Hi Abu, product reliability and customer support are both areas that we pride ourselves on when it comes to Air Locker (and everything else we produce). ARB has been manufacturing Air Lockers in-house since 1987 and, earlier this year we released our 250,000th unit. Over the years, the Air Locker product has built a very strong reputation for quality and reliability. Its extensive use throughout the off road racing and competition scene is testament to that.
True. I installed an onboard compressor and now I have air plus my Detroit lockers. I have an 89 XJ 8.5" lift 33' tires and I offroad the heck out of my Jeep. My Detroits hold up AWESOME just being able to hit the gas. One HUGE advantage about Detroit's is everytime you hit the gas it locks. You never have to worry about hitting a switch or your compressor going out. Your hit the gas and your locked. My Detroit lockers have over 250,000 on them and still work like the day I bought them.
Hi there, apart from the added benefit of having onboard air available with an Air Locker (as you've mentioned), they also provide great flexibility in that they can be turned off in situations where precise steering input is required and where an automatic locker my stay engaged and potentially reduce steering control. In our latest ARB Magazine (available April 23) King of the Hammers competition drivers talk about Air Locker benefits and the advantage of being able to use them selectively.
We have been continuously developing our air system for almost 25 years now, and we believe with good installation practises, according to the installation guide, you should find your Air Locker install to be quite uncomplicated and, seals included, should last you the life of your car - if not your next.
Hi Trittycat, yes, the Air Locker is independent of the the 4wd system. We actually make Air Lockers for a range of 2wd vehicles and they are also used in motor sport applications.
Hi there. When an Air Locker is fitted, the factory LSD is removed. This means when the Air Locker is not engaged, the vehicle will run an open diff. It's not possible to have both an LSD and an Air Locker in the same diff. Hope that answers your question.
Hi Fairmontxf87, yes, we do supply Air Lockers for a limited range of 2WD vehicles. They're actually used regularly in drag racing and drifting competitions. Check out the Application Guide on our website for a full product listing.
My only gripe with Air Lockers is the "plumbing" which has a habit of going wrong when you need it more then ever. Removed the rear Air Locker from my GU Patrol and fitted a DeTroit to the back and kept the front Air Locker. Dont even know that there is a locker in the rear - even when going round corners. It disengages and re-engages so smoothly one would never notice. Rarely have to use the front locker as the back give the momentum to get me where I need to go with out spinning wheels.
Hi Cody, in slippery conditions like snow, dirt roads etc an Air Locker would certainly be an improvement over an open diff in a 2WD vehicle but it will never make your truck as capable as a 4WD vehicle in true 4WD conditions.
Hi Aslanmane, there are some good water crossing tips in our video "ARB Water Crossing Tips", including tips for preparing your door seals before crossing.
i have a old GQ patrol wagon fully loaded most times with a front locker,,ARB air locker,,its 10 years old and never been touched and its done some tough shit,,now it lives up the cape and goes the OTL every few weeks and hits the cape on my days off, enough said,,if the cape cant hurt it then nothing will,,ARB lockers all day baby
Selectable locking diffs operate best when they are shifted under high mechanical force. In an Air Locker that force equates to about 300kg, equally distributed centrally around the locking clutch gear from inside the differential. Cable or electric activation only generates a fraction of that force. This is why many pro racing teams (NASCAR, F1) rely on air actuation to drive their sequential gear boxes. An electromagnet coil can also generate excessive heat inside the diff.
I have ARB lockers on my Defender 110, front & back. Also had them my old defender 90 (I swapped the front one straight over, the 110 has the Salisbury 8HA rear axle so I had to buy a different ARB unit) They're great. I have standard suspension with no extra travel (although the 90 did used to have rock crawling stuff on it, which I removed due to bad road handling) but the lockers far outweigh any trick suspension you can get. The flick of the switch/es is like "the hand of god" giving you a gentle push from behind, and everything can be done in a nice slow gentle manner, not revving the nuts off the engine and spinning wheels everywhere hoping for a morsel of grip. I've just bought an old Mercedes G wagen... these trucks have lockers as standard. and axles that have strong enough internals to cope with the (possible) extra strain that a locked differnetial can give.... don't try to turn full circle with the front locker engaged on good quality surface... you'll blow your CV joints!! Great video by ARB here... loving the adjustable demo road!!
