They have differentials on the front, but they're not "locking" differentials, they're "open" differentials, no locking capability at all. Center diffs are for

They have differentials on the front, but they're not "locking" differentials, they're "open" differentials, no locking capability at all. Center diffs are for the most part (in Land Rovers) locking differentials, though some Discovery IIs had open center diffs and things like Freelanders use a viscous coupling in place of a mechanical diff lock. Newer models have an electronically controlled locking diff in the gearbox (center) and an optional electronically controlled locking differential at the rear. But front diffs on modern Land Rovers are open. Edit: Here is an image showing the locking diffs on an LR3/Discovery 3: http://www.landroversonly.com/forums/attachments/f41/37257d1367203855-question-about-green-unlock-icon-4x4-info-screen-wp_001289.jpg http://www.landroversonly.com/forums/attachments/f41/37257d1... Note the center diff is unlocked (or open) and the rear is locked, there is no option to lock the front, which will always be open.