Diff Locks??

Hi Phill,

I have a Lock-right auto locker in the front of my part time 4wd 80 series, and an air locker in the rear.

For front fitment:

If your rodeo has power steering, you won't notice much change in steering when in 4wd, a bit more 'return to centre' is all, and I found this to be only for a quarter or so turn of the steer wheel either side of straight ahead. Still able to steer easily, and if the hubs are locked in but the transfer case is in 2wd, you won't notice any change at all. My wife had a falcon without power steer and it was *much* heavier to steer.

An auto locker (should really be called an un-locker because the outside wheel unlocks when steering - other wheel still drives) in the rear diff is a different story - can have some issues.

An air locker will make steering almost impossible when engaged. Usually you must dis-engage these to steer.

Auto lockers are a far bit cheaper as well, especially when a compessor needs to be purchased with an air locker to make it work. Even cheaper still (about half Oz cost) if you buy mail order from the USA.

I found that the locker in the front makes an incredible difference to 4wd ability. When I then placed an air locker in the rear, I was very dissappointed - not much more ability. My figures (and this will cause a storm of protest and abuse) is the the front gives 90% better traction and the rear added about 10%. Front cost me about $650 and the rear $1700 with compressor (and a piddly little compressor at that).

Note that all the above assumes *correct* fitment of the auto locker.This is critical to problem free operation.

Regards
Tony

G,Day FordRodeo, from what I have seen there is not a lot of difference price wise in the actual lockers the difference is in the compressor. I noticed in the latest 4x4 monthly mag ARB are offering free compressor with a locker till the end of may. While this deal is on I personally wouldnt mess with a detroit. Cheers Troopytrek

Hey Ford Rodeo

I had the Detroit lockers in an 80 series, the only problem was turning into a tight space EG: a woolies car park the rear would jump a bit.

Cheers steve

Hi Ford Rodeo, I have a Lokka auto locker in the front of My Isuzu MU same front axle as your Rodeo, cost around $550 plus fitting and hay this thing will just about climb any thing Iam game to point it at and having a pretty good lsd in the rear of your truck thats the way I would be going.
Cheers Bruce.

Hi Phill

I have an 80 with front and rear air lockers, if you are just touring I don't think it matters which one you get. If you want to go up and down ledges it is nice to be able to turn them off or on at when you want and also if it is a really slippery surface it is great to be able to turn them off to go around a corner then back on to straighten it back up.

Have fun

Craig

I have a front air locker and would not recommend one to anyone. I am going to get the detroit next time.

Yes they do work, and when the front wheels are locked I can get it along slippery areas that wont quite go unlocked. But in sand its a different storey. Try to take that turn into that hill that needs a locker and those turning locked wheels just bog the engine down. Auto locking definately better in those situations.

I have actually used it quite a bit and never had a situation when its an advantage to actually turn it OFF. So I dont really agree with the sentiment that an airlocker actually gives more control.

But to the real problems. The installation is vulnerable. The air pipe comes out through the top of the diff and can easily get ripped off with all the sticks and stuff.

But to make things worse, the pressure relief vents diff oil back out through the compressor slowly emptying the front diff, damaging all the bits that are expensive to replace.

Not a bad product but dont get conned by the advertising. Maybe not the best.

Get something simple and auto.

Hummers use detroit lockers.

Good luck

Sean

Thanks to all for their replies. Looks like I'll get a Lokka auto locker or similar.

Again thanks

Phill

Phil,

Just a word of warning.

If a locker of and description is fitted to the front you will change the main drive of your vehicle to the front.

Can the front end cope with this?

Wayne