ARB. I’m having issues with tech support on my ARB locker. I’ve owned my air locker for a little more than a year and it stated on the website you offer a 5 year warranty. Pieces of the locker broke off and wiped out the side gears. Why is it such a hard time for a warranty claim?
raefordroadauto1 There are a number of reasons that on-demand locking differentials are not offered at the factory. This typically comes down to cost, so the manufacturer can provide the vehicle at the lowest possible price point. It also is due to the intended design of the vehicle, and what the manufacturer decides is necessary.
+raefordroadauto1 .. Actually, many vehicle manufacturers are now moving away from old-school mechanical lockers to "smart" traction control systems which apply brake to spinning tires, forcing differentials to deliver engine power to the opposite tires not spinning. Effective, cheaper, and less parts to worry about. Of course, as you see here, there will always be some who resist change.
+raefordroadauto1 A lot of top spec 4x4's come with Factory lockers, i.e Landcruiser SAHARAS will usually be fitted with them, even my 1988 HJ61 Sahara came standard with front and rear lockers. I also know of top spec Ford rangers now coming with rear diff lock as standard, and Jeep Wrangler rubicons have always come with front and rear lockers. So they really arnt just a sticker and some leather, they are generally a much better 4x4 over standard.
Hey, We do indeed offer Air Lockers for the 2010 LR4. Contact your local ARB dealer to discuss further, you can find it here: arbusa(dot)com/dealer-locator/
when i upgrade this air locking,may I swerve or must only drive right? and can i upgrade air locking just on rear differential,is there a point of upgrade that just on rear? or must both rear and front ?
You can still turn, but having the front locked can make it hard to steer. Having a locker just on the rear is still a big improvement, and saves money if you don't need the extra traction of having two lockers.
Hi Pietro, there are no issues with Air Lockers on IFS vehicles, and we find that Air Lockers are actually kinder to CV joints. When engaged, traction is more controlled and you have less loading and shock transmitted from the wheels to the CV joints. Wheel spin is far more damaging to the vehicle.
@plutocrank Arbs have more weak points then the Detroit. (ie air lines, compressor etc.) but the locker itself is stronger than the Detroit. But it doesn't make daily driving a pain in the ass (as a Detroit does, it locks up on turns etc chews away tires etc etc etc etc etc.) If you daily drive your rig, selectable lockers are the way to go (arbs.). Hope this helps somewhat.
@discoverywill Wow, so ARB lockers are better than detroits? Interesting. Are "air" lockers better than normal mechanic lockers? Can you please explain the difference between air and other normal lockers? Thnx.
Can of worms that one, solohell380. Plenty of people have differing opinions on this question. For a detailed explanation, check the Ask ARB section on our website - arb.com.au/getting-started/ask-arb/
there really isn't a great deal of difference between factory fitted diff locks, traction control, and aftermarket fitted diff locks like the one shown here in this video. You just have to remember, just like any factory fitted mod con, they are only designed to be used in basic to moderate situations, they aren't necessarily designed to be taken out on more extreme tracks and past the more difficult end of off road driving, but they definitely don't hurt having them fitted to a new vehicle like the Prado or Amarok...
bt50 all have factory rear elockers witch are far better than air lockers, if u were to put a front locker in, i would recommend e-locker as an arb one will require a compressor and are not as reliable
I got a rear diff locker.... it's called the hand brake. Works everytime. + It's a standard... so in 120,000 miles I think i've maybe replaced the rear drum shoes 1x.... lol. ARB needs a 50% off coupon for college kids. :-P
Your is broadly accepted as the best, but its so complicated. Why dont you use an electronic mechanism or a cable instead of air? Are you guys ever going to release a LSD version?
we have stop using ARB airlocker diff centers. relay for running air compressor air leaks diff housings not good. Eaton are not new at this game they build the Road Ranges and differentials for most of the trucking and heavy industry. I found the elocker a lot less hassle to set up and more reliable.
ARB 💪 I dont care what the haters say. We have done a recent video of arb vs maxi vs traction control. The Arb shines at the end as the obstacles get harder.
During the test, I would have liked to seen only the rear differential locked and in 2wd. If the truck would have made it, that would have been a great evidence of having at least one wheel with power to the ground.
Have 100% detroit lockers front and rear in my 94 toyota, wouldn't change them for an ARB. You don't even notice they are there in daily driving, until you need them. Selectable lockers have no advantage whatsoever (other than onboard air in the case of arb) over the latest detroit lockers...
Hi Abu, product reliability and customer support are both areas that we pride ourselves on when it comes to Air Locker (and everything else we produce). ARB has been manufacturing Air Lockers in-house since 1987 and, earlier this year we released our 250,000th unit. Over the years, the Air Locker product has built a very strong reputation for quality and reliability. Its extensive use throughout the off road racing and competition scene is testament to that.
i wish we had those Toyota's in the US. . . diesel is the way to go!
