Diff lockers

[letsgo]

A question for those that currently have diff lockers in their 4wd or who have had them in a previous 4wd. If one could afford diff lockers would you recommend them? Going on a Cape trip shortly and wondering if they would be a benefit. Not looking to put them on just for this trip but are considering them anyway.

Thanks

[GGV8Cruza]

I have one in the patrol, front diff, the LSD in the rear is great. We do a fair amount of solo travel and I use it as a get out of jail card, only really engage it when all other things don't work. It has saved me once or twice and if all else fails a combination of it and the winch works great. Plus the blue buttons are cool

GG

[D4D]

Does your Colorado have traction control? If so that would probably be enough. Lots of discussion re front or rear, typically you lift a front wheel and therefore lose drive hence I prefer the front if you're only going to fit one.

[letsgo]

Hi D4D, No traction Control on the Colorado. LSD in the rear.

Like you GGPatrol we travel solo, have had one situation many years ago where diff locks certainly would have helped. Cool blue button's sound like a good reason

Thanks for the replies so far

[D4D]

If your LSD actually works, unlike Toyota's LSD, have a look at one of these http://www.harrop.com.au/4wd_detail.php?prod=99-ELKR11556&cat=103 I dunno if they're the same diffs in the later models.

[oldmate]

Here is thread on it 1 type for you.
I have the E Locker

http://www.myswag.org/index.php?topic=29164.msg454263#msg454263

[02-SR5]

Do I need diff lockers?

Hell yes.

Possibly the best mod for any 4wd.

Suspension, tyres and front and rear diff lockers are the 3 best mods for any 4WD.

[alnjan]

Diff locks are great, can be loads of fun, can get you out of a bad situation, or they can just get you further into more serious trouble.   

Personally, if you are doing solo drives,  I would get a winch first, diff locks second. 

Current and previous vehicles are locked front and rear and have still found plenty of times to use a winch.

[letsgo]

Already have the winch, bull bar and full recovery gear, snorkel, 2 in lift etc, diffs are about the only things left

[alnjan]

then go for it and have fun

[GOLDIE]

I have a front E locker.......Fantastic

[CRW]

Unlike Goldie, I have Air lockers front and rear, well worth it, the cruiser just crawls through and up over things using a lot less right foot


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[GeoffA]

Unlike Goldie, I have Air lockers front and rear, well worth it, the cruiser just crawls through and up over things using a lot less right foot

Hi Carl,

What's wrong with the traction control? Was it not up to it?

Did you have to disable the T/C, or does the T/C simply not kick-in because you have diff locks?

Got a front E-locker in my GU.

 

[DaveR]

As a former Mechanic who fitted and repaired Air Lockers, I'll be fitting Eaton E Lockers to my Tug when I can (need the $ 1st).
I just hope they are more reliable than Air Lockers. Yes, I am still to establish this to my satisfaction.
The one thing which goes wrong with the Air Lockers is gas leaking past the seals in the piston which locks the side gear, this can be caused from lack of use causing the seals to "Gum up", or temperature effect on the rubber.
The 1 thing in favor of an air locker is when it is going wrong, it will still work and you just have a compressor which is over cycling and gas leaking out of the diff breathers. If you persist in trying to use the airlocker when it is leaking, there is a chance of blowing out an Axel seal as well.
Where as, an E locker, if it goes wrong, you have a tripped fuse and no diff lock.
To sum up, when an air locker goes wrong, it can get you out of the bog still, but seen as they are rearly used, and this lack of use is what kills them, I hope the Eaton e locker is better.

There were some Air Lockers fitted to the 60 series etc with dodgy copper tubing used which would fracture. But that was some time ago.

[BLKWDW]

I have a spartan auto lokka in the front of my gq patrol with lsd in the rear. Auto lokka rnt everyone's cup of tea but i wouldnt be without mine. Its awesome i just drive no stopping to switch it on or off it just works. $400 installed is near a grand cheaper then the others which can be spent on other mods.

[Tim - Stratford]

My vote is for lockers F & R - great if you're a bit lazy like me on letting tyres down all the time. At the first sign of slip - engage the lockers to protect the rubber  . I only ever 4wd in the High Country - they are great for this but I can't comment on sand driving.

Tim

[Bird]

I had em in the GQ, and went everywhere without them that I went with them.

Do I think everyone needs them, fawk no. Driving skills are far more important than lockers.

[aussieducker]

I agree Lost

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[weeds]

my vote is if you can afford them than fit them......

i regularly engage the rear locker if there is any chance of wheel spin....not only looks after the drive train but also the track

i can recall a few times on tracks where there is was only one line was available, other used wheel spin and momentem to get through where i just idled up.........this was enough reason for a mate to install dual arb lockers into his 100 series

[KingBilly]

OK, I'll play dumb.  If the vehicle has traction control won't that stop a wheel spinning?  Are diff locks redundant with traction control?  Asking as I am about to buy a dual cab and all of them have traction control these days but I notice the Ranger/BT50 still have a lockable rear diff - obviously for a reason.  Could somebody please enlighten me?

KB

[BigJules]

Diff locks are great, can be loads of fun, can get you out of a bad situation, or they can just get you further into more serious trouble.  

I resemble this remark. 

My vote is for lockers F & R - great if you're a bit lazy like me on letting tyres down all the time. At the first sign of slip - engage the lockers to protect the rubber  . I only ever 4wd in the High Country - they are great for this but I can't comment on sand driving.

I've also been guilty of doing this. all four wheels driving does make a difference. I have also regretted it, as this can cause tyre damage.


I would say that if I was just 4wding in my Cruiser lockers would have been overkill, just something to get me in too deep. But when towing the camper through the tough stuff they definitely make a positive difference. As CRW said, being able to crawl through spots that might have required more momentum with open diffs is a benefit. I'm sure there are places where I have used the lockers when I didn't need to, but I'll never know and I'm totally cool with that too. I'd rather drive it than recover it.

[letsgo]

Just want to thank everyone for their replies. Have been very informative and helpful. Going to look more into the E Lockers too. You guys are awesome 

[Rottodiver]

I have air lockers front and back on the gu patrol, can't imagine life with out them now..... Never ever get bogged and the ability to tow up some sandy hill climbs that some 4wd struggle to do with out a trailer( yeagerup for those that know Western Australia) and the confidence to go places you would not ordinarily go.
Scott

[GraemeL]

OK, I'll play dumb.  If the vehicle has traction control won't that stop a wheel spinning?  Are diff locks redundant with traction control?  Asking as I am about to buy a dual cab and all of them have traction control these days but I notice the Ranger/BT50 still have a lockable rear diff - obviously for a reason.  Could somebody please enlighten me?

KB

I would also like to know a bit more about it. I am new to 4wding and will be towing a CT with my Dmax, so I would be interested in knowing if it's worth the money.

[BigJules]

I would also like to know a bit more about it. I am new to 4wding and will be towing a CT with my Dmax, so I would be interested in knowing if it's worth the money.

Got your wife (and kids) in the vehicle? It's worth the money.