How to tell if LR3 has HD package

discojerk

Active member
May 11, 2007
26
0
Fort Worth, TX
Hello,
I am looking to trade in my 01 DII for an 05 LR3 7 passenger. I am really looking for one with the HD package (for the rear diff of coarse). The few I have looked at have been on non LR lots and the sales geeks look at me like I am crazy when I ask them. I even tried a local dealer and got a "head tilt" (kind of like the look your dog gives you when your speaking to it).

Is there any way for me to tell by looking at the axle? An extra do hicky (tech term), switch, light or something...... what else is in the HD package that I can look for, full size spare? I know this is obsesive but locking rear diff is easier to buy with the car rather then adding later.

Thanks for the help.
 

umbertob

Well-known member
Apr 26, 2007
230
11
Altadena, CA

discojerk

Active member
May 11, 2007
26
0
Fort Worth, TX
Again, you guys come through. Great information. I am so looking forward to donning coveralls and crawling under the rear of and LR3 at the dealership. Maybe I will get lucking and I can find one up on the display rack.....

OK, next question.... Opinions, how important is locking diff? I haven't found the limitations on my DII offroad and I don't anticipate pushing a 30K LR3 further.
 

nwoods

Well-known member
Apr 1, 2006
467
0
SoCal
www.nextstepdesigns.com
The locking rear diff makes certain situations easier, such as accending a rough and lose surface with one or more wheels off the ground. With my non-locked LR3 (center diff lock only), I have been able to get up everything a fully locked LR3 can do, but it takes more effort. A locked LR3 just walks up stupidly difficult stuff as if it was crossing through a mall parking lot.

A full size spare is a good indicator, but not a sure fire way to tell. Umberto's links above are the true way to tell, and of course, a VIN check will indicate the HD package or not.

You can NOT add a rear locker later. It is ONLY available from the factory in the origonal purchase...unless you want to spend about $6k in the retrofit.
 

jwest

Well-known member
May 28, 2006
899
7
WA & NC
discojerk said:
Again, you guys come through. Great information. I am so looking forward to donning coveralls and crawling under the rear of and LR3 at the dealership. Maybe I will get lucking and I can find one up on the display rack.....

OK, next question.... Opinions, how important is locking diff? I haven't found the limitations on my DII offroad and I don't anticipate pushing a 30K LR3 further.

Well, why not get it if it's a good buy otherwise. I don't know how the system works but I'd venture a guess that when you need it, you'll be glad you have it. However, it may also let you think the LR3 is unstoppable, which you will find is not true - so bring your shovel and all the other crap and some hot coffee, and maybe snowshoes, etc. ;)

I'd actually like to know from an LR3 expert, what situations is the locking rear going to make a real difference and when it won't really matter much...ruts of snow or mud, steep incline traction on loose and/or hard surfaces, etc, etc.
 

jbrockiii

Well-known member
May 10, 2005
111
0
Mississippi
I know this is an old thread but didn't want to start a new post.

I must not have the rear lock because when I put it in low, it still shows on the display that the axles are unlocked. So my question is, does putting a non-HD LR3 in low range really do anything??

Thanks
 

umbertob

Well-known member
Apr 26, 2007
230
11
Altadena, CA
The lockers are activated electronically, so just engaging low range doesn't necessarily activate anything. Keep an eye on the padlock icons and, as you drive off road, you will see them locking (padlock icon turns red) and unlocking on their own based on what the TR and diff modules "decide". If you have rear lockers, the rear padlock may or may not turn red (lock) along the center one. If you don't, both padlock icons always turn red, or green, at the same exact time.
 
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agbuckle98

Well-known member
Mar 10, 2006
1,831
1
nwoods said:
You can NOT add a rear locker later. It is ONLY available from the factory in the origonal purchase...unless you want to spend about $6k in the retrofit.
How long before ARB makes an air locker for the LR3?
 

Asolo3j

Well-known member
Nov 8, 2004
1,267
1
Annapolis
Reviving an old thread...
Is everything stated above still true for later 08 and 09 LR3's? I've been trying to find info and one dealer rep stated that all 2008 HSE's and newer come standard with the HD package. Is that true?

Is a full size spare still a tell-tale sign for the HD package or do you still have to check for the actuator housing (or run the VIN). Is there a list of HD package equipped LR3s imported to the US?

We are looking specifically for an 08 or an 09 LR3 HSE with the HD package in White with Alpaca interior and I want to make sure these were actually built or who knows... maybe the HD package was only available in silver or black?

Thanks.
 

Dave Legacy

Well-known member
Jul 24, 2007
360
1
Hacienda Heights, CA
Easiest way is to peak into the passanger side rear wheel well and look for the actuator.

41bc0878.jpg
 

umbertob

Well-known member
Apr 26, 2007
230
11
Altadena, CA
Asolo3j said:
Reviving an old thread...
Is everything stated above still true for later 08 and 09 LR3's? I've been trying to find info and one dealer rep stated that all 2008 HSE's and newer come standard with the HD package. Is that true?

Not true, and yes checking the VIN (or looking under the car as stated above) is still the only way to be sure since a full size spare may have been a purchase the previous owner made to replace the stock compact wheel. Colors and trims make no difference, the Heavy Duty package is always an extra cost factory option regardless (even on the new LR4s, AFAIK.)
 

mchomes

Well-known member
Sep 11, 2005
181
0
NorCal
In the cutaway pics of the diffs I see no retaining straps and no provision for diff adjustment. Is it a non-adjustable setup? Also, I see absolutely no reason that one could not put a detroit locker, or true track in place of the open (non-hd) diff, and no reason doing so would harm TR/TC. Seems a lot more reliable than that scary looking HD diff. I see clutch packs and tiny gear teeth, as well as conventional spider gears.
 

RVRSRVC

Well-known member
May 7, 2004
1,163
0
Elizabethtown, PA
www.roverlab.com
I would venture to say it's not true locker as much as a fancy limited slip. The electric motor drives a plate that adds tension to a friction plate. I think if the nav display even shows a padlock over the rear diff, then it's equipped. My experience withthe lr3 off road isn't deep, I have other not shiny rovers for that, but I feel that the software doesn't hold the" locker" engaged long enough, and the driver can't control it.
 

soccrscot11

Well-known member
Aug 2, 2005
93
0
England
Stupid question from a DII owner looking to get an LR3... Is the centerlocking diff on the HSE models done electronically? Meaing no shifter like the DIIs?