'09 120 VX Diff Lock Question (vs Electrics)

[Signal1 Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close Signal1]

Hi Everyone,
First time poster on PP, I'm mainly here to learn about the 120 Series to support my BIL who recently purchased one and is starting to venture off road.

I've owned a Discovery 2 for 4+yrs, member of LROCV and venture off road as much as I can. I'm getting my BIL off road in his VX this weekend and then into the high country (Dargo) over the Queens Birthday weekend.

I would like to know the real world application of the diff lock in the VX vs relying on electrics. In the Disco, I've connected my Centre Diff Lock (CDL) as I know it improves vehicle stability on cross slops, steep terrain and generally minimised traction control intervention. It is used whenever I'm off the black top.

Is the diff lock in the VX the same? My BIL is lead to believe it shouldn't be used as it reduces the effectiveness of the electronic aids off road.

I would really appreciate the views of experienced off roaders on this forum. (I did search but didn't get any results - I'm not used to this forum just yet)

Thanks,
Peter

[Richoson Avid PP Poster! Find all posts View Profile Close Richoson]

Hi Everyone,
First time poster on PP, I'm mainly here to learn about the 120 Series to support my BIL who recently purchased one and is starting to venture off road.

I've owned a Discovery 2 for 4+yrs, member of LROCV and venture off road as much as I can. I'm getting my BIL off road in his VX this weekend and then into the high country (Dargo) over the Queens Birthday weekend.

I would like to know the real world application of the diff lock in the VX vs relying on electrics. In the Disco, I've connected my Centre Diff Lock (CDL) as I know it improves vehicle stability on cross slops, steep terrain and generally minimised traction control intervention. It is used whenever I'm off the black top.

Is the diff lock in the VX the same? My BIL is lead to believe it shouldn't be used as it reduces the effectiveness of the electronic aids off road.

I would really appreciate the views of experienced off roaders on this forum. (I did search but didn't get any results - I'm not used to this forum just yet)

Thanks,
Peter

Hi Peter

In the Prado the CDL is the first step and gives 50/50 distribution between front and rear axles, it doesn't reduce the effects of any traction aids (TRC) if fitted. It is merely the first step, don't forget to disengage when back on the black top.

Enjoy the Toyota experience, Richo.

[Signal1 Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close Signal1]

Thank you for the prompt reply. I hoped that was the answer.

[Steve M Addicted PP Member Find all posts View Profile Close Steve M]

The centre diff lock when activated gives the vehicle 50 to the front and 50 to the back through the drive line. Been a VX he will have traction and stability control. Normally when you lock the centre diff lock it will turn off the stability control but not the traction control. Usually a light on the dash will indicate what is activated and whats not. Been a VX his centre diff lock will be activated by pushing the button in front of the gearstick, along side where his down hill assist would be, this works great if he ever gets to try it but only works in low range. if he hasnt used it yet and hears a whole heap of clatter going on when its activated dont worry thats normal, just the brakes/abs doing there job at keeping the vehicle at a walking pace while decending a slope. It also works in reverse very handy. Traction control is great also, not the same as having twin lockers but still extremely usefull. Whack some decent off road tyres on it and he will be set, I would recomend getting some good under body protection plates as the ones on the 120's are pretty average, maybe a lift if he can afford to as well will make a great improvement. Regards Steve