Air Lockers: Pros & Cons of diff types.

Sue,

My previous vehicle was fitted with front and rear ARB air locks. In my opinion they are amazing. When used properly they are incredibly versatile and forgiving. The trick is in having the air available all the time.

As soon as I went into a 4wd situation I would activate the compressor. From that time on if I wanted the diff lock I simply flicked a switch and the diff was locked, hit the switch again and the diff was open. I could lock either or both diffs almost instantly and this allowed the versatility I spoke of earlier.

There was one place I visited frequently where I needed/used both diff locks. I approached the obstacle at an acute angle and needed an open diff in the front to make the turn. Once lined up to the obstacle I engaged both diff locks until the front wheels were over the obstacle. Once again I needed an open diff to make the turn on the exit. So as I cleared the obstacle I opened the front diff and pulled on full lock then hit the button again to help get up the step. This also pulled the front wheels strait and lined the vehicle up on the track open both diffs and away we go. This al took about 10 seconds.

Maybe Detroit lockers would allow you to do the same thing without flicking the buttons but I believe from the experience of others that they are not as quiet and comfortable in day to day use. Unless this is a strictly off road/competition vehicle you don't want diff locks 100% of the time.

Duncs

Hi Sue,

Have you thought about ordering them direct from Toyota?

Since you appear to be buying new from this statement, "a new landcruiser ute" it might be worth exploring the factory option.

They are electically actuated and come with the full factory warranty.

I'm kicking myself I didn't do this when I ordered my Troopy 3 years ago.

I have a rear ARB ready to go into my 78 Series.

Geoff

I would suggest Detroit Lockers both ends, no air compressor needed, no air lines to get torn away,and reguardless of what some say steering is probably better than air lockers because they will unlock if power is reduced , I had no steering problems across the SD dunes .

Will Detroit lockers work on AWD vehicles? - I have heard that a mod is needed for the transfer case.

viz

Hi Sue if buying new, ""lockers on the front of a new landcruiser ute"" get them factory fitted by Toyota, I think if you priced them up from Toyota and then from ARB etc you will find Toyota a cheaper option and be covered under warranty for 3 years and I have used the factory lockers in an 80 series sahara and they work just fine. regards Steve

Sue,

This will be my final comment. If all you are doing is normal travel with the occasional towing of an off road van then do you really need any locker.

I have survived the last 7 years without any form of diff lock. As I said in my previous reply my last vehicle had them but the GU doesn't and we have done a fair bit of travel in this car including towing a camper trailer in some tuff country.

All diff locks are reasonably expensive, money could possibly be better spent elsewhere.

Duncs

Auto lockers are generally not recommended for constant 4wd vehicles, although I have heard of people using them. I had a 4wd systems 'lokka' in the front of my last vehicle 2003 hilux for 230 000 kms. Best $500 I ever spent imho. Turned it from a fairly everage vehicle to a fairly capable one.

Sue
I read your reply's , If your Landcruiser is the later models then you won't have any problems with sheering the 6 little axle nut studs as I did , the later model has a larger size stud , I fixed mine by adding 3 small spot welds about 3 years ago and I've had no more problems, the angle grinder will onto it soon as I plan on replacing the bearings , DO NOT allow my comments here to deter you, as said yours has larger studs, As for quietness you don't know they're there working for you 100%, your driving habits need to alter just a little, like gentle on the pedal when doing a U turn etc , very rarely and when you least expect it you will experience a kick, once again it will not do any harm, a Detroit won't break, yes you'll pay more than a cheap Lokka brand but I've always been a believer in buy a product once, one that will NOT let you down, Just a few days ago I read where someone's compressor had let them down in the SD, I'd bet my bottom dollar it was a cheap chinese brand , if they had an ARB unit they would not had the need to post about it..Enjoy your 4x4 .

Doug

"yes you'll pay more than a cheap Lokka brand but I've always been a believer in buy a product once, one that will NOT let you down, Just a few days ago I read where someone's compressor had let them down in the SD, I'd bet my bottom dollar it was a cheap chinese brand , if they had an ARB unit they would not had the need to post about it.."


Well, that hasn't been my experience, Doug.
Last week my ARB compressor died...still within the warranty period.
Similarly my Garmin....only a couple of months out of warranty.

My "cheap Lokka" however, is still going gangbusters.
I love my Lokka :-)

So it seems that 'name' brands fail too.....

Cheers
Glenn