Diff Lock to 80 series cruiser..

I would go for the locker before the winch as it will be more usefull the majority of the time. And if you 4wheel with others then you have there back up if totaly stuck .
I have Air lockers and a winch and if i had to choose between them i would keep the lockers. Don't forget if your out with Patrols ect they have good LSD diffs where Toyotas don't so your already behind the 8 ball.

Kev.

Lockers will get you further INTO trouble (mud swamp etc), where a winch will get you out of it before its a problem.

I went the Winch first. used it Second day I had it installed out Woods Point to get up a filthy hill, and then again later that day, winched as far as I could, then a 2 car(1 connected to the other by snatch), then another 4 snatch strap(yes was still a long way down the hill!) Snatch to the top!

What tires and pressures are you using, that could also be your problem with lacking grip.

Hi rowdy, I have had both on mine for 6 years, diff locks used most outings, it just
makes it less effort for the car, winch used 3 times, although handy if it's value your looking at, a hand winch is cheaper if needed but you'll have more pleasure with locker/s

Rowdy

Good tyres a good rear LSD and a good air compressor and a fast way of letting your tyres down will be one of the cheaper ways of of getting out of strife 95% of the time.

Its amazing what you can climb with 12-20 psi in your tyres. (dont roll your tyres off the rims though - usually a danger under 14psi at anything above a crawl)

Check previous posts by me re GU TD patrol with air lockers (running MTRs) and GQ petrol patrol without lockers (running BFG MTs) and our experiments with tyre pressures on muddy hills. (dont forget both vehicles have very good rear LSDs in them with the best oil)

Basically the lower the tyre pressures on the 2 vehicles the less difference a front air locker made to the point where we wondered why we bothered with the air lockers. Dont get me wrong - its those extreme times when everything counts (revs, tyres, weight, skill, diffs, fear etc)- usually when a combination of rain and hills meet.

In my opinion if you have a diesel a good rear LSD or locker is essential and front lockers will make a lot of difference. If you have a petrol, a LSD or locker, a few spare revs and some good offroad skills - the front locker can be ignored in favour of lower tyre pressures and a good air pump. If really stuck a winch is the only option.

Ive recently come across a product which everyone should have - the "Joey" - enables you to use your spare as - a dual wheel - as an offset wheel to 'jack' the vehicle out of a hole - or use it as a simple winch driven off the rear wheel.

Depends on how much work you want to do vs how much money you want to spend on other solutions.. Ill be posting more info on these devices soon.

Hope this helps a bit

kes

Hi rowdy,
I'd go the air locker, but as was mentioned already its tyre pressure that'll get you up/down/in/out most places, and with the air locker set up you got a compressor to pump up your tyres at the other end. I had a lockrite in the front of my old petrol 'lux, and although it was a bitch to steer it went anywhere (well almost!)
I got the ARB compressor, its got 3 outlets, two for lockers and the middle for an air hose.
Also, a good cond. second hand tirfor or whatever would only set you back about $300 - $400. They show up in the Trading Post from time to time. I reckon they are more useful than a front mount winch, as you can only go forwards with the electric, a tirfor will get you backwards, sideways, back on your wheels from a roll over, won't run your battery down if you can't start your vehicle etc etc...and cheaper too. That and Im not allowed to have one....yet!! Even if I do get one, I wont be selling my Tirfor in a hurry...
Cheers

There's an old cliche' in 4x4 circles; you buy a winch to get others up the hill,and a locker to get yourself up the same hill. All of the other responses are correct. A hand winch will get you up(if you have all day and a strong heart), the power winch will get you up(if you have the rest of the tackle and a couple of hours) or you can drive straight up with the locker.(most times). To get the most enjoyment and satisfaction out of 4x4ing and being confident in your vehicle, the locker is your best bet at first. However, this is if your main terrain for driving is, in fact, mountainous country. If you're driving is mainly sand and/or desert work, then I would put the winch first and the locker second. Lockers only give you potential for traction. If traction is marginal, ie in deep sand, then the wheels will bury themselves before you get enough momentum to ride over the soft stuff. In this situation, the winch may be your only salvation, provided you have something to hook it to! Winching up hills is not without it's hazards and should not be taken lightly. The potential for accidents or equipment failure is high. Faced with a 300 metre long climb that offers little or no traction is no fun and will most likely take you all day to winch. I know which method I would prefer to do, given the options.

Hi I have twins in the 94 80 fzj auto and have much pleasure in helping others get up the same track i just drove up like it was tar...
Go the ARB rear, and next time you need to get into the front for a c/v repack....do the front aswell.
If you are good with a spanner, it isnt that hard to get one in cheaply, mine cost 1k each and i made the compresser.
Andrew wheredayathinkwer mike?