Lokka Diff Locks
Submitted: Tuesday, Feb 01, 2005 at 11:44
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Richard & Anita (QLD), Members
Any info, good or bad on these would be appreciated. I was considering putting them in the front of the challenger. I know the ARB Air lockers are better but I don't have the cash. So anyway any info on how they work and weather you have to use manual locking hubs for them or not.
Thanks guys
Richard
Reply By: Member - Matt Mu (Perth-WA) - Tuesday, Feb 01, 2005 at 11:58
Tuesday, Feb 01, 2005 at 11:58
Guys if you go here...
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4WD Systems will explain the complete operation etc for you. They are very effective as a lokka and the advantage of an auto locker is that they require no human intervention.
They do work with auto locking hubs, but in serious 4wdriving auto hubs can be a dangerous with or without a locker. The lokka will double your ablility, its sometimes a little scary how much further your vehicle will go with one installed. But do remember that if your hubs are locked on or off road it will increase your turning circle and steering effort, despite the manufacturers claims!
Still fantastic if you cant afford or justify an airlocker!
Matt.
AnswerID:
96027
Follow Up By: Member - Jeff M (WA) - Tuesday, Feb 01, 2005 at 14:42
Tuesday, Feb 01, 2005 at 14:42
Mat, I'm interested to here why Auto Hubs are dangerous without a locker in serious 4wding?
FollowupID:
354821
Follow Up By: Member - Matt Mu (Perth-WA) - Tuesday, Feb 01, 2005 at 16:23
Tuesday, Feb 01, 2005 at 16:23
Cmon Jeff are you serious??
Unless they are the GQ Nissan type (unsure if there are others) that have the option of locking in positively then they can and do occasionally let go. If you were relying on this grip, it can be potentially dangerous!
You can go from 4 wheel grip to one (depending on your rear) in a split second!!
I dont doubt there will be many who have NEVER had a problem, but there are MANY that have!! In the IsuzuClub alone nearly every member who can scrounge a set of man lockers thows them on for that reason. Its cheap insurance for a potential threat!
Hey but if you like them, then go for it, to each their own and no arguements here on your choice!
Matt.
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354842
Follow Up By: Member - Jeff M (WA) - Tuesday, Feb 01, 2005 at 17:46
Tuesday, Feb 01, 2005 at 17:46
Mine are electronically/vacume actuated so I guess that would not be a problem, I had never heard of such a problem. I guess that would only be applicable to the older style auto hubs like what was used in the early jackaroos and pajeros and such.
Now days most automatic hubs are locked in my electronic or numatic style setups and once in are in, either that or their full time 4wd setups where its a non issue anyway...
FollowupID:
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Follow Up By: Member - Matt Mu (Perth-WA) - Wednesday, Feb 02, 2005 at 00:20
Wednesday, Feb 02, 2005 at 00:20
Ahh yes I remember the Surfs now, you have an actuator on the top of your diff. But does that mean your axles turn all the time with the wheels and the 'locking' is just bringing the front propshaft into play with the front diff?
Have you ever looked into it?
The auto locking hubs I was talking about are the assain, warn etc etc ones that simply lock the axles to the wheel hubs. I dont think you would have any probs with hubs but I also recall (somewhere in the
grey matter muck) that there is a reason you dont fit lokkas to Surfs!!
Cos your axles dont unlock, if you were to fit a lokka, on road you would always get the increased turning cirlce and steering effort!! You cant simply unlock your axles to eliminate the lokka on road. Similar reasons for not fitting lokkas to the front of constant 4wds and shift on-the-fly Pajeros Jackaroos etc. Im not 100% certain, again been awhile since I looked at a surf but I think I am on the mark. Not that I intended to be, but you reminded me when you asked about auto locking hubs!
Matt.
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354945
Follow Up By: Member - Jeff M (WA) - Wednesday, Feb 02, 2005 at 11:53
Wednesday, Feb 02, 2005 at 11:53
Yes Mat you are correct, the 4wd Computer activates a vacum actuator that enages the prop shaft. Fronterers I know have electronic locking hubs though.
I've been told by the boys at Opposite Lock that a front detroit locker works fine in the 4 runner/surf but had my doubts as you have mentioned. That's why an ARB locker would be my only "real" option IMO.
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Reply By: Member - Chris (SA) - Tuesday, Feb 01, 2005 at 14:21
Tuesday, Feb 01, 2005 at 14:21
Despite the gloom and doom from truckster and others, the lokka brand has worked fine in my troopy, in the front, for two years. It hasn't affected my on-road turning circle, driving capability or any work I do with my hubs unlocked. As I have a definite change in turning circle when off-road with the hubs locked, I would recommend not using them in the front with full time or auto locking hubs as you might find the effects on steering somewhat confusing.
For those with manual hubs, they work fine, for all those with cash and auto locked hubs with air lockers, good on yer but don't rubbish a good product because you have something different.
AnswerID:
96043
Follow Up By: Coops (Ex-Pilbara) - Wednesday, Feb 02, 2005 at 01:17
Wednesday, Feb 02, 2005 at 01:17
5 years now for me and no problems in my 80 series (manual hubs).
She climbs up walls if I ask her too
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Reply By: Member - Matt Mu (Perth-WA) - Wednesday, Feb 02, 2005 at 00:36
Wednesday, Feb 02, 2005 at 00:36
Check this for an Isuzu MU (1745kg unladden) with front Lokka fitted for over a very punnishing year!! This car leaves the other stock MUs for dead for traction, walks up where the others have to crawl or climb!!
[ View Image]
Have a look at the rest of his website if you like, some pretty tame pics, you know, never have the camera ready for the good shots!!
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You wont be dissapointed, I am getting one ASAP (funds permitting)!!
Matt.
AnswerID:
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Follow Up By: Member - Matt Mu (Perth-WA) - Wednesday, Feb 02, 2005 at 00:43
Wednesday, Feb 02, 2005 at 00:43
Stuffed both those links!! hahah
Check this out!
link text
Matt
FollowupID:
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Reply By: SteveW - Thursday, Feb 03, 2005 at 16:45
Thursday, Feb 03, 2005 at 16:45
I have Lokkas on the front and rear of my 4Runner, they are great, I have heard of some bad stories but never seen any of them. There is no difference in normal driving, the front one only activates when the hubs are locked and the gearbox but into 4wd.
If i had the money i'd go LSD or Detroit locker in the back and air locker up front, but as with everything the budget has its limits
goodluck
steve
AnswerID:
96475