RE: Re quattro II v IV

[Gary Kaklikian <Gary.Kaklikian@digital.com>]

Is there really a maximum speed limit for the center diff lock on the
generation 1 cars (eg Urq/4000/5000)? My understanding is that the rear lock
should be used only at very low speeds and really only when the car is stuck
in mud,snow,etc. I thought the center diff could be locked at highway speeds
even in the rain, and on dry pavement for track use (though the tires would
scrub off the speed difference between the front and rear axles). Am I
mistaken?

Thanks,
Gary Kaklikian
86 4kcsq (turbo soon)
86 5kcstq


-----Original Message-----
From: Erik R Addy [mailto:erik@aero.und.edu]
Sent: Tuesday, February 09, 1999 11:52 AM
To: quattro@coimbra.ans.net
Subject: Re quattro II v IV


> 
> So which system is better? Not having driven my car in snow yet, I'm
> thinking I would feel more secure if *I* had control over the
> differentials. It's the robot thing, I guess, and my need for 

Personally I would prefer the EDL to manual diff locks because:

1) They work all the time below 45 mph (I believe), but manual diffs
only help when you turn them on (rarely), and only at low speed.

2) Works on front and rear, as opposed to rear-only.

3) You always have abs (questionable advantage, I know).

However, to me this isn't a huge deal, as I have never HAD to lock the
rear diff anyway.  Now, I've been known to do some "experimenting" from
time to time on snowcovered deserted roads, but thats just for fun!
BTW, if you live in snow country, I HIGHLY recomend you consider
seperated winter saftey, to protect your nice new car, and your family.

HTH
erik
erik@aero.und.edu