting some wheelspin (usually in the F while going over diagonal ruts or rocks).

 

[ChaseTruck]

Traction is one thing... do you want the ABS to be active or not?
ABS on low(er) traction surfaces can work, but can also give nasty surprises.