True. I installed an onboard compressor and now I have air plus my Detroit lockers.
I have an 89 XJ 8.5" lift 33' tires and I offroad the heck out of my Jeep. My Detroits hold up AWESOME just being able to hit the gas.
One HUGE advantage about Detroit's is everytime you hit the gas it locks. You never have to worry about hitting a switch or your compressor going out. Your hit the gas and your locked.
My Detroit lockers have over 250,000 on them and still work like the day I bought them.
Hi there, apart from the added benefit of having onboard air available with an Air Locker (as you've mentioned), they also provide great flexibility in that they can be turned off in situations where precise steering input is required and where an automatic locker my stay engaged and potentially reduce steering control.
In our latest ARB Magazine (available April 23) King of the Hammers competition drivers talk about Air Locker benefits and the advantage of being able to use them selectively.
We have been continuously developing our air system for almost 25 years now, and we believe with good installation practises, according to the installation guide, you should find your Air Locker install to be quite uncomplicated and, seals included, should last you the life of your car - if not your next.
Hi Trittycat, yes, the Air Locker is independent of the the 4wd system. We actually make Air Lockers for a range of 2wd vehicles and they are also used in motor sport applications.
Dang, those Toyota's look super nice. They look like the 80's model. Wish we had them here in the Americas.
Hi there. When an Air Locker is fitted, the factory LSD is removed. This means when the Air Locker is not engaged, the vehicle will run an open diff. It's not possible to have both an LSD and an Air Locker in the same diff. Hope that answers your question.
Hi Fairmontxf87, yes, we do supply Air Lockers for a limited range of 2WD vehicles. They're actually used regularly in drag racing and drifting competitions. Check out the Application Guide on our website for a full product listing.
Hi Adam, you're best to contact your local ARB store/stockist for pricing.
My only gripe with Air Lockers is the "plumbing" which has a habit of going wrong when you need it more then ever. Removed the rear Air Locker from my GU Patrol and fitted a DeTroit to the back and kept the front Air Locker. Dont even know that there is a locker in the rear - even when going round corners. It disengages and re-engages so smoothly one would never notice. Rarely have to use the front locker as the back give the momentum to get me where I need to go with out spinning wheels.
Hi Cody, in slippery conditions like snow, dirt roads etc an Air Locker would certainly be an improvement over an open diff in a 2WD vehicle but it will never make your truck as capable as a 4WD vehicle in true 4WD conditions.
Hi Aslanmane, there are some good water crossing tips in our video "ARB Water Crossing Tips", including tips for preparing your door seals before crossing.
I love ARB! Even though, I have not had the pleasure of trying one, I have been saving for years to earn mine!
This is a nice video ARB
Thanks!
Yep, you can certainly engage the front locker in 2 wheel drive although there's not much point as there'll be no drive going to the front wheels.
Great to hear, Caterider.
Hi Mr Timbo, an Air Locker is not linked to the 4wd system so it can be activated independently.
i have a old GQ patrol wagon fully loaded most times with a front locker,,ARB air locker,,its 10 years old and never been touched and its done some tough shit,,now it lives up the cape and goes the OTL every few weeks and hits the cape on my days off, enough said,,if the cape cant hurt it then nothing will,,ARB lockers all day baby
Thats wild, thanks for the reply. Will be putting an ARB into my truck next summer if all goes as planned.
Selectable locking diffs operate best when they are shifted under high mechanical force. In an Air Locker that force equates to about 300kg, equally distributed centrally around the locking clutch gear from inside the differential. Cable or electric activation only generates a fraction of that force. This is why many pro racing teams (NASCAR, F1) rely on air actuation to drive their sequential gear boxes. An electromagnet coil can also generate excessive heat inside the diff.
Hi Trittycat, your best bet is to contact your local ARB store for pricing and fitting costs.
I have ARB lockers on my Defender 110, front & back. Also had them my old defender 90 (I swapped the front one straight over, the 110 has the Salisbury 8HA rear axle so I had to buy a different ARB unit)
They're great. I have standard suspension with no extra travel (although the 90 did used to have rock crawling stuff on it, which I removed due to bad road handling) but the lockers far outweigh any trick suspension you can get. The flick of the switch/es is like "the hand of god" giving you a gentle push from behind, and everything can be done in a nice slow gentle manner, not revving the nuts off the engine and spinning wheels everywhere hoping for a morsel of grip.
