Closet Rodeo owners - diff locks

Submitted: Wednesday, Jul 28, 2004 at 11:56
ThreadID: 15085 Views:3918 Replies:4 FollowUps:11
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Just for anyone who is interested.

I have finally tracked down the info I require about 1997 Rodeo diff lockers

Front - Lokka
Rear - ARB air locker

I looked into Detroit lockers, ARB air lockers and 4WD System's Lokka.
TJM also sells an air locker now and they do sell them for a 1997 Rodeo but I did not get info regards which end. I have had too many bad experiences with TJM through work to trust them anymore. Not saying they are no good but if you can't trust your gear then why have it? Detroit don't make anything for the 97 Rodeo.

I was interested to find that you cannot get a rear Lokka and you cannot get a front ARB air locker. So together you can have both ends.

Thought I would just save other 1997 and probably 1998 Rodeo owners some leg work.

Not sure of which end I will look at doing. Originally wanted to do the front but have heard bad reports on Lokka reliability. However only bad things I have heard about ARB air lockers is that you have to engage them yourself and they leave you with an open diff when off. But that is a personal thing and not a reliability issue.

Utemad

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Reply By: Baz (NSW) - Wednesday, Jul 28, 2004 at 12:14

Wednesday, Jul 28, 2004 at 12:14
Utemad, i just had a look at ARB web site and according to them they make a front and back locker for your Rodeo.

Baz.
AnswerID: 70037

Follow Up By: Baz (NSW) - Wednesday, Jul 28, 2004 at 12:39

Wednesday, Jul 28, 2004 at 12:39
Sorry ignore, i was in there looking for a locker for the Explorer didn't read it close enough.
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Follow Up By: Utemad - Wednesday, Jul 28, 2004 at 14:23

Wednesday, Jul 28, 2004 at 14:23
That's alright Baz. Although they do make front and rear lockers for Rodeos. All models except 97/98. ARB guy wasn't sure why but said it might have something to do with splines.

Not sure of the current shape though.

Utemad
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FollowupID: 330269

Reply By: Member - Captain (WA) - Wednesday, Jul 28, 2004 at 13:55

Wednesday, Jul 28, 2004 at 13:55
Hi Utemad,

Is there a difference between the Lok rite (now owned by Detriot and renamed EZ lokka) and the 4WD systems Lokka ? I assumed both were made by the same company, just packaged differently. Would like to know for sure if you have any info.

I had a Lok Rite on the front of my 80 series for over 100,000 kms and swear by it. Would definently recommend it.

Cheers

Captain
AnswerID: 70055

Follow Up By: Utemad - Wednesday, Jul 28, 2004 at 14:33

Wednesday, Jul 28, 2004 at 14:33
Captain,

I couldn't tell you if they come from the same factory originally but I would be surprised if they did as I can't get anything from Detroit (including EZ Locker) for my Rodeo. Although I can get a Lokka for my front diff.

As far as I can tell from the web and phone calls (never actually seen one in the metal) the Lokka and EZ locker are of the same design.

I have heard from this and other forums that the EZ Locker is tougher while the Lokka is quiter. So if this is true then it depends what your after. However if you want real toughness you should probably look at the ARB air locker or the Detroit one that also replaces the whole diff centre.

Just depends what your after. For me the cheaper Lokka would suffice.

Utemad
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FollowupID: 330270

Reply By: Baz (NSW) - Wednesday, Jul 28, 2004 at 16:59

Wednesday, Jul 28, 2004 at 16:59
Utemad this was at the bottom of the diff locker catalog, go to the diff locker section of the ARB web page.

link text
Products, diff lockers

1 Some builds between December 1996 and May 1998 used an unidentified 3rd member and carrier with a different
ring gear bolt pattern. A 3rd member with the same ratio may be swapped from earlier or later models for Air Locker installation.
2 Aftermarket Dana 44 ring and pinion ratio's of 4.56 & up will require RD06 instead.
AnswerID: 70070

Follow Up By: Utemad - Wednesday, Jul 28, 2004 at 17:12

Wednesday, Jul 28, 2004 at 17:12
Thanks Baz.

I have just looked that up (since reading your follow-up).

Now why couldn't ARB tell me that?

Utemad
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FollowupID: 330287

Follow Up By: Baz (NSW) - Wednesday, Jul 28, 2004 at 17:22

Wednesday, Jul 28, 2004 at 17:22
Thats a good question you would think it would be in their interests to tell this sort of info, maybe he didn't know.
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FollowupID: 330291

Follow Up By: Utemad - Wednesday, Jul 28, 2004 at 17:39

Wednesday, Jul 28, 2004 at 17:39
That is true. He did say that if I rang back with the exact month/year he could ring the factory ??? and check. I assume they would have told him this info then.

Utemad
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FollowupID: 330295

Reply By: Coops (Pilbara) - Saturday, Jul 31, 2004 at 09:50

Saturday, Jul 31, 2004 at 09:50
I think you'd be pleasantly surprised with Lokka's in the front.
I've done over 120 000 km's with mine and no complaints as yet.
It's only $500 to find out
AnswerID: 70554

Follow Up By: Utemad - Saturday, Jul 31, 2004 at 10:37

Saturday, Jul 31, 2004 at 10:37
I will more than likely get the Lokka eventually. It is $695 + $12 P&H now though.

Utemad
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FollowupID: 330741

Follow Up By: Mad Dog (Victoria) - Saturday, Jul 31, 2004 at 19:24

Saturday, Jul 31, 2004 at 19:24
Plus installation or will you do that yourself.

Whatever lets us know how it goes. I'm very interested

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FollowupID: 330800

Follow Up By: Utemad - Sunday, Aug 01, 2004 at 11:28

Sunday, Aug 01, 2004 at 11:28
Fellow best vehicle on the market owner,

I will be fitting it myself as I have been quoted around $350 for fitting.

Unfortunately I missed my "window of opportunity". I had 4 weeks holiday but spent it doing other things (researching lockers !!!). So I will have to wait until November before I get time off again.

I was told by 4WD Systems that it should take me 5hrs. You have to detach the CV joints from the front diff and then undo 4 bolts to drop the diff down. He said they come with instructions at least.

I plan on becoming a member as this is by far the better of the three forums I have been using. So I will keep all informed when it happens.

Utemad
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FollowupID: 330903

Follow Up By: Coops (Pilbara) - Monday, Aug 02, 2004 at 09:39

Monday, Aug 02, 2004 at 09:39
if you do fit them yourself pay paerticular attention to clearances etc as stated.
I played it safe and got my mechanic to do it for me as I don't believe it's as easy as they make out but again I'm no mechanic either.
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FollowupID: 331083

Follow Up By: Mad Dog (Victoria) - Monday, Aug 02, 2004 at 12:10

Monday, Aug 02, 2004 at 12:10
That's my understanding as well. Correct clerances are very critical for good performance.
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FollowupID: 331112

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