I noticed the 2wd/4wd button pulls out, which then shows this symbol on the dash. No idea what it is though. Please enlighten me.

Jason

 

Locking rear diff

 

Why and when might I want to use this function?

 

Good applications for the rear locking differential pertain mostly to offroad and limited situations where snow is on the road. Any time you find yourself "stuck" to a point where one wheel is spinning and the other wheel isnt moving (on the rear axle) and you cant 'unstuck' just by switching to 4wd, locking the differential will allow both rear wheels to spin with the same power/tq and essentially get you out of most situations. NOT FOR DRY PAVEMENT (unless you're launching at the track of course.)

 

Thanks. Might I want to use this option in 2WD, rather than opt for 4WD? What if I'm making turns on hardpack snow or ice, would this function in 2WD allow me to better make turns?

 

Not good for turns. Will make your rear end swing out. Use 4WD Hi w/out e-locker.

 

What about low speed, like parking and being to maneuver around in tiny spaces on hard pack and ice? I feel like 4wd places stress on the axels with the constant steering wheel turns, and greatly reduces the turn radius

 

the locker locks the rotation of the rear tires. So the inside and outside tire turn the same speed while turning. Although they travel different distances. This is not a good thing. And will make turning worse and possibly break some gears.

 

Thank you-

 

it will probably not break anything on snow or ice or a wet road. But it's definitely not going to improve turning at all.