Locking Differentials - choives, choices

[AndyLala]

Hmmm,

wasn't really looking for this... but stumbled across it...
What is everyone else's opinions...?

Electric, Automatic or air switched locking differentials...?

http://www.marlincrawler.com/3rd_pickup.html


Info on the 'Toyota' locking differentials
http://www.4x4wire.com/toyota/tech/electric_locker
http://67.122.16.97/carterman/4runner/mods/locker/

[Gamedawn]

First choice is full time or part time locker. Full time is cheaper, part time is better if you have a significant amount of road use. If you go with part time you then have the choice of electric or air. Air is stronger and more positive in operation but again is more expensive than electric. Personally I lust after an ARB air locker

[Guest]

Air compressor ones every time if you can afford them.

The other ones have too many disadvantages.

1. Electric ones too slow (although pretty reliable they switch in very slow - mine do on the LC).

2. Automatic - Not enough driver control.

3. Air lcoking - ARB etc, quick and reliable.

4. Cable lockers - quick, strong, reliable, rare as hens teeth.

[Delboy]

I have a lockrite automatic locker in front. Definitely need manual hubs with this cause the steering gets a bit heavy. Need Popeye arms!
When i do the rear i'm gonna put an ARB in. May as well get the best!

[andycook]

nice toys!

if my truck was younger than its 150k miles, and i wasnt trying to keep a slush fund for suprise repairs, wouldnt mind a locker of somesort

[AndyLala]

I have a lockrite automatic locker in front. Definitely need manual hubs with this cause the steering gets a bit heavy. Need Popeye arms!
When i do the rear i'm gonna put an ARB in. May as well get the best!

Delboy,

what do you think of the lockrite, now you've had it for a while...? Heard somewhere that the turning circle reduces a little...? Where, how much etc.etc.,

andyL

[maverick_sr71]

Why assume the air lockers are better? Many of the guys here are constantly complaining about the air pump breaking down, air lines being dislodged/disconnected and crud entering the system and the diff.

[Guest]

Why assume the air lockers are better? Many of the guys here are constantly complaining about the air pump breaking down, air lines being dislodged/disconnected and crud entering the system and the diff.

Ir lockers are quicker to activate than electric ones. Still get problems with the electric ones not working as well but for different reasons.

Cable lockers are most reliable but rare as hens teeth - E lockers can be converted but quote a lot of work as the actualor housing is a different shape than the cable bracket however it can be modified.

[Delboy]

Delboy,

what do you think of the lockrite, now you've had it for a while...? Heard somewhere that the turning circle reduces a little...? Where, how much etc.etc.,

andyL

Andy, I thinkits great. Didnt notice any real reduction in turning circle. Just got a lot harder to turn. If you have manual hubs then your ok.
Great for the price!

[AndyLala]

So that bit changes its priority on my never ending christmas list....


Thanks, Delboy