I've just bought an old Mercedes G wagen... these trucks have lockers as standard. and axles that have strong enough internals to cope with the (possible) extra strain that a locked differnetial can give.... don't try to turn full circle with the front locker engaged on good quality surface... you'll blow your CV joints!!
Great video by ARB here... loving the adjustable demo road!!
ARB. I’m having issues with tech support on my ARB locker. I’ve owned my air locker for a little more than a year and it stated on the website you offer a 5 year warranty. Pieces of the locker broke off and wiped out the side gears. Why is it such a hard time for a warranty claim?
Fitted lockers to front and rear in my Range Rover Classic off roader, best money iv'e spent.
I wish they were available for the North American Ford Ranger 2wd with the 7.5" rear axle. I have a 2004 & a 2009 models.
Hi , great explanation for newbies !
What is the model number for a Land Cruiser BJ60 1988 ?
Thank you from Argentina !
Those Land Cruisers are so nice I want to cry
i just want to know why this isnt a factory option ?
raefordroadauto1 There are a number of reasons that on-demand locking differentials are not offered at the factory. This typically comes down to cost, so the manufacturer can provide the vehicle at the lowest possible price point. It also is due to the intended design of the vehicle, and what the manufacturer decides is necessary.
ARB4WD
i cannot argue with with answer lol
but still even as a add on option . whatever theyre reasoning im glad you guys do it
+raefordroadauto1 .. Actually, many vehicle manufacturers are now moving away from old-school mechanical lockers to "smart" traction control systems which apply brake to spinning tires, forcing differentials to deliver engine power to the opposite tires not spinning. Effective, cheaper, and less parts to worry about. Of course, as you see here, there will always be some who resist change.
+ARB4WD can you tell me the price of this car
+raefordroadauto1 A lot of top spec 4x4's come with Factory lockers, i.e Landcruiser SAHARAS will usually be fitted with them, even my 1988 HJ61 Sahara came standard with front and rear lockers. I also know of top spec Ford rangers now coming with rear diff lock as standard, and Jeep Wrangler rubicons have always come with front and rear lockers. So they really arnt just a sticker and some leather, they are generally a much better 4x4 over standard.
Nice, like it. Like all ARB products. Greetings from South Africa.
HOLY CRAP! Why don't they sell those truck in the US......PFFFT. Nice video.
Beautiful! I still have concerns about maintenance and reliability, the subject of some research ..
Dont want to rub it in BUT.! Dont those landcruisers just look so happy off and on the roads. There so nice.. love them..😉
Howdy mate can you help me find a snorkel for Jeep grand wagoneer.I saw you vehicles use um I need one can you help?
Can you get an ARB air locking system for a 2010 Land Rover LR4 Lux?
Hey, We do indeed offer Air Lockers for the 2010 LR4. Contact your local ARB dealer to discuss further, you can find it here: arbusa(dot)com/dealer-locator/
when i upgrade this air locking,may I swerve or must only drive right?
and can i upgrade air locking just on rear differential,is there a point of upgrade that just on rear? or must both rear and front ?
You can still turn, but having the front locked can make it hard to steer. Having a locker just on the rear is still a big improvement, and saves money if you don't need the extra traction of having two lockers.
I want that truck. Why don't we get those here in the states?
I wish we had those Aussie Toyotas in the United States!
Is this available for normal rear wheel drive vehicles???? a sedan for instance????
what do you think about air locker....on a car with front indipendent suspension?Could be dangerous for the CV joints?
Hi Pietro, there are no issues with Air Lockers on IFS vehicles, and we find that Air Lockers are actually kinder to CV joints. When engaged, traction is more controlled and you have less loading and shock transmitted from the wheels to the CV joints. Wheel spin is far more damaging to the vehicle.
yeah it does put more stress on cvs expecially if u need to turn at all as one wheel will want to turn faster than the other
top demo ARB , great info
Rolly B it's a stupid demonstration. Standing next to it like that? not good
So if you have a locker in the rear, can you engage at anytime or do you need to be in 4 wheel drive?
@plutocrank Arbs have more weak points then the Detroit. (ie air lines, compressor etc.) but the locker itself is stronger than the Detroit. But it doesn't make daily driving a pain in the ass (as a Detroit does, it locks up on turns etc chews away tires etc etc etc etc etc.) If you daily drive your rig, selectable lockers are the way to go (arbs.). Hope this helps somewhat.
