Diff Locks

[Henry]

I would like to fit diff lock on my front and rear diffs. It is the imported diffs. What I would like to know is what make is the best and what is the cost involved in such a operation. Also can this be done by myself or do a specialist need to do this.

Rgds

Henry

[Sifu-Lux]

Henry,

I have ARB lockers front and rear on my vehicle. Really good product.

See this thread: viewtopic.php?f=3&t=318

You could do it yourself, but I got mine installed where I bought them. I just watched and made sure they took no shortcuts. Better for the guarantee.

[Family_Dog]

Hi Henry,

In case I haven't already done so, welcome to the forum!

There has been some discussion here on this exact topic (do a search for this), and the choices seem to lie between the locally fitted ARB difflock, which is an expensive choice and does require routing maintenance to prevent leakage through seals. The ARB diff-locks only come into play when required and the vehicle diffs are otherwise free-running. The downside is that a driver might engage them later than he actually should have, they do require a bit of vehicle momentum in order to fully engage. At least, that is what I understand, could be wrong.

The other choices are the Detroit and LockRite diff-locks, both of which are permenently engaged but do release when the vehicle is turning. These diff-locks are about half the price of the ARB and are essentially maintenance-free. Many people suggest fitting the Detroit in the rear diff, and the Lock-Rite in the front diff. Google searches reveal the Detroit diff-lock to be bullet-proof, but some people have been less than happy with the Lock-Rites.

The advantage of a permanently engaged diff-lock is that you are very unlikely to be caught unawares in any situation.

FWIW, I have ordered a Detroit unit for the rear diff of my SFA but I am not over-keen on fitting anything in the front-diff, the SFA Hilux is already a very capable vehicle and my personal feeling is that the money saved can be better spent elsewhere.

PM Riceburner (member of this forum), he imports the latter two diff-locks mentioned above.


-F_D

[Sifu-Lux]

The ARB lockers require no maintenance of the routine sort, besides making sure that your diff oil is kept clean. If you drive offroad alot, especially in water, then you should check the diff oil regulary. I also fitted raised diff breather pipes because when I bought the vehicle I founs the front breather broken off and the diff oil not so clean.

On the subject of them needing momentum to engage, they don't. They are engaged by compressed air via the on-board compressor which supplies air between 5 and 7 bar.

[Umvubu]

I've fitted lockrites front & rear on my import axle Hilux. Experienced no problems since fitting them 3 months ago. I suggest you contact Ronald Hairbottle in Polokwane (082 376 5378). Got exellent service from him.