2018 Xmr rear differential

[RossO]

Does anyone know if it is possible to get parts or the whole assembly for an unlocking rear diff in the 2018 Defender Xmr?  I didn't think it would bother me that much to have a solid rear diff, but lately the wife and daughter like to go for rides around town and its all asphalt.  It is definitely more of a burden when I have the 31" street tires on.  It almost make me not even want to drive it on asphalt.

' 

 

[DavidY]

I have a similar issue with my brand new DPS 6x6. The 4 rear wheels are full-time 4WD (open diffs) but it binds up in turns, tearing up my lawn and leaving skid marks all over my concrete drive.

I can disconnect the rear driveshaft but that is less than convenient.

Manually locking hubs or a locking diff like used in the front of my 6x6 would be awesome...

 

[Andystoy19]

I was chatting with a knowledgable parts guy at the dealer the other day getting some info on potential clutching changes for my machine and I asked him if he knew what the difference in low gear ratio was between the Defender XT and the XMR?

He couldn't find the gear ratio but found that the gearboxes are different and the cost difference is big with the XMR being the cheaper one. This might suggest why the XMR has a solid rear diff like the Outlander for example and the Defender being more of a utility machine has the unlocking diff option to protect the grass etc. around the house.

The best person who might be able to answer your question would be to ask someone in the shop who works on the machines to see if the XMR can be upgraded to an electric  rear diff lock?

I did ask about the Smart Lok front diff that is available on the XMR but not on the Defender XT and it appears you can buy the parts to do the upgrade but they are way to expensive, so if I wanted the option for locking the front diff I would probably choose one of the aftermarket models?

 

[DavidY]

"I did ask about the Smart Lok front diff that is available on the XMR but not on the Defender XT and it appears you can buy the parts to do the upgrade but they are way to expensive, so if I wanted the option for locking the front diff I would probably choose one of the aftermarket models?"

This is one of the options I'd like to explore with my 6x6 - being a total noobie with CanAm, can you point me to who is making aftermarket diffs and driveline components? If I could adapt a Smart Lok front diff to my most rear tires and activate it with a switch... Man, that would be cool.

Thanks!

 

[Andystoy19]

There are several options on the net, the halo locker which replaces the visco lok front end appears to operate similarily to the Smart Lok. Once you replace the visco lok you can lock the front end with a switch on the dash. I have not seen this one operate other than the U tube video. The torque locker and pin locker are other options that will appear if you search for can am differential lock?

I do not know if anyone makes anything for the rear diff as the gear boxes from the factory may be different and it may be more difficult to do? FYI

 

[Rudy]

I installed the halo locker front differential kit about a year ago and it works flawlessly. Makes a huge difference from the visco lock. 

 

[RossO]

Does the 2019 Xmr rear diff fit in the 2018 Xmr?  
 

As for the 6x6, could you have (2) unlocking rear diffs?  Obviously very expensive, but would that be an option?

 

[DavidY]

I think I'd just want to unlock the rear-most wheels.

So far, other than just trying it out, there has been no need for the full 6WD. This thing has traction for days!

 

[DavidY]

"I installed the halo locker front differential kit about a year ago and it works flawlessly. Makes a huge difference from the visco lock."

Thanks, Rudy! I'll check into that.

 

[Andystoy19]

I installed the halo locker front differential kit about a year ago and it works flawlessly. Makes a huge difference from the visco lock. 

Hi Rudy, I watched a couple of their videos including the install one but have a question. Do you have to fully stop to engage the electric locking device on the halo locker?

 

[DavidY]

I contacted Halo and they don't do anything with rear diffs.

I'm still looking for a solution.

 

[RossO]

I contacted Halo and they don't do anything with rear diffs.

I'm still looking for a solution.

Awesome.  I really appreciate the help. Thank you

 

[Rudy]

I installed the halo locker front differential kit about a year ago and it works flawlessly. Makes a huge difference from the visco lock. 

Hi Rudy, I watched a couple of their videos including the install one but have a question. Do you have to fully stop to engage the electric locking device on the halo locker?

Hello Andystoy19, I would recommend stopping before locking the halo locker as it is a mechanical pin lock and if the axle is spinning when the pin locker is engaged it can wear pins prematurely. I would definitely verify with Halo though. I always stop to engage them stop to disengage. 

 

[Andystoy19]

Rudy you are correct, I got an email verifying that, thanks. 

 

[Rudy]

Rudy you are correct, I got an email verifying that, thanks. 

Awesome! If you decide to install I can post some more photos that may help. Glad they clarified!

 

[Andystoy19]

Hi Rudy, I ordered a SATV pin locker this week and should receive it in about 10 days, it is very similar to your halo locker except that it may be a slightly easier install. On the SATV site they remove the hub before pulling the axles on both sides and than the upper A arm on the passengers side. Your picture seems to show that you were able to leave the axles in the hubs and drop your lower A arms while suspending the upper A arm complete with shock. This would save a fair amount of disassembly and reassembly if I read your picture correctly.

I have a Defender XT cab so the front end should be very similar if not identical?

My machine has a full bottom sectional skid plate so its difficult to see where the grommet is that would allow the electrical wire to be run up into the cab and connected to the switch? 

I will add the install to my build thread once this is install is complete.

Awesome! If you decide to install I can post some more photos that may help. Glad they clarified!

Thanks in advance for any input you can provide.

 

[Rudy]

Hi Rudy, I ordered a SATV pin locker this week and should receive it in about 10 days, it is very similar to your halo locker except that it may be a slightly easier install. On the SATV site they remove the hub before pulling the axles on both sides and than the upper A arm on the passengers side. Your picture seems to show that you were able to leave the axles in the hubs and drop your lower A arms while suspending the upper A arm complete with shock. This would save a fair amount of disassembly and reassembly if I read your picture correctly.

I have a Defender XT cab so the front end should be very similar if not identical?

My machine has a full bottom sectional skid plate so its difficult to see where the grommet is that would allow the electrical wire to be run up into the cab and connected to the switch? 

I will add the install to my build thread once this is install is complete.

Thanks in advance for any input you can provide.

Hey Andy,

That is correct. I left my axles in and was able to remove it out of the differential one I separate the lower a arm. I strapped the upper a arm up and once I loosened the winch and mount plate it came right out. I loosened the forward winch plate with a strap just to hinge it forward enough for clearance. 

 

[Andystoy19]

Thanks Rudy, I will see how it goes in about 2 weeks.

 

[Russ]

I'm having the same issue with my 2018 Defender XMR. The rear diff will not unlock. I can't tell if the switch isn't working or if the rear end is stuck in the locked position. Did you find the problem?