Is anyone running a front LSD?

[mudnut]

I have posted before that I have been toying with the idea of fitting an LSD from the rear of an MK/Q into the front of the Old Trol. I have been too chicken to do so as I have read that it can create dangerous situations such as the turning circle is greatly increased.

As the title asks, has anyone actually fitted a front LSD and what did you have to do to fit it. What effect has it had and would you recommend it on a standard Patrol?

Would it be better to sell the LSD and put the money towards a locker?

[MB]

G’day Craig mate,
Only my nuffy opinion but do enjoy selectable (when needed) front end hairpin steerability if that’s such a word?
Next level see’s the toughest on market arse end LSD (Patrol) also swapped for selectable too we down/across here find.
Maybe an old faithful me but do rely on ARB air but are hearing here very economical performance of E-Locker jobbies these days.
Either way, super depends on what/where you need to go, our family stock rear LSD wagon continues to smash ‘Axle Hill’ near Licola and its namesake comes from Toyoda’s failing [emoji106][emoji106]



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[AB]

I would probably save for some kind of locker mate, I would imagine an lsd in front would be a pain to steer on the road all the time?


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[MB]

FWIW: Them old school old days version ‘auto-lockers’ used to get confused (pop) in slippery creek beds in the day :-( ! ?


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[mudnut]

The local "go-to-man" refuses to fit autolockers of any kind. I like the idea of an e locker as it only relies on one system compared to an air locker.

Still want to hear from someone who has fitted the LSD.

[MB]

Never heard of it Craig mate, not to say in theory can’t be done but genuinely why bother.
Mrs MB cracks the absolute shits how far up and beyond we can take a stock rear LSD/slippery front end beyond all other wannabe twucks!!


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[mudnut]

I've been stuck a couple of times with one front wheel spinning uselessly in the breeze. I have the unit sitting there and am very curious about how they perform.

[MB]

Nothing scarier honestly than a 1kmph downhill scrabble hairpin when our relatively heavy twucks just damn well won’t corner.
Tis a serious long way down to muck around with uncontrollable locked up front ends!


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[0-TJ-0]

I'd tend to agree. I think there's probably a reason you don't hear from many people that have done it before. I reckon once all said and done it'd cost you the same-ish as an auto locker which would give you a fully locked diff with similar drawbacks.

If I ever decide I've got the coin to spare I'd go an elocker too. I had a landcruiser for a while with factory front and rear elockers. Brilliant setup.

[mudnut]

I suppose I could trade the diff for another open diff and install a locker. Curiosity killed the cat! Fitting thicker/thinner shims to cause it to lock or slip. It has me intrigued.

[0-TJ-0]

I mean it'd be an interesting experiment.. and I'd follow with interest haha.. but I just wouldn't imagine it would be very nice to drive in normal circumstances. The tighter you shimmed it the better traction you'd have but I assume the turning circle would grow as a result. Plus you may need to consider the legalities of it if it's a daily. Might upset your insurance if you come unstuck.

[mudnut]

The diff is only in use if the manual hubs are locked. You have raised an interesting point with insurance. Is an auto locker roadworthy, or an e locker or air locker for that matter?

[0-TJ-0]

But just normal wheeling when you're out on the tracks.. you don't wanna be locking and unlocking your hubs all weekend. At least I don't. Normally get locked in when I get off the black stuff and stay in till I'm on my way home.

Elockers would have to be legal. They're factory items in the cruisers. They do however only lock in under certain conditions.. ie only when low range is selected. Not sure on the auto lockers or any aftermarket jobo.

[threedogs]

I've been stuck a couple of times with one front wheel spinning uselessly in the breeze. I have the unit sitting there and am very curious about how they perform.
have you tried tapping the brakes when you have one wheel spinning it gives drive to the one not spinning??

[mudnut]

have you tried tapping the brakes when you have one wheel spinning it give drive to the one not spinning??

I'm not that coordinated TD. :( Have tried that on sand with the hand throttle locked open. Didn't quite get it. Having an auto would make that technique easier.

Loosing momentum is the biggest problem.

[PeeBee]

A mate of mine had front and rear detroit lockers in a 60 series landcruiser, went anywhere as long as it was in a straight line, total pig of a thing in the bush, turning circle of a train, constantly having to stop and back up, Saw another guy with a factory LSD in the rear of a Nissan 7204wd and one of those loc-rites in the front. He liked the way it 'let go' on high friction surfaces in the bush when turning so the turning circle was pretty good, he didn't do anything super hard with it, but it worked for him - something else to consider perhaps

[PureCaboose]

Not sure how it would with a locked centre diff/transfer case but my Subaru Liberty GT came with front and rear LSD differentials as well a selectable centre diff from 70/30 to 50/50 LSD action.

Don't see why an LSD in the front would be problematic as it will still allow turning/steering action as it is not locked like an auto locker.

Would be interesting to see if anyone has put an LSD in the front of a large 4wd instead of a small turbo lounge chair...

[mudnut]

Not sure how it would with a locked centre diff/transfer case but my Subaru Liberty GT came with front and rear LSD differentials as well a selectable centre diff from 70/30 to 50/50 LSD action.

Don't see why an LSD in the front would be problematic as it will still allow turning/steering action as it is not locked like an auto locker.

Would be interesting to see if anyone has put an LSD in the front of a large 4wd instead of a small turbo lounge chair...

Someone mentioned racers use a front LSD, but that is a different animal altogether. I wonder how tight the front LSD was shimmed in your Subaru to get a good turning circle?