More on Lockers

Hi Matt,

Not real knowledgable on this topic but a couple of things I can try and answer! Firstly, yes the compressor can be used for other applications apart from operating the diff lock.
Secondly when I asked about doing EXACTLY the same thing - I was told that the diff needed to be in good condition before I can put an air locker in, so if it's on its way out then I needed to rebuild it and then install the difflock. They could've been trying to get more $$$ from me though... :-S

Cheers
Scoey!

Hi Matt,

Well i certanly am no expert at anything mechanical but i do have a good memory (well i think i do) so anyways, from what i have read on the forums about diffs after my very long previous thread, if you fit an ARB Difflocker then your diff has to be in working condition. As far as i know it does not replace any of your diff insides per say.

However, i think with a few of the automatic diff locks it is my understanding that they do replace the insides of your diff, not entirely but partially so i guess it depends which parts of your diff have seen better days.

I had a rear ARB diff lock quoted at 1800 for the first one (i think that included compressor i think compressors are about 500) and 1300 for the second diff locker.

I have certanly done my research on the 'LOKKA' auto diff lockers and i can tell you the place where you can buy them for 499 each. i thought that was darn reasnable.. That way you could do front and back...

However! Most people seem to think its better to have a Front auto diff locker and an ARB numatic diff locker in the back...

Not sure wether its personal opinion. But i would say if you want a diff locker on the front diff and you have a part time 4wd with free wheeling hubs then deff get a auto diff locker soooo much cheaper!

Well i hope i have been on some help, from what i have found i will be fitting both 'LOKKA' auto diff lockers front and back (so much cheaper)

Have fun!

Matt M
Very envious at the thought of your "doctors' orders" 6 month trip. Could you please pass on your doctor's details?
As to the diff. If the diff is worn ie bearings, they will need to be replaced before you can fit your diff lock. The 80 series often developed slack due to wear in the pinion bearing and problems with the collapsible spacer. This area is unaffected by an airlocker installation so any problems here will need to be tackled separately (I think). Get under the car, grab hold of tailshaft near the diff and give it a solid push and pull. Note any movement of the flange on the diff. Don't be tempted to simply tighten the flange nut. It doesn't work.
So you will be up for the cost of the repair plus the locker. You would save maybe $300 or so if you decide to do both jobs together rather than putting in the difflock later on.
If you decide on an airlocker then before you choose the ARB model, I would have a look at the TJM locker. This is basically a McNamara difflock and does away with the airline seal that ARB lockers occasssionally have trouble with. By some accounts, it is also stronger. It is also about $100 more expensive but is the one I would get if I had a good doctor like yours. Have a great trip.

Matt..6 months eh ? My doctor gave me life (medical retirement) :)) I was thinking more of others when I posted.
Now for the thread. Personally I'd get the rear diff fixed first. This should give you back LSD anyway, which should help matters, and it sounds cheaper.
Now if you must play in the mud and rocks, put a locker in the front. That way it doesn't affect anything when you unlock the hubs. And when you feel the need for traction, all you do is to get out and put it in 4wd as normal.
Whatever you do, enjoy your time away. 6 months can be a lifetime or can pass before you know it :))

I have a question about your car, why did you convert it to part time 4WD, why go backwards in techknolegy and away from a good system that the constant 4WD 80 series has.

Oh get a rear locker you won't regret it.

Baz.

Matt,
I have a 92 gxl 80 series with 385000km and have just fitted a arb locker in the rear diff.Original carrier bearings which checked out OK when lsd was reset 95,000 kmago were replaced this time.
I would suggest that normally backlash in the 80 was mainly a result of worn front axle flanges/cv's but your PT conversion would eliminate that if 4wd not engaged and backlash still present.

how much work has your vehicle done, have you checked for slack in the tailshaft splines. try greasing the tailshaft and if it seems heaps better just after the grease that would indicate a lot of wear in the splines
I dont think the pinion spacer is a big issue and that should be replaced anyway with any diff repair where the diff is dismantled.

as far as cost air locker and new small arb compressor fitted (including diff bearings) was $1600.

This compressor however is no good for anything other than the air locker.

I wasnt worried as I have another higher volume compressor installed under bonnet connected to air tank for tyre pump etc.

now arb have these new compressors its just as cheap to go for it as buy all the regulators and fitting and have to modify standard fitting.

Hope you sort it out
cheers
Howard

Thanks Howard I will try that. Appreciate the time taken to reply.

Matt.