When a vehicle with four wheel drive engaged is driven in a straight line, the standard differentials in most vehicles allow equal transfer of engine torque to all four wheels. When the vehicle turns a corner, torque is delivered to the wheels that experience the least resistance. This principle ensures that the inside wheels will rotate freely and power is delivered to the outside wheel to prevent tyres from scuffing and wearing out prematurely.
Because the standard differentials transfer the torque to the wheels that encounter the least resistance, you will lose drive on loose/slippery ground or if one wheel is suspended in mid air. This becomes a problem as the wheel will spin and won’t allow the wheel on firmer ground to drive the vehicle out of a situation.
The operation of a locking differential will stop the differential action thus giving equal drive to both wheels on the driveline and allowing the vehicle to maintain forward momentum and drive out of the situation.
The operation of the Pro Locker differential is simple and straightforward. Utilising compressed air, the internal selector ring will engage the lock ring. Once the TJM Pro Locker is engaged it forms a solid link between the carrier and the side gears. The differential is now locked and will deliver equal drive to both axles. The vehicle that was once suspended in mid air can now have equal power delivered to the wheel on firmer ground. Unlocking the differential involves the pressurised air being redirected through an exhaust port on the solenoid valve. The spring and the actuator pushes the selector ring back, which in turn pulls the locking ring back out of engagement with the side gear. The differential is now unlocked and the gears are free to differentiate as before.
Tyres, Suspension, Compressors