A place for general chat about the Jimny. Please make sure you post in the correct section on the site, this way it keeps the site tidy AND ensures you get a more relevant answer.
Suppliers/Dealers or anyone selling with a commercial view in mind CANNOT post here unless responding to a specific request of a member in a "wanted" post.
Suppliers include people "breaking for spares" on a regular basis, when purchasing spares members should ask a supplier what they contribute to the running of the forum particularly if contacted by a Private Message
Suppliers or Members who have contributed to the forum can be identifed by the
Yakuza is correct. To permanently lock the front diff - spool or welded diff, they are the same thing in reality - and then to try and use it on a public road would make you lethal. You would have doubled or tripled your turning circle and driving would be difficult and dangerous.
Hi Lookon, I'm pleased it's got you thinking. In theory it's that simple, but ideally you want a bit more control over the front hubs. On my Gen3 this was as simple as unplugging the 4wd connector on the transfer case and routing it to a switch in the cabin. This allows me to switch the hubs on and off much quicker, especially handy if you are in low range. Of course this also gives the option of using low range in 2wd which is very handy if you want to drive slow or need extra torque without needing 4wd regardless of what you do with the front diff.
It should also be said that extra caution must be used when engaging the front axle with a welded diff. On a grippy surface it's a complete no-no, and will wreck the CVs in short order. Anything grippier than wet grass is a no. On road is a no unless it's completely snow covered. You should also expect a much shorter service life for the front CVs, simply because you are making them work twice as hard. My vehicle is only mildly modified with 215/75 mud terrains. If you're already stressing the driveline with much bigger tyres then a welded front diff will be a step too far. It's also not advisable if you have manual hubs, as you will need to be getting in and out the car even more than normal. I have gone to extra steps to make my vacuum hubs completely reliable, and I carry the tools needed to manually unlock them if needed. I'm not telling you not to do it, but these are all things you need to consider.
In reply to other comments, a locked front diff is completely different to a locked rear or locked front and locked rear combined. It DOES NOT limit the turning circle!
The concept of steering is that the front wheels turn at different speeds. If you force the two wheels to turn at the same speed then the vehicle will attempt to travel in a straight line. The steering will become heavier and the whole vehicle will buck about as the tyres loose grip or something in the driveline breaks.
The turning circle will increase and this is something that must be accepted.
The comment "does not LIMIT the turning circle" does not apply because the turning circle has already been increased.
If you still have reservations then I suggest you check out the web.
Yakuza is correct. To permanently lock the front diff - spool or welded diff, they are the same thing in reality - and then to try and use it on a public road would make you lethal. You would have doubled or tripled your turning circle and driving would be difficult and dangerous.
In my opinion this is madness.
Roger
But you wouldn't be in 4x4 on the road in a Jimny anyway regardless of if you have a welded front axle or not you will kill your transmission. Remembering that the front driveline of the Jimny is double isolated in 4x2 then a welded diff simply cannot affect the steering as its not connected to anything.
Off road a connected welded front axle makes no difference to the turning circle simply because the surface being driven over is sufficiently low traction to negate the effect of the wheels turning at the same speed. As long as the angle of the front wheels is able to change relatively to the direction of travel then they will attempt to change the direction of travel to the best ability of their available traction.
Temeraire (2018 quasar grey automatic)
One of the last 200ish of the gen3s, probably.
ADOS Attention Deficit Ooooh Shiny!
Busta
thanks for shedding some more light on the subject.
I am more curious about the welded hubs, not really considering it, but everyday we learn something new. thanks for broadening my technical insight to alternative options.
Lambert
yes I agree completely with u regarding the turning circle And as long as front hubs are free, there is absolute no difference even if the diff has been welded. If you ever need 4x4 you definately on gravel. so in my case immaterial really and turning circle not an aspect really to consider. in my case the intention to drive 4x4 onroad with locked hubs is an absolute zero.
but thanks guys, at least I now know of one more alternative way to increase 4x4 ability for the serious off readers.
I made a video for those hard of understanding. The car is in 4wd, welded diff and all, throughout the video. And bear in mind this is a relatively grippy surface, certainly not one where you would normally use 4wd.
logo.
