Lockers for gravel / washboard (corrugations) experiences???

[Ozrockrat]

OK I have done a lot of miles on corrugated gravel roads in Oz in all types of Toyotas (and imposters) but never had lockers.

Now I am in the USA and I have had a Jeep Wrangler with a posi traction LSD. It locks when it senses wheelspin. This does cause some interesting moments when on loose gravel / corrugated corners or in snow / ice.

Now I am building up an 80 series as an expo rig. It does not have lockers but I am investigating putting in either ARB, elocker (toyota) or an Aussie locker. This will be rear only.

Before I spend the extra money on an open diff that locks on request I would like to get your thoughts on the best which way to:

1- Aussie locker (cheap, always there and very little to go wrong)
2- ARB/eLocker (more cash out, more things to go wrong but open diffs for the 99.9% of the time that lockers are not needed)
3- Positraction, detriot etc (unexpected action but open diffs most of the time. medium cash outlay).

Thanks for your input.

 

[Desert Dan]

Selectable lockers would be my preference.

 

[craig333]

If you can afford it go selectable. I have a detroit in my Jeep and you really know its there. On the other hand as long as you're aware of the unique handling characteristics and drive accordingly its not a big deal. I would not recommend an auto locker for just anyone though.

 

[TangoBlue]

Selectable. On road manners that you're accustomed to. You decide when you need it thus giving you the predictability in loose conditions. But when you lose traction and need to lock things up, push a button and you have instant traction. Lines I struggled up running open before are now long forgotten with my ARB.

 

[Ozrockrat]

Thanks for the input guys.

After chatting with a few of my old buddies (mates actually) in Australia who are running the Aussie lockers I will go with one of them (and save the difference to pay for fuel etc on a Mexico trip :sombrero

The aussie guys are saying they do not notice the lockers either on the highway or the corrugations but they do hear them unloading when swinging around in car parks.

Once again thanks for the input.

 

[rusty_tlc]

After chatting with a few of my old buddies (mates actually) in Australia who are running the Aussie lockers I will go with one of them (and save the difference to pay for fuel etc on a Mexico trip :sombrero

The aussie guys are saying they do not notice the lockers either on the highway or the corrugations but they do hear them unloading when swinging around in car parks.

Once again thanks for the input.

A day late and a dollar short but here's my $0.02.
Heaving lived with both auto lockers and ARB's I would never equip a truck with an auto locker unless there was no alternative.

 

[ntsqd]

X2
Having run a fair amount of washboard road with a Detroit in two different wheel bases (both so-called "soft lockers" and both longer than an 80 series) they are not my recommendation either. I'm about to try out the dual ARB set-up. Just have this pesky engine swap to finish first.....

 

[LifeOverland]

I'm fairly new to the 4x4 scene so I'm curious why everyone is discouraging against the Aussie Locker. The only reason I ask is my 62 came with one when I bought it. I just don't know any different!

 

[Desert Dan]

"freedom of choice" is the key with lockers
It is nice to control the locker yourself.

Sometimes on ice/snow it is nice to run unlocked.

 

[Klierslc]

Autolockers may not be the best set up for a part time 4wd vehicle, but for and 80 series they are excellent. The biggest issue is that when on snow, ice, gravel, etc, you give it too much throttle and a part time rig will swap ends. The 80, being AWD will not do that. I had to work really really hard to make the 80 spin a donut in the snow. In fact, in slick conditions, the 80 will actually push the front wheels straight if you manage to lock it up on the ice. Off road, the the transition is seemless.

I used to have two other 80s with e-lockers. I like the selectability, but the ARBs seem to have some reliability issues, and are very expensive. The aussie locker is simple, cheap, durable, and has a lifetime warranty.

 

[ntsqd]

Auto-lockers tend to have quirky habits in corners. I have two such equipped trucks. The replacement for one of those has ARB's waiting for installation.

The two ARB issues that I've noticed over the years stem from either the o-rings inside the diff case leaking (less common) or the solenoid valves sticking either on or off (most common). The single pair of ARB solenoid valves that I've worked with and around did not have any sort of means to prevent dirt from entering the exhaust port. Well, duh! I added some industrial sintered air system mufflers to the exhaust ports and I've not heard that the new owner has had any trouble at all.

 

[Mike S]

I have a factory locked 80. I have had VERY few times that I needed to engage the lockers. The FT 4WD handles just about everything that my travel can throw at it. It is nice to have the reserve capability of the lockers, tho'.

Have you explored the idea of swapping the standard TLC diffs for TLC e-locker diffs?

 

[locrwln]

I started out poor like most people and threw an Lock-right in the rear of my Wrangler (wish I never would have sold it). I drove it everywhere and it worked, but you had to be careful with it. The Wrangler was short wheelbased and a manual, so the rear would pitch sideways while shifting and you had to put it in neutral when driving up and down lanes of a parking lot or it would buck and get crazy as you turned at the end. Upgraded to ARB's when I could, loved them, they worked great and when you wanted them to. Sold it.

Bought and built an '88 4runner (SAS, dual t-cases, etc.), ran ARB's, had some issues with the rear locker leaking back up through the line (bad installation). Sold it.

Bought a '97 LX450, made sure it had the factory lockers. Sold it.

Bought a '02 Tacoma, made sure it had the factory rear locker. Sold it.

Bought a '96 FZJ80, made sure it had the factory lockers (haven't sold it yet,:sombrero Anyway I love the option and for those that don't use them that much, good for you. When I am out exploring, I have used them numerous times and was glad to have them. Even when exploring, I don't always stay on the nicest roads, my wife and I have this problem with wanting to see where every road goes. Not to mention some minor rockcrawling and a Moab trip.

As you can see, I am a big fan of lockers and having the choice of whether they are on or not. I have used them extensively on every rig I have owned. :smiley_drive:

Jack