When to use center diff lock?

[shocktower]

CDL isn't necessary on paved snowy roads or gravel roads unless going through deep snow or mud. You'll probably be ok from this one instance but its something to avoid in the future.

If the CDL light doesn't work on your gauge cluster its most likely a $30 switch located on the transfer case. NAPA Part# ECH NS6421

IDK, I do know that mine saved me from a soccer mom, in her suburban, where she could not decide which side of the road to drive, this January it is a great addition to a Land Cruiser use it and enjoy

 

[Ocho77]

It has helped me on numerous occasions driving through blizzards/heavy snow covered roads. It was easy to drive 40-45 and feel completely comfortable.

As far as on pavement, I drove from Michigan to Denver on the interstate with my CDL locked the entire time. It would not disengage. Stopped at Slee in Denver and they eventually disengaged it and I unplugged it until I could get home and repair. That was 60,000 miles ago and it caused no problems.

 

[ZackR]

It has helped me on numerous occasions driving through blizzards/heavy snow covered roads. It was easy to drive 40-45 and feel completely comfortable.

As far as on pavement, I drove from Michigan to Denver on the interstate with my CDL locked the entire time. It would not disengage. Stopped at Slee in Denver and they eventually disengaged it and I unplugged it until I could get home and repair. That was 60,000 miles ago and it caused no problems.

Did you notice a difference in traction with CDL on vs not? I spend a lot of time on snowy roads here and found that the CDL is really only noticeable if pushing through snow deep enough to cause wheelspin. Sounds like you are using it correctly I just want folks to know its not always beneficial or necessary in the snow (especially with decent tires). For most of the intermittent traction loss situations on snowy roads the VC is enough to smooth things out.

 

[Ocho77]

Did you notice a difference in traction with CDL on vs not? I spend a lot of time on snowy roads here and found that the CDL is really only noticeable if pushing through snow deep enough to cause wheelspin. Sounds like you are using it correctly I just want folks to know its not always beneficial or necessary in the snow (especially with decent tires). For most of the intermittent traction loss situations on snowy roads the VC is enough to smooth things out.

I did, it was significantly better traction. I have only used it in snow/slippery roads but it made a significant difference. I am also on 35" Toyo MT, which are crappy tires for that type of weather.

Agreed, normally I do not use it at all.

 

[RFB]

Ill tell ya, I was OFF ROAD going over large boulders ledges mud and fording water.. It was in 4hi no lockers at all. engaged 4lo and CDL after climbing up a 4ft rock ledge and having one tire get stuck behind a LARGE boulder. 4lo CDl and SHAZAAAM I was out..

 

[DirtScaresMe]

The placard on the sun visor says it really well: use cdl/4wl if you anticipate losing traction. I'm not super off-roady guy so take this with a grain of salt. But I just did the mojave road which is about ~160 miles, and had my cender dif locked in 4wl for maybe 300 yards of the whole trip.

I lock difs when I'm doing "technical" stuff. IE: scenarios where I can easily imagine rolling/flipping/sliding.

 

[Slashzero]

I will be driving my 100 series around in snow, for the first time. Really looking forward to it. I’m guessing everything stated in this thread for 80 series applies to 100 series as well?

 

[Heckraiser]

I don't have a button, and therefore have never used it. Never felt the need, truck drives fine for any condition I've encountered (which is all of them, BTW). Good tires are vastly more important, just one man's opinion