Auto diff locker / Landcruiser 105 questions

[jnik]

Hi all,

I'm thinking of upgrading to a Landcruiser 105 and then adding a few bits to it.

While I'd love to have a pair of selectable diff lockers, that would cost far more than I'm willing to spend ... I think a single auto-locker is about all I could justify.

I understand that general wisdom is that it's best to fit such a locker to the front ... but that on the LC105 this can only be done with a "part time" conversion.

So, is it possible to fit a auto-locker in the rear of a LC105 without doing the part time conversion?

And, if it is on the front, I understand it affects steering ... is this in 4WD mode only or in 2WD too?

(I'm looking for a dual-fuel auto, if that makes any difference).

Thanks all,
JNik.

[GeeTee]

Unless you usually drive backward up hills, put the locker in the rear.
It's only since the internet was invented that the idea of a single locker in the front axle being better has come up

[D4D]

I put an auto locker in the front of my GQ, but that was because I had an LSD that worked

Yes it does make the steering heavier but that is only when both hubs were locked.

[BigJules]

Another member on here, Laith, put an auto locker in the front of his 105 and loves it. Given the pathetic performance of Toyota LSD it could be argued that the rear would be better, but then if you put it in the front you'll always have a front wheel driving too, and that's where you're more likely to have one in the air.

Interestingly, if you install front and rear ARB airlockers you can only activate the front locker of the rear is activated.

[GeeTee]

that's how Toyota and Land Rover do it too. it provides much better behaviour And Mitsubishi etc give an option of a rear locker... not a front.

But we're not here to just play 'me too' with the manufacturers; in the real world a vehicle used in arduous terrain will benefit from better traction at the rear more than the front with less adverse effect on steering. It will also reduce front wheelspin with a wheel off the ground

[D4D]

But we're not here to just play 'me too' with the manufacturers; in the real world a vehicle used in arduous terrain will benefit from better traction at the rear more than the front with less adverse effect on steering. It will also reduce front wheelspin with a wheel off the ground

I see your point but offer a counter point. Typically it is a front wheel that will lift and lose traction first, resulting in losing all front drive turning you into a rear (2) wheel drive. Having a locked front means if you lift a front wheel you're now in 3 wheel drive which provides you 30% more traction. In a Toyota and most other vehicles other than Nissan, I'd probably go rear first due to the crap LSD however I had the rear LSD in my GQ tightened where it would chirp around corners so I didn't need a rear locker hence why I fitted a front auto locker.

[GeeTee]

Better to have the two wheels that are on the ground, gripping, driving the vehicle forward courtesy of the locker... front wheel in the air won't spin much if there is no loss of traction at the rear

Good idea with modifying/upgrading your factory rear diff, that is also a sensible (and possibly more affordable) option for Jnik

[dazzler]

(I'm looking for a dual-fuel auto, if that makes any difference).

Thanks all,
JNik.

Just on he dual fuel - I would suggest getting a straight petrol and converting it yourself later to avoid any head issues.  Maybe do your actual cost benefit on what its returning.  My 105 go 16 on the open road and 18 in traffic around hilly hobart so though they are not great they are not horrendous when purchase price/power/reliability are considered.

Have fun.  They are a sweet bus.