DIFF LOCK - what to choose?

[Kagiso II]

Jintelmens .. oompie has a headache - to make up mind which DIFF LOCK to fit on th ePrado [that s9*^&%%*) ttt "Traction control" in the thing is RUBBISH [the SANI and LOBO have a better LS than this schmertt]

Basically the options can be categorised as follows.

Auto Lockers. Ratchet type OE carrier used with the gear set being substituted

Lockright locker using OE GWM side gears

Aussie Locker supplied with side gears

Powertrax with syncormesh

Auto Lockers. Carrier replacement 50 mm brg

Detroit Locker

L/S diffs Carrier replacement 50mm brg

Auburn Gear
Detroit T/trac

Compressor driven switchable lockers

ARB with compact compressor
ARB with High Output compressor

TJM with High Output compressor

General.

Automatic ratchet type lockers provide maximum traction and are ideal for competitive off road conditions but by their very nature can be quite aggressive for everyday use and being mechanical they tend to be a little noisy.

Limited slip differentials on the other hand provide very good all round performance and are good value for money.
Neither of the options offered use the conventional friction plate design and are therefore capable of greater power transfer.
The Auburn Gear L/s uses a cone type gearset whilst the Detroit T/trac uses a set of helical gears for power transfer

Switchable style lockers can be engaged at will and offer the best of both worlds with regard to everyday use and arduous off road conditions.

[Alex Roux]

Oom

I am no expert as you know.
But what I do knwop I share.

On Traction Control: I have seen TC work brilliantly IF the vehicle is driven correctly. Recently I have seen twice how the latest Hillux gets through obstacles with remarkable ease. However it seems that it must be driven less aggressively than with full lockers, as the spinning, which then suddenly locks, can really break an axle. So it can be a compromise. However technology have progressed a lot on this and perhaps the Disco 4 and latest Prados have got this down much better than the Prado you have.

On LSD: I have seen many a wheel spin with LSD and have never seen it really work well enough in areas where the going strta to get very tough.

Perosnally I prefer to lock fully when I need it, and then unlock when I don't, Finish and Klaar. I would like to stay in control rather than rely on either LSD or TC technology.

As far as the full lockers go, ARB have stood the test of time. They only break when totally abused and typically in competition conditions when the guys really push these systems to the limit. It is common and parts never a problem. Not even Wimpie seem to manage to break them but did get a leak at one point. But you how he drives. A good advert for both the ARB lockers and the Patrol drive train.

Alex

[ChristoSlang]

Perosnally I prefer to lock fully when I need it, and then unlock when I don't, Finish and Klaar. I would like to stay in control rather than rely on either LSD or TC technology.

As far as the full lockers go, ARB have stood the test of time. They only break when totally abused and typically in competition conditions when the guys really push these systems to the limit. It is common and parts never a problem. Not even Wimpie seem to manage to break them but did get a leak at one point. But you how he drives. A good advert for both the ARB lockers and the Patrol drive train.

+1

I converted Chuck to ARB and stopped worrying about lockers after that...

[Tinus lotz]

Oom mac wat van daai elektriese een wat Russ van praat ?????

[Kagiso II]

Oom mac wat van daai elektriese een wat Russ van praat ?????

Waffer lektrix een wat russ waar van praat? nie gesien nie [Sover het ek op die Aussie locker besluit] 10K MINDER as die ARB .. en dit mater is in my boekei GROOT sjelt...

[ricster]

This is what I think you are talking about. I wouldn't mind one of these !!!!

It's an Eaton "E"Locker. Works on an electro magnet to engage. From what I hear, it works like a dream.

http://www.eaton.com/Eaton/ProductsServ ... /index.htm