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Rear Diff Lock

68K views 29 replies 16 participants last post by  Singh  
#1 ·
I'm looking at selling/trading in my Toyota FJ Cruiser and getting a nused Touareg 2. I go off road a lot. I can't seem to find a Touareg with rear diff lock. Was it a rare option? Also, is there an easy way to tell by pics without having to go put my hands on one or contacting the seller, as there aren't any near me (shopping online). Thanks in advance!
 
#2 ·
The transfer case selector knob on the left side of the centre console will have a rear diff lock setting in the most clockwise position. I don't believe the rear diff lock was offered in NA after the T1 though. So anything 2008 and later won't have it.

I don't think there are any aftermarket solutions either.
 
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#4 ·
My 2008 T2 with the V8 has a rear locker.

I did have to search a little to find one, though.

As already mentioned, the left side transfer case selector knob will have an additional diff lock symbol (shows drivetrain with all three diffs as circles. They're "filled in" as white to indicate which diff is locked). This setting is at the 6 o'clock position.

Fortunately, most dealers will take a picture of the center console, probably to show the cup holders! LOL! If they haven't, just ask to see photos of the center console. ;- )

I know the Aussies like the steel suspension for reliability, but I prefer the air suspension's adjustability. You get some nice clearance with the suspension in Extra Height mode. Because of the lack of articulation (in any mode!), a rear locker is necessary, IMHO, for 4 wheeling.
 
#6 ·
Because of the lack of articulation (in any mode!), a rear locker is necessary, IMHO, for 4 wheeling.
I disagree since I don't have it and have been on a lot of different trails in and around Ouray. I would always hear over the radio if you have rear locker now would be a good time to switch to it. Guess what, I got through the same areas with no issues what so ever. I don't have it there for I don't miss it.

To answer the OP, it was by order only except for the V10 which it came standard except for one year. Air suspension was by order only as well except for the V10.
 
#10 ·
Your talking about 4XMotion in first gen of Touaregs. All others have 4Motion.


http://www.clubtouareg.com/forums/f43/difference-between-4xmotion-and-4motion-17321.html
OP was talking about a T2 which I took to assume was what I drive. I know the differences in the drive trains and reason I have no desire to own a T3. I would rather have the newer design and have the option to order with 4Xmotion and air suspension.

Air suspension does not guarantee a locking rear diff at all. I thought I had read on here awhile ago a member had a steel suspended Treg with no air, but had the locking diff. Was a long time ago and doubt I could find that thread any longer.
 
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#8 ·
4XMotion does not necessarily include locking rear diff. I have 4XMotion but no locking rear diff (like most).
 
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#11 ·
Correct, the V10 was the only model where it came standard in NA. There was even one year where it was not even available on that model. It was by order only, but I don't know exactly what criteria had to be meant to get one with it.
 
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#9 ·
AFAIK, the only way to get a locking rear diff was to order the 4C air, which was only available in NA through 2010, and I think from 2008-2010 as a factory-order option. 2010 was the last year 4XMOTION was offered. On those with 4C air, some have had problems with corrosion on the brass air hose fittings. Search the forum for "air suspension brass" and you should get some info. Know your truck's provenance.

I too can confirm that the 4XMOTION standard locking center diff plus the other onboard wizardry is plenty good enough for offroading anywhere you don't need a winch and solid axles with disconnecting sway bars. I have steel spring suspension, and I do just fine out in the Rockies - Ouray, Lead King Basin/North Fork Geneva Lakes, etc. Buddy of mine had an FJ and we could go the same places. He sold his and went back to a mid-2K's 4Runner....

On-road, my steel-sprung T2 handles great and is a very comfortable cruiser. If VAG wasn't (rumored to be) about to buy them back, I would say a 2010 V6 TDI with 4XMOTION would be the way to go! But I'm biased :)
 
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#14 ·
That is different than my 2008 (aside from the switches being on opposite sides!). I don't have an "on-road" mode in my T2.

But yes, you will have one extra position on the transfer case range selector knob.

I would want it for mud and such. You're more likely to see lots of mud out in the eastern and mid-western part of the USA.
 
#19 ·
Front diff lock in the touareg, now that would be a good option to have!
 
#23 ·
I know this is a late post to this thread. But I just (finally!) got myself an 08 Touareg. I took what I could get as any T2s were hard to come by. As it turns out, I got a V6 with Lux Plus package AND Locking Rear Diff option! Excited with my purchase.
Nice! I'm surprised someone that didn't order the V8 decided to order the rear locker. <shrug>

Either way, it's a win for you! Enjoy!
 
#22 ·
Whenever I see a Touareg for sale I'll always look and see if it has the rear diff lock option. I wish mine had it (once anyway).

Perhaps it might be worthwhile to start a thread about it? On the Silverado forum I'm on there is a dedicated thread to trucks for sale with the rare ZF-6 manual transmission. If someone finds one for sale they share the link for others that are looking.

Just a thought.
 
#27 ·
sounds a bit complicated. i actually went off road yesterday and did some trails that left me amazed with what the treg could do. super steep and rocky. only a center diff locked and barely any wheel spin. when it did spin the tc kicked in immediately. i did get to some muddy ruts that seemed too deep so i turned around. i did 21.9 miles at a place called knoxville in california. mostly low range 1st and second gear. some with the center diff locked.
 
#29 ·
Old thread and all, but just letting you know in Oz the V10 didn't come with the rear locker as standard. Plenty here without it so must have come as part of an option pack in T1. Mine has it but plenty don't. The TC in these rigs will get you so far but a rear locker stops that hesitation while TC works it out. Climbing is much smoother with the rear locker in. Good for circle work as well but that is just me. The locker offers same advantages for all vehicles I suppose.


Now about that front locker discussion: we can only wish someone makes a kit.
 
#30 ·
Mostly found in 04 to prefacelift 07 models. Diff locks, paddle shifters, nav etc were removed from then. Only R50s got nav and paddle shifters but no locker of course.
This applies to au models.
Locker works and helps in certain situations over TC of course and gives vehicles such as the Amarok the edge- doesnt have low range but locker takes very far off-road