Tuesday, Jul 14, 2009 at 15:29
The locker unlocks when the air pressure is released, there is also a device which looks like a small round cage made of plastic which assists in the release. There were some reports of this failing in the past and leaving the axle locked. I need absolute reliability so had them both (one in each diff) replaced by steel versions.
Re the auto locker in the front, I think they are pretty good but every car I have driven with one in had small clonks and bangs which could be felt through the car/steering as it unlocked. They can also give rise to some strange steering when on the highway particularly when it is wet/slippery.
Sometimes you actually want the locker to be locked when in a steering situation off road as the traction may be poor and to have both front
wheels help pull you around can be important moreso when time is you enemy in competitions, the auto unlockers will not help in this situation.
The issue about remembering to unlock in particular the front on high traction surfaces is important to note, if you intend to do serious off roading/competitions then you will not just fit the lockers anyway, you should be thinking about fitting strengthened axle shafts/flanges and attendant hardware or you could break something. If we are talking about the odd off road session then think about costs and weigh up hether you need a front locker at all.
There will be followers of many types of lockers and often threads like this can become quite heated, if this happens only take advice from the people who have really tried them and do not be swayed by I heard this and that stories, think about what you are seriously going to do with the car.
regards
Dave
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