Hi and Lo options

[Steve R]

The electronic locker, aka the E-locker. Hummergirl wants to know about it....O'tay!

The differential is that big-ole round thing in the middle of the axle...this is where power is diverted to each wheel. Only when you drive straight forward are both wheels turning at the identical speed. When you make a turn, one wheel must travel a longer arc then the other...accordingly, each wheel turns at a different rate. The differential allows for a difference in the speed each wheel turns as the vehicle makes its turns. Without a differential, one tire would chirp, slip and a loss of traction would be induced! So a differential is a good thing.

There is one problem; if you were to take one wheel completely off the ground...that one wheel would turn very fast, while the one on the ground would just sit there and do nothing!

Over the years there have been differentials that offer various 'systems' to deal with this. Limited Slip differentials allow only so much slippage and eventually engage the other tire. "posi-traction" and other various forms of this such concept help. Another intersting solution is to apply a BIT of braking...the braking helps to restrict the free-spinning wheel and direct some power to the traction-wheel....this concept is known as BTM, Brake-Throttle Modulation: Essential in H1's, NOT recommended for our H2's (factory issued notice!).

So what is the locker? Simple...it locks the differential and essentially makes the axle one-piece: No slippage, both wheels turning at the same speed. You will lose some steering control and this mode is only for low-speeds and usually temporary just for getting over nasty obstacles and steep hills.

There are more details, but this post is already lengthy enough (NO JOKES NEEDED). I hope this gives some insight.

There is nothing cooler then a person who has an awesome vehicle AND knows how to use it. AND, there's nothing more awesome then a lady explaining this stuff to guys who ask! Read it, know it, learn and experience it in the field!