Hi John,
The default behaviour is for the centre diff to lock up when put into low
range, regardless of whether you have the CDL switch installed. To override
this behaviour you need to either carry out the Pin 7 mod or unplug the main
control wiring from the transfer case - both of these techniques are described
in the last three links in my last email.
Only when you do the mod mentioned above.
It is best to lock them all until you no longer need them. The biggest strain
when locked up is on the CV joints when you turn the steering wheel,
particularly if they are slightly worn.
If you have no grip and are fully locked up and then suddenly get grip it can
lead to a cv joint or halfshaft snapping, but this is very rare although
exasperated if the components are worn.
Yes when fully locked up, although the steering is very stiff.
It's down to your auto box - you still get the three gears in low as you do in
high although the changing points are different (the gearbox tends to hang onto
the gears, only changing when the revs get higher).
If you do the Pin 7 mod you will get complete control over the used of the
centre diff lock, but retain the standard low range change pattern for the
gearbox. If you remove the connector from the tranfer case you get the full
control over the CDL and allso the benefit of the same gear changing pattern in
low range as you have in high range.
Personally I have gone down the Pin 7 mod route, but next time around (or when
I get the chance to change it I would rather go the route of removing the
connector on the transfer case so that I have more useful changing pattern for
the gears.
The power is going to the wheels that are spinning - have a good read of the
Diffs for Dummmies page to fully understand this.
No, although the front and read diffs will only engage if the CDL is locked and
you are restricted by the rotary control of the front and rear diff locks so
the rear engages before the front and in reverse the front is disengaged before
rear.
Eventually, yes. Whilst the actuators will disengage, the actual locks won't
actually disengage until you releive the pressure on them, usually from turning
a corner, or stopping, etc.
I hope that helps a bit ;-)
--
Regards,
Julian Voelcker
Mobile: 07971 540362
Skype: julianvoelcker
Cirencester, United Kingdom
1994 HDJ80, 2.5" OME Lift