@Fuscoooo probably because of the variety of bed configurations. it's an easy place to mount to and has a good ground plane
how about in snow and rough roads and weather i have a 2wd truck and i figured it would help make up for in lacking 4wd
Hi, i wanna know where in florida (Orlando) can they installing my arb lockers. thanks
@discoverywill Wow, so ARB lockers are better than detroits? Interesting. Are "air" lockers better than normal mechanic lockers? Can you please explain the difference between air and other normal lockers? Thnx.
Can saloon cars be fitted with air lockers?
Check out Jeepers Den 1 mile to the east of 408 and 50 in east Orlando.
is it ok if there little bit of slack in the cable
Can of worms that one, solohell380. Plenty of people have differing opinions on this question. For a detailed explanation, check the Ask ARB section on our website - arb.com.au/getting-started/ask-arb/
Hey does anybody know what they do to prevent water seepage while fording? Is there some sort of special door seal or do they just grin and bear it?
is that the same to engage the front lockers too?
yes true but also lockers can make you spin out too. ARBs are great though. pop em in and out as you need them
Doesn't this 79 Series already have diff locks as standard?
so if you have factory diff lock you don't really need an air locker or are they different things?
there really isn't a great deal of difference between factory fitted diff locks, traction control, and aftermarket fitted diff locks like the one shown here in this video.
You just have to remember, just like any factory fitted mod con, they are only designed to be used in basic to moderate situations, they aren't necessarily designed to be taken out on more extreme tracks and past the more difficult end of off road driving, but they definitely don't hurt having them fitted to a new vehicle like the Prado or Amarok...
Depends which diff the lock is on.
Are the Air lockers for the front of a 2012 Mazda BT 50
Hi Chris, yes they are. We have a front and rear locker available for your BT-50
bt50 all have factory rear elockers witch are far better than air lockers, if u were to put a front locker in, i would recommend e-locker as an arb one will require a compressor and are not as reliable
Ha ha i love this "movebel trak",amazing!
do they make these for 4x4 chevy s10 ?
I got a rear diff locker.... it's called the hand brake. Works everytime. + It's a standard... so in 120,000 miles I think i've maybe replaced the rear drum shoes 1x.... lol.
ARB needs a 50% off coupon for college kids. :-P
How can I get these lockers in Pakistan
What if the differentials are limited slip?
Better than open diffs but still nowhere near as good as lockers.
Oh the things I would do to own some of the BA products thats ARB produces.
how much do these normaly cost instaled
Your is broadly accepted as the best, but its so complicated. Why dont you use an electronic mechanism or a cable instead of air? Are you guys ever going to release a LSD version?
nice arb air locker wheel 4x4
we have stop using ARB airlocker diff centers. relay for running air compressor air leaks diff housings not good. Eaton are not new at this game they build the Road Ranges and differentials for most of the trucking and heavy industry. I found the elocker a lot less hassle to set up and more reliable.
ARB 💪 I dont care what the haters say. We have done a recent video of arb vs maxi vs traction control. The Arb shines at the end as the obstacles get harder.
what would a set of Airlockers set you back?
Herbert MacFarlane, best to get in touch with your nearest ARB store/stockist. They will be able to advise you of part numbers and pricing.
They're expensive but nice if you can afford them.
I think they run about $1000/axle not including installation.
Love it!
During the test, I would have liked to seen only the rear differential locked and in 2wd. If the truck would have made it, that would have been a great evidence of having at least one wheel with power to the ground.
Hi scubadivingsince2006, you can view the full application guide on our website - arb.com.au/media/products/air-lockers/application_chart.pdf
Have 100% detroit lockers front and rear in my 94 toyota, wouldn't change them for an ARB. You don't even notice they are there in daily driving, until you need them. Selectable lockers have no advantage whatsoever (other than onboard air in the case of arb) over the latest detroit lockers...
Air Locker rox!
Price?
If you contact your local store/stockist, they will be able to advise on an accurate price, S9732.
いい商品ですね！
This is literally 4x4 porn. I love it :)
Pretty much the most reliable selectable locker.
that guy was lucky he wasnt in a final destination movie.
Hi RangeRover01, our USA team will be able to point you in the right direction. Shoot an email through to sales@arbusa.com or call (866) 293-9078.
Ummmm.... I think the 1st problem is the steering wheel is on the wrong side!!
because you have so much better and more capable stuff like Jeeps fords GM
Hi there, check out arbil4x4.co.uk.
Why Toyota is only car doing the demonstration ? Nissan don't need this. Go the mighty patrol
aussies are the best :(
why do most Aussie's install their CB antennas on the front bumper?
just curious...