Diff Locks, Which way to go?

Airlockers are the way to go, in my opinion. Having an auto locking difflock in the front means you can't choose weather you want it engaged or not whilst in 4wd, so when driving on sand, or loose gravel, and slip occours, it'll try and lock up, wich can be a pain in the arse.The vehicle can get difficult to control and steer, and engages very savagely somtimes, which can damage driveline components. An airlocker is much more predictable, and can reduce wear on components considerably, as you can have complete control over it. With just one locker in the rear, it will be much more capeable than a vehicle with only an lsd, so you may find you dont need to put one in the front at all especially if you have a good suspension setup.
Well, these are just my thoughts, but i hope i have shed some lite.
Good luck.

Air lockers are way ahead of the rest, you pay for it, but you can steer when you wnat by turning it off if required.. the others you cant.

You also have a compressor as part of the deal...

So whats the HI LIFT, wheres some pics!

If you can afford it go air lockers , cant beat them !
Last weekend i tryed turning on a dirt road with my front air locker on and could not steer at all, Id hate it if i couldn't switch them on and off when wanted.

I wouldn't have any thing else but air lockers.

Mate,

I have fitted an auto Diff LOKKA kit to the front of my Troopy - it is the product on ooffer from 4WDSystems in case you are interested.

There is no effect upon the car when the hubs are unlocked.

When the hubs are locked, the diff locks are engaged and steering is slightly heavier, not a problem for the power, and tries very hard to centralise when unloading from a corner. You have to watch the thumbs on the inside of the steering wheel trick. There is no difficulty going around corners, apart from the heavy load, as the auto locker unit slips the wheels while still providing a percentage of drive. My turning circle is large anyway when the hubs are locked so I've no idea if it is worse now.

On normal dirt roads, you can still drive normally, albeit speed limited with the hubs locked.

I don't require any air, switches, in car control units - and the're cheaper than air lockers.

My advice would be to consider this option.
Chris
<- 1996 Troopy, the best!

There seems to be a lot of misinformation /confusion about lockers in general and detroit type lockers in particular. The big advantage of a detroit in the front is that it will unlock and allow you to steer around obstacles whilst still giving drive to the wheel with traction. With an airlocker you have to decide when you need it off; which is not instantaneous in most situations and when it is off you may not have drive to either of the front wheels.
I've had both types and my preference is for a detroit locker for the front of a part time 4WD.

hi doubz

i have a rodeo with a lock-rite in the front diff. i agree with what chris has to say. in your hilux about $900 fitted about half price on air locker but no compressor. ive had mine over 2 years and the difference in traction is considerable particularly when on step, rough hills. it lets you climb a lot slower and so less chance of damage. as the diff is 'locked' when in 4x4 you have no engaging and disengaging as has been suggested.
look in members rigs at - wa "skip". i think he has a good review on diff locks on his web page.

regards peter

The only limiting factor to choosing a locker is price.

If they all cost the same you would not pass the air locker !!!