LOCKING REAR DIFFERENTIAL
General information
Your vehicle is equipped with a locking rear differential; vehicles
equipped with this differential should be identified by a ªCautionº label
mounted on the instrument panel. Vehicle handling characteristcs will be
different than a conventional differential. Examples of this would be:
²When turning a corner, the sound of component disengagement and
re-engagement may be audible, and the transfer of driving torque from
both wheels to one wheel may be noticeable.
²When going from drive (acceleration) to coast (deceleration) in a
turn, a ªmetallicº sound may be heard as torque flow is reversed
(inside wheel engaged during acceleration; outside wheel engaged
during deceleration).
²When negotiating a turn (outside wheel disengaged), the inside wheel
under conditions of poor traction may receive excessive torque, which
could cause it to break traction momentarily until its speed is equal to
the outside wheel. This will result in re-engagement of the outside
wheel thus allowing both wheels to be driven. This condition is most
noticeable with lightly loaded axles.
Use extreme caution when accelerating or decelerating on
slippery or unstable surfaces. Vehicles/axles equipped with
traction differentials are inherently more sensitive to side-slip than
vehicles equipped with conventional differentials. Stability can be
retained if side-slip occurs by decelerating (letting off the accelerator).
Do not apply the brake. To do so may result in loss of vehicle control.
The vehicle's braking capacity is reduced when a turn is made while
coasting downhill because the inside wheel is then disconnected from the
driveline. Operating in low gear will allow the engine to act as a retarder
and will improve braking capacity.
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Inspection and lubrication
When servicing any driveline components on a vehicle equipped
with a locking rear differential, ensure that the engine is off and
all wheels are off the ground to prevent the vehicle from moving. Axles
equipped with a locking rear differential deliver power to both wheels,
even when only one wheel is on the ground. Failure to observe these
cautionary measures may cause the vehicle to move which can result
in property damage, personal injury, even death.
This differential is designed to operate in the lubricant recommended by
the vehicle/axle manufacturer; no special lubricant is needed. Refer to
theLubricant Specificationsin yourOwner's Guidefor the proper axle
lubricant. For very cold weather applications, use the lightest oil the axle
manufacturer will allow to overcome possible sluggish reengagement of
the driven clutch assemblies.
No adjustments or alterations should be made to the differential. Refer to
the vehicle/axle manufacturer's instructions for adjustments to other
components in the axle.
SAND INGESTION
When driving through sand, traction or brake capability may be limited.
Also, sand may enter your engine's air intake and severely damage your
engine or your vehicle may stall. Driving through sand where the
transmission vent tube or external breather kit is submerged may allow
sand into the transmission and cause internal transmission damage.
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