Diff lockers

Submitted: Monday, Apr 27, 2015 at 09:43
ThreadID: 117635 Views:2364 Replies:7 FollowUps:19
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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
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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 - David Will (VIC) - Monday, Apr 27, 2015 at 10:06

Monday, Apr 27, 2015 at 10:06
Hi Ian A7,
I have an ARB locker in the rear of my 80 had it for over 15 years now and very happy with it. Also means that I have a compressor with me all the time if needed, also carry another one that is larger to normally pump up tyres after letting them down. Just nice to have a back up if one fails, also have a 9lt air tank under floor as well, all works great.
David
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AnswerID: 552978

Reply By: gbc - Monday, Apr 27, 2015 at 11:46

Monday, Apr 27, 2015 at 11:46
ARB had the market for a long time, and air lockers are still a good thing, but Eaton have taken a good thing and made it better with less parts and less things to break or leak.
I haven't heard of an issue with an e locker.
AnswerID: 552980

Follow Up By: Jackolux - Monday, Apr 27, 2015 at 14:38

Monday, Apr 27, 2015 at 14:38
I have just sold my Hilux it has 2xAir Lockers , I'm going to pick up my Dmax later today , it's in getting 2xE-Lockers fitted .
I would not have Air Lockers again I had to many issues with them , oil leaks you could never be sure they were going to lock when you hit the switch .
I can't say how reliable the E-lockers are , won't know for awhile I guess but everything I have read and been told has been positive .

I know there is plenty of ppl out there that have no problems with AIr Lockers but I know plenty that have including my

I did give em plenty of use in the Vic Highcountry ,

If you google Air Lockers you will find plenty of info
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FollowupID: 838725

Follow Up By: Crusier 91 - Monday, Apr 27, 2015 at 14:42

Monday, Apr 27, 2015 at 14:42
The only reason you will get oil leaks is if you use the wrong diff oil.

ARB advise only to use castrol diff oil with their lockers.
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FollowupID: 838726

Follow Up By: garrycol - Monday, Apr 27, 2015 at 15:25

Monday, Apr 27, 2015 at 15:25
Well no - the airlocker when it leaks can pressurise the diff housing and cause oil past the oil seals. Doesn't matter if if the oil is castrol or not.
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Follow Up By: Crusier 91 - Monday, Apr 27, 2015 at 15:36

Monday, Apr 27, 2015 at 15:36
If thats the case then the seals are worn and or crap quality.

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Follow Up By: Crusier 91 - Monday, Apr 27, 2015 at 15:40

Monday, Apr 27, 2015 at 15:40
Ive tried Nulon 85/140 and Castrol LSD in my 80 series and it keeps blowing seals, air lines and blowing oil back into compressor causing oil leaks.

This never happens when you use Castrol 85w/140.
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FollowupID: 838729

Follow Up By: gbc - Monday, Apr 27, 2015 at 15:57

Monday, Apr 27, 2015 at 15:57
Not to mention when the brass spigot snaps off and chews out your oil seals. Yes, I've had 'issues' with the odd air locker too.
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Follow Up By: Jackolux - Monday, Apr 27, 2015 at 19:55

Monday, Apr 27, 2015 at 19:55
It's not because of the wrong oil .
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Follow Up By: garrycol - Monday, Apr 27, 2015 at 20:08

Monday, Apr 27, 2015 at 20:08
80-100psi will easily blow oil past the best of oil seals in a diff/axle assembly.
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FollowupID: 838747

Reply By: Member - Alastair D (NSW) - Monday, Apr 27, 2015 at 18:55

Monday, Apr 27, 2015 at 18:55
I have a rear arb locker on my 1975 hj75 troopy. Only problem was when a tree branch ripped out the pipe. Easily fixed but a nuisance at the time.

I have f&r eaton lockers on my 100 series and have the wiring well out of the way. They work and have given no problems.

Cheers
AnswerID: 553000

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 .
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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
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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
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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?
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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
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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
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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 .

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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"?
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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 .
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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
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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


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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
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FollowupID: 838746

Reply By: Member - ACD 1 - Monday, Apr 27, 2015 at 20:10

Monday, Apr 27, 2015 at 20:10
I have run both.

I currently run e-lockers front and rear and will stick with these when I upgrade the vehicle.

Same reasons as previously mentioned by others:

1. Air leaks
2. Over pressurisation of diffs.
3. Compressor issues
4. Damage to airlines and connectors.

Cheers

Anthony
AnswerID: 553004

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