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Old 05-08-2012, 03:31 PM   #1
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Center Diff

The turning radius of my SMB conversion is not bad considering its size--when in 2wd. When in 4wd low, not so much.

Is anyone aware of a lockable center diff option? It would be very cool to have AWD for tight switchbacks, but still be able to lock it all up for tractor mode. I know there are are factory center diffs on Expeditions et al, but they are kinda light duty. I'm talking Unimog AWD here.

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Old 05-08-2012, 11:46 PM   #2
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Re: Center Diff

If it's a matter of getting hung up in a tight spot once in a while, just get out and unlock one of the hubs.

If you're going back and forth between slick and sticky conditions this is a real pain, and one of the many reasons I strongly prefer driving an awd vehicle when passing back and forth through snow level.

To answer your actual question, center diffs generally come as part of the transfer case. The H1 and the HMMWV use variants of the New Venture 242. Unless I'm confused however, it can't be unlocked in low range. The military and civilian versions differ quite a bit; you'll probably want to stick with the civilian version if you want to spend real amounts of time at highway speeds.

The thing is also used in a large number of Jeep models, though the H1 version appears to be a heavier duty version. My first step would be to see how it hold up in the big HP-nutter hemi variants, and then see if one could be rebuilt with H1 parts.

I'm sure someone could bolt together some sort of a divorced setup, but you're into serious one-off territory (even when compared to 4x4 e-series).

(Disclaimer: I'm no expert, I just spent far to much time researching transfer case options while I considered a DIY or kit build)
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Old 05-09-2012, 08:49 AM   #3
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Re: Center Diff

Which TC do you have now?
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Old 05-09-2012, 09:03 AM   #4
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Center Diff

Atlas

Z


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Old 05-09-2012, 09:05 AM   #5
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Re: Center Diff

Quote:
Originally Posted by Zeta
Do you have the Twin Stick version where you can engage front, rear or both?
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Old 05-09-2012, 09:42 AM   #6
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Re: Center Diff

Quote:
Originally Posted by BajaSportsmobile
Quote:
Originally Posted by Zeta
Do you have the Twin Stick version where you can engage front, rear or both?
I believe all Atlas t/c are twin stick.


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Old 05-09-2012, 12:13 PM   #7
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Center Diff

Quote:
Originally Posted by BajaSportsmobile
Quote:
Originally Posted by Zeta
Do you have the Twin Stick version where you can engage front, rear or both?
Yes. I just hate stopping, putting it in neutral and taking it out of 4wd to climb a steep, slippery switchback. Called Advanced Adapters, they said F off.

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Old 05-09-2012, 01:03 PM   #8
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Re: Center Diff

I have to slow way down but I don't have to come to a complete stop to go in and out of 4WD. It meshes like syncros when shifting w/o a clutch. It never grinds but there can't be any load or heavy resistance which makes it kind of hard in a steep climb or descent.
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Old 05-09-2012, 01:43 PM   #9
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Center Diff

Quote:
Originally Posted by daveb
I have to slow way down but I don't have to come to a complete stop to go in and out of 4WD. It meshes like syncros when shifting w/o a clutch. It never grinds but there can't be any load or heavy resistance which makes it kind of hard in a steep climb or descent.
In low range? I at least have to have it in neutral.


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Old 05-09-2012, 02:34 PM   #10
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Re: Center Diff

Quote:
Originally Posted by BroncoHauler
Quote:
Originally Posted by BajaSportsmobile
Quote:
Originally Posted by Zeta
Do you have the Twin Stick version where you can engage front, rear or both?
I believe all Atlas t/c are twin stick.


Herb
You are correct.

What front Diff is in it, is it selectable?
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