Diff lockers
Submitted: Monday, Apr 27, 2015 at 09:43
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117635
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Member - Ian A7
Hi everyone , I just want to know what you think of and why air actuated versus magnetic actuated diff lockers. I am thinking of getting rear lockers and would like to know what everyone's ideas were on these. Thanks
Reply By: pop2jocem - Monday, Apr 27, 2015 at 10:03
Monday, Apr 27, 2015 at 10:03
G'day Ian,
I have had an air locker in the rear diff of my aging but trusty Cruiser for about 18 years now.
Works fine, excellent on uneven surfaces, crawling over rocks, washaways or anywhere that causes the vehicle to lift a wheel completely off the ground. It allows me to use a lot less throttle and speed. Not much difference in sand with it locked or not.
It started leaking a bit of air through the seals a few years ago when engaged. I replaced the pissy little compressor that came with it with a much larger unit a while back. Too lazy to pull the diff out and replace the seals.....lol. Yeah, I know, one day. That old one was way too slow pumping tyres back up anyway.
If I was to do the exercise again I would probably go the electrically operated units just to avoid the leaking seal issue.
Cheers
Pop
AnswerID:
552977
Reply By: Member - Jim B8 - Monday, Apr 27, 2015 at 19:32
Monday, Apr 27, 2015 at 19:32
I have 3 x electric activated locks. Centre, rear, front.
That decide when they feel like operating. Pressing the switch does not engage them, it tells the computer that I want to engage them. Sometimes computer says NO. Even when I am stationary. Even when I
rock back and
forth. Even when I move forward slowly. Even when I follow the **** manual. I guess computer knows best? Go the air, or direct switched electric.
AnswerID:
553001
Follow Up By: Jackolux - Monday, Apr 27, 2015 at 19:54
Monday, Apr 27, 2015 at 19:54
I think he is asking about non genuine lockers , I would hate to think what genuine might cost .
FollowupID:
838741
Follow Up By: Member - Jim B8 - Monday, Apr 27, 2015 at 19:58
Monday, Apr 27, 2015 at 19:58
I agree, after market is best, choose your poison air, or electric
FollowupID:
838743
Follow Up By: Member - ACD 1 - Monday, Apr 27, 2015 at 20:01
Monday, Apr 27, 2015 at 20:01
Jim
Is the problem the E-lockers or the computer?
From your description it sounds like it is the computer!
Is the problem the computer?
Could it be the manufacturer has a complicated traction control system in place and the lockers only activate when needed?
E-lockers are one of the simplest systems around, power via switch electro magnet engages. Power off at switch, electro magnet disengages. I think your problem may be the computer
Cheers
Anthony
FollowupID:
838744
Follow Up By: Member - Jim B8 - Monday, Apr 27, 2015 at 20:12
Monday, Apr 27, 2015 at 20:12
Ah yes, that would be for the individual to determine. Me. I like to switch it on, and it works. But perhaps factories don't think that way? Maybe I am just too simplistic. As a consumer, do I get an opinion?
FollowupID:
838748
Follow Up By: Member - ACD 1 - Monday, Apr 27, 2015 at 20:35
Monday, Apr 27, 2015 at 20:35
"As a consumer, do I get an opinion?"
A bit harsh, but yes you do...
... prior to purchase.
If you don't like what the manufacturer has designed, either modify it once you purchase or don't purchase it.
Caveat emptor
Cheers
Anthony
FollowupID:
838750
Follow Up By: Member - Jim B8 - Monday, Apr 27, 2015 at 20:43
Monday, Apr 27, 2015 at 20:43
I can be harsh, thank you Anthony
FollowupID:
838751
Follow Up By: Jackolux - Monday, Apr 27, 2015 at 21:35
Monday, Apr 27, 2015 at 21:35
I'm not sure if I understand what is ment above by Computer and
E-lockers .
Harrop / Eaton ELocker diff locks , have nothing to do with the computer .
My new Dmax is the first 4x4 I have owned that has a electric knob to select H4wd and L4wd it's a PITA , give me a stubby stick any day , can't have everything I spose .
When I'm in the bush and want to use the E-lockers , I will just turn the TC off on the Dmax .
FollowupID:
838756
Follow Up By: Member - Jim B8 - Monday, Apr 27, 2015 at 21:48
Monday, Apr 27, 2015 at 21:48
If you turn the switch, and it works, then its an E locker. If it blinks, then, perhaps "computer says NO"?
FollowupID:
838757
Follow Up By: Jackolux - Monday, Apr 27, 2015 at 22:15
Monday, Apr 27, 2015 at 22:15
No Jim , you don't understand , the Eaton E-lockers I have just had fitted , have 2 rocker switches on / off , nothing to do with the Dmax computer , lockers don't talk to the computer , computer doesn't talk to the lockers .
FollowupID:
838758
Follow Up By: Member - Jim B8 - Monday, Apr 27, 2015 at 22:21
Monday, Apr 27, 2015 at 22:21
You have done
well fitting after market
FollowupID:
838759
Reply By: Member - Serendipity(WA) - Monday, Apr 27, 2015 at 19:42
Monday, Apr 27, 2015 at 19:42
I chose a front eLocker.
I went eLocker just because of the air leak problems reported with the ARB air lockers. Other than leaks the ARB air lockers are very tough and used extensively.
The eLocker by all reports is also tough. I have had it in the front now for 3 years with no problems. I chose to leave the LSD in the rear. I feel that most of the time the LSD is all that is required but when the going gets tough and I need that last metre pull to get over a
hill the front diff locker does the trick.
They are a bit stiff to drive with and a choice of only one I would again put it into the front. You would need to ask others what it is like to drive tracks with rear diff locker engaged. I think it might be a bit 'directional'.
Cheers
Serendipity
AnswerID:
553002
Follow Up By: Jackolux - Monday, Apr 27, 2015 at 20:07
Monday, Apr 27, 2015 at 20:07
I think it might depend on the vehicle and/or tyre size , I never had a problem steering or turning with front , rear or both locked.
That was on a D4D Hilux .
My previous Hilux a 2.8 D , I had a Lock-rite auto locker in the front , it was great , never had a problem , can't say the same about AirLockers
FollowupID:
838746