Got the sliders on today. I've installed several sets of bolt on sliders before in 4Runners, Landcruisers, and Pickup trucks and these are by far the worst. Drilling out holes in the door seam, trying to line up backing plates. What a pain. Oh well, they are on now and my 5' 2" daughter can get in her ride now. lol

 

Did a fun trail run with my uncle out to Fort Tule near Wickenburg, AZ. Had a blast and got some much needed experience under my belt, since I haven't been out much over the last 2 years. I actually had to engage the Diff Lock more than I ever have before.

 

nice '04!

once i hit gravel or dirt i lock up the center diff and don't unlock it again until i get to pavement. i've read that that puts less strain on the axle shafts. well, that and a light touch on the skinny pedal.

 

Jastutte I think putting a regular 4x4 into 4WD is easier on the axles but I suspect that isn’t the case with AWD. I do often lock mine off road, but I suspect that while turning sharp corners our axles would be better off unlocked.

 

Got my CDL working on the 04
it was stuck off but works great now. I even have the cdl light that comes on.

I just used a 13 mm socket , long extension and ratchet to manually operate it about 25 times with pb blaster on it .

hint-
it is way easier to reach from the interior just drill out the rivets in the plate above it to access the transfer case cdl .

use self tapers to re secure it just use enough to creat a good seal again.

 

i read that specifically about our Land Rover Discoverys. of course, i can't recall where in order to reference it.

 

No worries being center diff-locked off road. There's likely much less traction off road, and the wheels will slip when needed and not bind the driveline. Also, our axle diffs are open (stock), and will not bind either. If anything, you can damage the center diff by driving off road with too much wheel spin while unlocked, as it can fail with too much differential. There's an upgraded diff cross pin for this reason. https://ashcroft-transmissions.co.uk.../hd-cross-pin/

 

Thanks wjsj. I know in general off road there is less traction. My comment is probably quite hypothetical, eg turning sharply on rock, but it’s probably no worry even at that.

 

You got it! The failure of the cdl is also kinda hypothetical; It usually only fails under severe loading and slippage; as in mudding while unlocked or hammering up rocks unlocked, which not many people do anyway. But I guess it happens enough to warrant producing that aftermarket part..

 

The CDL does put some strain on the drive train on corners but far less than a lock Diff. I only enage CDL when I need it or think I may need it for a section of trail. I find steep uphills with loose rock are my most common use, along with weird angled cross ditches/humps. As noted though go easy on the skinny pedal.