A 2011 RR-SC I’m interested in has the Rear Diff option and I’m trying to understand the pros and cons of having this.

I’ve done some mild research and the advantage seems to be the RR will be more capable in certain off-road situations and may also be in deep snow. Some have said that unless you do serious off-road driving it’s not needed. I’m sure this is an oversimplification, and I welcome clarification if I’ve got any of this wrong.

In reading info from Wikipedia on rear diffs it was mentioned several times that a rear diff created a more unsettled ride, increased tire wear, and could create harshness in every day ride quality.

I’m very interested to hear from anyone who has experience with the RR-SC Rear Diff, both from an on-road and off-road perspective.

I would hate to drop $100k on an RR and find the Rear Diff option negatively impacted the amazing ride quality.

 

The differential isn't optional. Rovers are 4wd and therefore have one in the front and rear for each axle. The option I think you are describing is the differential locker. The locker, when engaged, will make both wheels on the axle travel at the same speed. Without the locker, one wheel (usually the one with the least traction) will spin while the other stays stationary. The lockers add a little weight to the vehicle, but will otherwise not affect handling, ride nor any of the other things you listed.

If you want to off road, I would highly recommend the option. The only "con" would be the price tag.

 

Yup, I agree 100%. It was not an option for my Supercharged--standard equipment; that's why I got that truck... it will off-road like nothing else.

 

rear diff comes with full sized spare but not for a set of twenty inch rims. wont fit when fully inflated.

 

What? Uh Yes, the spare is the exact same tire and rim that are on the other four corners. I guarantee that unless you buy it from a private sale and the seller stuck something else in there.