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Locking differentials (or diff locks) are the only cure for the shortcoming
of differentials sometimes sending torque to the "wrong" wheel. Diff locks disable the differential's ability to distribute torque equally and its ability to allow the wheels to rotate at different speeds.
In some ways a diff lock is the ultimate traction device. Since, all wheels
rotate at the same speed when engaged, a vehicle with locks on all axles has traction if just one wheel does.
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By disabling (or locking) the differential, steering becomes very difficult and the wheel with the most traction will get the most torque,
as much as 100%. This guarantees that any wheel with traction will receive enough torque to move the car.
In sum, diff locks will keep you going and keep you from getting stuck.
The drawbacks of diff locks:
- Locking (disabling) the differential makes it impossible for wheels to roll at different speeds.
Therefore, with lockers engaged, on high traction surfaces it becomes very difficult to make turns,
and on low traction surfaces the turning radius gets very wide.
- Unfortunately a diff' lock is on or off; there is no in-between. This can make the vehicle understeer (tend to go straight ahead in corners) or veer suddenly sideways if one side looses traction, like on ice.
These serious drawbacks of diff locks require an educated driver who knows exactly
when to lock the diffs, usually only for a very brief moment, and when to unlock the diff to maintain
steerability.
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