LSD and rear air lockers

Hi Ash
When I was fixing up my daughter's MK Patrol Hardtop, we looked into this issue. If we were correctly informed, it seems that the LSD components get removed and replaced with the air locker components. That's one story, anyway. The other story was that if you want to fit a locker, you have to start with an open diff. Either way, you don't end up with LSD. We didn't end up doing it because the LSD was still working OK, so we fitted a front locker instead.
Cheers
John

Spot on ........If you fit an air locker to the rear you lose your LSD capability. In my 2005 Hilux I have a pretty efficient LSD so I opted for an air locker in the front and compressor under the passenger seat and never had a moments regret. I might add that contrary to some reports of air locker problems and blown seals I have never had an issue since it was fitted several years ago and it has had some serious use from time to time.....luv it.

Yes the central part of the diff containing the LSD is removed to fit a ARB air locker, so you now have a open diff when turned off. On your Mazda BT 50 I would be looking at fitting a front locker first.

Thanks for your responses - greatly appreciated.
I think you are spot on Desray, however there are not a lot of options in the way of lockers for my model BT, and I don't think that ARB make a front locker.

You tend to hear a lot more pro's than con's for putting in a locker. Just not sure either way at this point.

Ash

I have heard the ARB lockers are rated as one of the best sold around the world. The only issues come with the air leaks or back feeding or pushing oil out seals. Not often.
I went for the other type of locker an electrically activated locker called an eLocker from Harrop Eaton. No air just an electric wire going in.

There is an LSD diff that also comes as a lockable LSD also made by Harrop Eaton. Not available for all vehicles but works with worm drive LSD components instead of slipping disks. Supposed to be awesome. Waiting for one to come out for the rear of the landcruiser.

The Landcruiser diffs are notorious as not lasting longer than about 100,000km which I found true. Had the diff overhauled with new disk plates and some shims to tighten it and now I have an awesome rear LSD. Hope it lasts as long as a nissan LSD which usually rate over 300,000km.

Cheers

Serendipity

As others have said, the LSD function is removed when you insert an air lokka centre.

I have an ARB Air Locker on the rear of my HJ61 Landcruiser and a 4WD systems Lokka on the front. The lack of effective locking across an axle from factory remains a significant failure of manufacturers of full size 4WD's IMHO, but that's another topic.....

4WD Systems and other manufacturers of the 'click click' 'lunchbox' 'autounlocker' may make a version of their product that fits within the smaller centre space available inside the LSD, meaning you don't have to source a new centre - i.e. cheaper.

It seems to me the best system would be one where the lowest amount of driver involvement is necessary. If you are in a situation of needing more traction, you need to be concentrating on driving, not flicking switches. This is more relevant for a front locker than a rear, but it's still a point worth considering. Hence a well set up LSD is well regarded. Problem with the Toyota's is they don't last all that well.

A torsen type LSD which may be the Harrop type someone else described, provides gears not clutches that provide the torque transfer without any driver management.

Yes an air locker is either on or off, and in my experience, having one in the rear works fine. It can be engaged easily whilst on safe ground, and as long as you disengage it when turning on firm ground, or avoid silly application of power, no excessive pressure is put on diff components. It would be better to not have to flick a switch, as with an clutch or gear driven LSD, but it works effectively to give me solid axle traction.

I found having an air locker on the front was a nuisance in tight tracks and sand dunes where I needed steering control. If I was caught on a tight corner, I would have to be working the switch to engage, disengage, engage disengage, as I would be negotiating tight corners. After fitting a auto unlocker or Lokka from 4WD Systems, I feel the slightest load on the steering until the lokka releases and I can turn as normal, whilst still maintaining drive to the slowest turning wheel. It requires no input from me, I just get traction when I need it. The same would apply if it was fitted to the rear axle.

Tim