Diff lock.

[Hoversurvey]

Hi everyone. I've just joined the forum.

We have a Mk 7 camper that needs to go places a nice camper wouldn't...mostly beaches
and woodland... often with a trailer. It regularly gets stuck...not bogged but just needs a bit more traction.

Can anyone suggest a difflock or what axle to fit to provide lsd capability ? I am out of my depth on Ford stuff .

Its a nice van and in good condition so worth doing some work to get a decent conversion.

All ideas appreciated! Ross

[knobby1]

Hi everyone. I've just joined the forum.

We have a Mk 7 camper that needs to go places a nice camper wouldn't...mostly beaches
and woodland... often with a trailer. It regularly gets stuck...not bogged but just needs a bit more traction.

Can anyone suggest a difflock or what axle to fit to provide lsd capability ? I am out of my depth on Ford stuff .

Its a nice van and in good condition so worth doing some work to get a decent conversion.

All ideas appreciated! Ross

Assuming it's a RWD..?? Don't think there is a diff-lock or LSD available off the shelf for the Transits, the only option would be a custom axle, that's a whole other can of worms. The Mk7's did come from the factory with an AWD setup, but they're quite rare.

Lord Knobrot

[bambi mk 1]

Hi everyone. I've just joined the forum.

We have a Mk 7 camper that needs to go places a nice camper wouldn't...mostly beaches
and woodland... often with a trailer. It regularly gets stuck...not bogged but just needs a bit more traction.

Can anyone suggest a difflock or what axle to fit to provide lsd capability ? I am out of my depth on Ford stuff .

Its a nice van and in good condition so worth doing some work to get a decent conversion.

All ideas appreciated! Ross

It wont be a nice van for long if you bring it on the beach,Transits are known to rust in the brochure

[knobby1]

It wont be a nice van for long if you bring it on the beach,Transits are known to rust in the brochure

From what I understand, even the plastic parts rust in the UK..!

Lord Knobrot

[Airthies]

Best option for locker diff would be one off a yank pickup that you could chop and modify spring mounts to fit. Your then getting into modified/different wheels front and back.

You do have the esp switch which helps and then choice of tyre can make a huge difference (I run BFG AT Ko2 225/75R16 on mine an I take it shitty places.

Then rather than investing in the challenge of putting another diff under there why not invest in a good portable mini compressor.?
Drop tyres down to as low as 10/20psi and spread the footprint depending on ground conditions

As mentioned though if you go for the option of putting a newer axle on, after being on the beach a few times that could be all you're left with

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[Hoversurvey]

Thanks everyone. I think that tells me what I feared...not much chance of a mechanical solution.

Just for the record, our van is regularly blasted with waxoyl and when it is taken to the beach it gets a full wash off and flush...but never gets on the wet bits, just tows the trailer on hard sand so I am kind to it....honest !!! I have owned Land Rovers for decades so sadly know about the tin worm issue.

Thanks for the advice. Much appreciated all.

[Airthies]

One thing I've not looked into but thought about is the ranger diff...
You get electric locking versions of that so wondering if its possible to make some sort of barsteward of the two.
The biggest problem with any axle that has diff lock is the track width, as nothing is as wide as the transit.

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[bambi mk 1]

You could try https://gripperlsd.com/ They can build you one ,may be a tad expensive but less expensive than replacing you van stuck in the sand with the tide comming in

[Hoversurvey]

Thanks. Their web site looks promising. BTW, I phoned ARB today and they don't do anything.

We only go at low tide and stay on the hard sand so unlikely ....I hope

[Jim Archer]

One thing I've not looked into but thought about is the ranger diff...
You get electric locking versions of that so wondering if its possible to make some sort of barsteward of the two.
The biggest problem with any axle that has diff lock is the track width, as nothing is as wide as the transit.

Sent from my anu5 using crapatalk

If it's a Dana unit, it may well swap in with some small mods, they tend to use generic parts.

Jim

[Airthies]

they tend to use generic parts.

Jim

That's what I've found between the ranger and transit so far in my namby pamby project front hub splines the same(ish) gear box the same.
Just it's a bit much for me at this point to be spending more cash on a hunch and a hope

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[Hoversurvey]

No luck from Gripper. They can make a special but at £1700 plus fitting it would be unaffordable. I fear the idea is dead in the water but I find it incredible with all the vehicles around no one has produced an aftermarket unit. In the Land Rover world you have any number of people making different addons. Not all well thought out but a huge range of aftermarket stuff.

[dumper]

When I had my mk3 campervan I fitted a ZF Limited slip diff supplied by ford and had it on off road tyres it was better at getting into places but still got stuck when I parked up but been on car rally’s there is allways a recovery team on the events to pull me out but for when I’m fishing in the van I carry a hand winch and a long ratchet strap and have managed to pull my self out of the muck may not be any good to you as not many trees on the beach to pull against

[Hoversurvey]

Gripper have advised they may be able to make a batch for £950 each if they have 4 units ordered. Anyone interested ?

[solo_muka]

When I had my mk3 campervan I fitted a ZF Limited slip diff supplied by ford and had it on off road tyres it was better at getting into places but still got stuck when I parked up but been on car rally’s there is allways a recovery team on the events to pull me out but for when I’m fishing in the van I carry a hand winch and a long ratchet strap and have managed to pull my self out of the muck may not be any good to you as not many trees on the beach to pull against

Ho, this is interesting.

Do you have any references for the Tyres and diff you used on your MKIII?
I'm into modding mine to enhance off road capabilities!


Thanks!