I know I know its been done a million times

With the Air locker at least you know it's working when you want it.

Eric,
After talking to you at the Sydney 4WD show, go for the one you don't have to think about.
Both are good, good and bad with both.
The detroit is realy an "unlocker". When driving the diff is locked all the time, it is only when you go around a corner that they work and unlock, allowing the wheels to go at diffrent speed and distance.
Good luck with your choice.
Wayne

Good day Eric,
Go the air locker, but don't use the ARB Compressor they fall apart on the corragations. Although the airlocker may have more moving part (maybe),they only move when you want them and not all the time when ever you go round a corner. Therefor having a lot less ware and tare
All the best to Janet and family

regards Big John.

Ok , I dont think your correct on the detroit locker . The operation you explained is for a Lokka or Lock rite . The way i understand it , the Detroit will lock when it sences slip engadging the the pins , I was pretty sure this was the case when i drove my mates GU with rear detroit , I sh*t myself going around a bend when it kicked in on the black stuff , almost lost the ass end . they seam to work well in the mud ect . I have a LOkka on the rear of my 80 , very happy with it , works well on and off road , I do sometimes wish I could turn it off when I negotiate a tigh turn on bad angle . it sometimes drags you in the wrong dirrection . Air locker in the front is awsom , I only kick it in when needed . As to ARB compressor falling apart , this will happen if you dont rubber mount it , If you riggid mount it then you diserve what you get lol

Eric. Many find the Detroit locker a little unsettling especially on sweeping bitiumen bends under power as the diff can suddenly release and the car lurches. Also offroad it requires a different approach, sometimes needing to back off when turning to release the diff preasure. But don't let that put you off as they work very well, are a strong unit and you'll never be caught out fumbling for the compressor or locker switch. They just require a different driving approach. I went for the air locker myself mainly as I fitted two and I wouldn't ever fit a detroit, lockrite or slipper to the front as they seem to compromise the handling too much. Craig.....................