Diff locks when turning

Tom,
It is not a matter os what you think, it is what really happens, I have had both types on my GU Patrol (at front), I initially had a lockrite, then decided to remove it and installed an ARB air locker.
The lockrite has its merits because in the situation you describe it unlocks automatically "but" only after it has put considerable strain on the shafts and components, to the extent that you feel the steering getting "really" heavy.
With the air locker, it does not unlock and YES you have to disengage it or no differential action will occur causing damage sooner or later.
Be aware that components don't fail straight away, most times it takes a while.
The beauty of the air locker is that you can disingage it and it goes back to conventional 4wd
Will

Not really fair to compare the cheap lockrite with an Air Locker. A fairer comparison would be between a Detroit Locker and an Air Locker. The Detroit takes much less effort to unlock if one wheel overspeeds the drive shaft, and the unlocking/locking action doesn't cause wear to the teeth like in the cheaper imitations.

Not really fair to compare the cheap lockrite with an Air Locker. A fairer comparison would be between a Detroit Locker and an Air Locker. The Detroit takes much less effort to unlock if one wheel overspeeds the drive shaft, and the unlocking/locking action doesn't cause wear to the teeth like in the cheaper imitations.

Tom try putting some "good" oil in your LSD - see how it works then - maybe you just need a front locker. I use Penrites Limslip 140 in mine and it takes quite a bit to lose traction on the rear wheels - a front locker will finish the package nicely.
Check out
www.penrite.com.au

cheers

kezza

Tom. I put a Lockright in the front of my 80 series about 3 years ago and have had no trouble (touch wood). It improves traction immensely but does bang and clunk and make the steering a little heavier. The beauty of these things are that they disengage automatically, allowing you to turn the car. Once the car straightens up, they re-lock. Because the traction was so greatly improved, I decided to get another one for the rear diff. I ended up getting the more expensive Detroit as the rear diff works all the time (as opposed to the front one which only works when I go off road) and I don't think I could have lived with all the clunking etc. The local transmission shop said the Detroit was much quieter and refined than the Lockright so I had it fitted. What a mistake! It is smoother and quieter than the Lockright but not by much. The traction I get is awesome but I wish I'd saved a bit longer and got the Airlocker. On the highway I can't tell it's there, but driving around the streets of suburbia is terrible. It has changed the handling characteristics of the car for the worse and I have had to change my driving style. So there you have it. It's six of one and half a dozen of the other.

I have a 98 GU Patrol with ARB airlockers front and rear. I have noticed that if the front locker is not disengaged when turning, then steering is definitely affected. In some sandy situations the rear airlocker can also affect the steering. I have no trouble switching them on / off as required when negotiating a track, and I wouldn't be without them for quids. They allow my Patrol to go places others can't, and the only thing that stops me is deep slimy mud. On the bitumen I don't even know they are there so noise is not an issue.

Thanks everyone for your replies, I will probalby get a air locker in the front and put good diff oil in the rear and see how i go from there. As The quote from one member here regarding going over 60 kph will cause the car to skid in an open diff at the rear.

Anyone care to comment on the air locker operated open diff rear??

Tom

Tom, in my experience with front diff locks they will more likely get you into trouble than out of it. Our last trip into the Canning was confirmation of this. My friends Landcruiser had ARB diff locks front and rear. The front CV joint gave away in a bog, which meant a long hard drive home. I have a GQ and putting a good quality oil in the rear diff for the LSD makes a lot of difference. Edwin