Automatic Locking Diff

[Titan4x4Aggie]

my original plans were to get one of the most recently built titans with the push-button electrically locking diff in addition to the 4x4 drivetrain, but the only ones that were exactly like i wanted were built early and have no button.

my question:

does my differential automatically lock? the dealer seemed to indicate so, but i knew more about the truck before i bought it than the dealer, so i question their knowledge. the dash panel has a "DIFF LOCK" light, and the owner's manual makes no mention of this.

it also doesn't mention the "CHECK SUSP" light, which i was also wondering what that does.

i understand how the brake limited slip differential light works, and it has come on so i know it's in working condition.

i was just wondering about the locking diff.

[Sammy Sandbag]

No it does not automatically lock, that would be a bad thing in certain situations. When engaged selectable lockers are like spools or welded spider gears, both axles turn the same speed as the ring gear. Auto lockers like Detroit lockers and EZ lockers work with gears that never allow an axle to turn slower than the ring gear, so you can still turn on pavement, albeit with slight chirping and popping noises.

[Titan4x4Aggie]

dang, i should have waited and custom ordered online. stupid dealers, so pushy, so convencing. the brake limited slip seems pretty solid though. i my truck cant make it out with 4WD and B-LSD, them i've got huge problems that a simple locking diff might not fix. still, i got mine for $29000, not too much over invoice, so i'm happy.

i wonder how much a locking diff would cost to install. not that i need it now, but later might be a different story...

[vw1972bugs]

Actually, I was asking myself this same question today. I noticed that "Diff Lock" light in the insturment cluster and I dont know what it is? Is this the E-Locker? What does it do? The light never comes on no matter what I do. Please help me figure this one out. Thanks!

[tnbowhunter]

Iv'e never heard of the "CHECK SUSP." must be somthing new or I've just not noticed it. Anyone know what it could be?????
Things that make ya go hmmmmm.

[Sammy Sandbag]

Originally Posted by vw1972bugs

Actually, I was asking myself this same question today. I noticed that "Diff Lock" light in the insturment cluster and I dont know what it is? Is this the E-Locker? What does it do? The light never comes on no matter what I do. Please help me figure this one out. Thanks!

Read your manual first. But my guess is that you must be in 4LO and possibly also in Neutral before you can lock the rear.

[vw1972bugs]

So I can lock my rear? It doesnt really say anything in the manual, but there is a "DIFF LOCK" light in my dash, although I have never seen it light up before. If anyone else has any info please help.

[Sammy Sandbag]

Well, do you have an Off Road equipped model that came with the e-locker? No one here can tell you what did or didn't come with your truck. If it did come equipped it should be on your window sticker and there should also be an switch to lock/un-lock your rear. Obviously the diff lock light isn't going to light up if you don't even no how to turn it on.

[vw1972bugs]

Ok, here is the whole story. I actually bought this truck USED about 2 weeks ago. It had 3100 miles on it. I have the LE King Cab, leather, captains chairs, big tow package, Rockford Fosgate package, Utility bed package, VDC system, Active brake limited slip, Bed extender and a bunch of other stuff. I got the truck for $25900 out the door! Not bad huh? The only thing that stinks is that I have to figrure this truck out on my own.

Anyways, I dont have the off road package but my truck does have a "DIFF LOCK" light in the dash. What is this? I have a feeling that when you put the truck in 4 low it auto locks the rear end. I dont know though.

I put the truck in 4 low a little while ago and it turns the VDC system off. But still, the "DIFF LOCK' light never came on. So...I dont know.

[BossHogg]

The diff lock feature is a button on the lower console by the "tow-mode" button. As described the button electronically locks the rear differential. Sammy is right, it only works in 4LO. An obvious benefit for hard core 'froader's, but honestly - I was a little let down by it. The truck handles so well off-road, the electronic locker is just icing on the cake.

I took the truck out to Topsail Island this weekend, it had rained to pack the sand a little, but I drove anywhere I wanted to go in 2wd and left the the tires at 32PSI. Side note: I hit the loose stuff with a little momentum and kept the RPM's around 1800 when a rear tire broke traction. I would not recommend tackling sand without 4WD.

However, I have had Jeeps TJ's and CJ's with ARB air lockers front and rear, 33 inch tires, and the Titan puttered around on the sand as good or better than the Jeeps. The long wheel base would kill it on the trails, but I was very impressed that a 5000lb truck was so nimble. The best part of all of it you ask? I never rolled down my windows and had the air going full blast in 90+ heat.

[BossHogg]

Bugs you do not have the diff lock feature, Nissan uses the same dash for everyone and that is why the light is there. No button on lower console, no diff lock, but like I said above - you really don't need it.

[CaliforniaTitan]

Originally Posted by vw1972bugs

Ok, here is the whole story. I actually bought this truck USED about 2 weeks ago. It had 3100 miles on it. I have the LE King Cab, leather, captains chairs, big tow package, Rockford Fosgate package, Utility bed package, VDC system, Active brake limited slip, Bed extender and a bunch of other stuff. I got the truck for $25900 out the door! Not bad huh? The only thing that stinks is that I have to figrure this truck out on my own.

Anyways, I dont have the off road package but my truck does have a "DIFF LOCK" light in the dash. What is this? I have a feeling that when you put the truck in 4 low it auto locks the rear end. I dont know though.

I put the truck in 4 low a little while ago and it turns the VDC system off. But still, the "DIFF LOCK' light never came on. So...I dont know.

If you have VDC as you stated above, you don't have the locker...We have VDC :-)

Chris

[Titan4x4Aggie]

wow, talk about return of the dead.

i guess people really do search past threads before posting...

[vw1972bugs]

got it!

thanks guys you were much help.
I got one more question though...

With the 4x4 package, do you need to be in 4 low to activate the diff lock??