I was told by someone on this site that Axle lock refers to the equivalent of lock out hubs and diff lock refers to a locking rear diff. I just read this at Gung Ho trucks web site. " What is the difference between Axle Lock and Diff Lock? Axle lock refers to the rear axle. This feature makes both rear wheels spin at the same time. Diff lock refers to a locking front differential. This feature makes both front wheels spin at the same time. " So who is right??? Randy
I can only address a portion of this. I have a 96 Suzuki with Axle Lock. When I am in 2WD and I push the axle lock button; the button lights, the 4WD ligh on the dash comes on and the trucks acts like its in 4WD. No more slipping, just good traction. As my property is flat I can only assume that it is actually only locking the rear and not truly engaging the 4WD.
Your exactly right. This has been talked about more than once here. If you use the "Search" button it will bring up all the threads on this topic. It seems there was some confusion on this to begin with as some models have their buttons labeled in Japanese making there function unclear. As stated by kepow the axle lock only engages the front drive train to the transfer case, nothing more - no posi or limited slip up front in these babies. As stated by kepow the diff lock locks up the the rear axle only it does not affect the front axle which does it's own thing. Worst case senerio -when you are stuck you have the diff lock engaged driving both rear tires and the open front diff will let the wheel with the least amount of traction spin. I have run across a 1986 Suzuki Carry that had a rear Limited Slip instead of the Diff Lock.
OK I did a search and learned a little. I do have one question though. I have seen 4 wheel drive trucks that do not have axle lock. Just a 2X4 4X4 Hi/Lo lever. If I understand correctly axle lock is kind of like hub locks. Do those trucks without axle lock have auto hub lock ( axle lock )? Randy
They must have something like that. There is some variation between brands/ model years. My 1991 Sambar doesn't have a Hi/Low range and no axle lock button intead it has a 4wd button on top of the shifter that engages the front drive train. I have not been under the front of the truck to see exactly where this occurs but my guess is that it is in the front differential. This leaves the front drive shaft rotating at all times and gives the ability to shift on the fly into 4wd up to 85kmh [so I'm told]. I think that the later model trucks just integrated the axle lock function into the 2wd/ 4wd lever. Also to note is that earlier models had 4spds with Hi/Low range while later models had 5spds with no Hi/ Low range.
TimeTripper is correct....and there is alot of info here concerning the topic. Axle Lock = Front / and does NOT mean "posi-trak", all it does is "lock the hubs" automatically, thus delivering the power from the transfer case /front driveshaft to the wheels. Diff Lock = Rear / and does make the rear axle "posi-trak"
Suzuki's that do not have "axle lock" actually have manual hubs. (Get out and crank em) Although most trucks have the axle lock, we have had a few without. Just a good ol manual lock right on the hub. I am no serious off-roader myself, but some people seem to prefer the manual hubs. Less to go wrong? I dunno. I personally wouldnt want to get out of the truck to engage the 4WD, especially in advese conditions. But a carry with LSD? you dont happen to have the Chassis number of this truck? I would like to source the LSD.
This post answered some questions regarding axle lock. Does the axle lock light supposed to light up. I can tell I am getting traction when in 4-wheel drive but I don't have a light lit up. How do you tell if a carry has a lsd in the rear? Limited Slip differential Thanks
