Diff locks

Submitted: Wednesday, Nov 23, 2016 at 18:16

ThreadID: 133821 Views:2881 Replies:8 FollowUps:5

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Wayne B16

Hi everyone this may be a double post, ARB or Eaton Harrop lockers on a 2001 troopy

Reply By: PhilD - Wednesday, Nov 23, 2016 at 23:44

Wednesday, Nov 23, 2016 at 23:44

I have an Eaton-Harrop on the rear of my 2000 live axle 100 series and very happy with it. Have only had electro magnetic or hydraulic lockers, so cannot compare to an air operated one, other than it is very simple to operate.

AnswerID: 606152

Reply By: Member - Alastair D (NSW) - Thursday, Nov 24, 2016 at 06:14

Thursday, Nov 24, 2016 at 06:14

I had arb air locker on the rear of my troopy and it worked well. Hooked the air line once on a big stick.
I have eaton f&r on my 2004 100 series. They work well and it is easy to protect and hide the wire. No compressor to locate in engine bay or elsewhere.

AnswerID: 606154

Reply By: Crusier 91 - Thursday, Nov 24, 2016 at 06:52

Thursday, Nov 24, 2016 at 06:52

I have ARB air lockers front and back on my 80 series. I choose air lockers because I like the fact that I have full control at a flick of a switch and a compressor under the bonnet which also connects to an external air line for tyres.
My only grip with air lockers is if the incorrect diff oil is used it will blow the seal or air line. You can not LSD diff oil with air lockers.
Ensure air lines are installed well away from exhaust.

AnswerID: 606155

Follow Up By: pop2jocem - Thursday, Nov 24, 2016 at 10:11

Thursday, Nov 24, 2016 at 10:11

Like Cruiser I have an ARB air locker in the rear of my 75 series. While I have replaced the LSD oil with straight mineral diff oil the seal has developed a leak over time. I have fitted an Endless Air type of compressor so a good air supply is just the flick of a switch away.
Personally I would always use a driver selectable type of diff lock in the rear, I would be quite happy to use an LSD type in the front of any non constant 4WD.
Auto lockers, or more accurately unlockers, can produce some unwanted characteristics if fitted to light vehicles when driven on hard surfaces.

Cheers
Pop

FollowupID: 875877

Reply By: maurice b - Thursday, Nov 24, 2016 at 17:09

Thursday, Nov 24, 2016 at 17:09

The ARB lockers a famous for leaking air and not functioning. I have had to repair the leaks in both of my many times. http://4x4earth.com/forum/index.php?threads/why-would-anyone-want-to-fit-an-arb-air-locker.19067/

AnswerID: 606171

Follow Up By: pop2jocem - Thursday, Nov 24, 2016 at 18:02

Thursday, Nov 24, 2016 at 18:02

The O ring seals are leaking in mine but unlike that guy who vented about the lousy service I won't be using the original parts. While the rest of the diff works well there are obviously better quality materials to replace those 2 seals with.
There are a couple of mobs that I know of from previous dealings that can supply off the shelf or will manufacture to requirements if needed.

As a safety measure I will increase the size of the standard axle housing breather while the diff center is out.
Yes you are blowing 100 psi air pressure into the housing but in such a small quantity that in the event that down the track the new seals do leak a small amount of air a larger breather will cope without blowing axle seals.

Sorry maurice, but I feel that guy who wrote that initial article is more a parts fitter than a mechanic. I agee it is a weak spot in the design and maybe better quality material should have been used but a little lateral thinking and that huge drama could have been avoided.
Just as a matter of interest I have no affiliation with ARB or their products.

Cheers
Pop

FollowupID: 875888

Follow Up By: Malcom M - Friday, Nov 25, 2016 at 06:34

Friday, Nov 25, 2016 at 06:34

Replaced my ARB front o rings 3 times and rear twice all at considerable cost for a 30c part.
Eatons will be installed next time the orings fail.
Absolute rubbish design!

FollowupID: 875903

Follow Up By: Member - Ups and Downs - Friday, Nov 25, 2016 at 09:24

Friday, Nov 25, 2016 at 09:24

Had my ARB air locker for 15 years, no problems at all. (Not since someone else fixed ARB's stuffed up installation, 2 months after fitted)

Paul

FollowupID: 875905

Reply By: Kenell - Thursday, Nov 24, 2016 at 17:51

Thursday, Nov 24, 2016 at 17:51

Wayne,

I have a 76 series Cruiser and I have fitted front and rear Harrop Eaton e lockers. I have no problem with the ARB air lockers although in my experience most seem to experience leaks in the air lines from time to time. We travel alone a bit and it is very important to us to have functioning equipment on the odd occasion that we need it. I also prefer to carry a portable compressor rather than having a permanent unit under the bonnet or elsewhere in the truck. I think the lockers themselves are both reputable and reliable but for mine the air line is the possible weak link.

Kenell

AnswerID: 606173

Reply By: Wayne B16 - Thursday, Nov 24, 2016 at 21:56

Thursday, Nov 24, 2016 at 21:56

Hi Maurice and others , the air lockers don,t pressurise the diff they use an air operated actuator to lock the diff .Sure if they leaked they would fill your diff with air which is not a good thing but to say they pressurise your diff is bulldust.

AnswerID: 606178