Best Rear Diff Lock for Puma 110

[buxton]

Hi all,
wondering if anyone has fitted a Harrop e-locker or ARB Air Locker to their Puma. The rear diff in mine is about done and I'm thinking I may as well replace with a locking version. I've just had Max-Drive axles installed - want to create the absolute strongest set-up I can.
Any thoughts?

[Toxic_Avenger]

'Best' is a bit subjective.
If I had all the dollars in the world, I'd love a modified unimog setup. Or do something tricky with the dana diffs that come in a crate from the states.

Plenty of people here are using stock diffs with ARB / Harrop e lockers.
Can you elaborate what you mean by your current diff is 'done'? The lockers are just the centre (not the ring and pinion gears) which means if you've got other issues, the issues will still be there once you get locked.

[buxton]

Thanks. Not entirely sure what the issue is yet, getting driveline shunt, metal flecks in the diff oil, ends of the axles were worn. My mechanic is going to pull the diff apart in the new year so we can figure out what's going on. Just thinking while he does that it'd be worthwhile putting a locker option in before it goes back together.

[4runnernomore]

If you want air lockers go the Ashcroft lockers. They will probably be cheaper landed in Oz than buying the elockers as well.

Better design than the ARB version fixing all the issues. Will eventually get these for my D2 TD5.

Cheers, Chris

[Marty90]

The Ashcroft Diff-pegging looks interesting.

[buxton]

The Ashcroft Diff-pegging looks interesting.
Marty, what is this 'diff-pegging' you speak of?

[Marty90]

For some reason I can't add the link but if you go to the Ashcroft website you'll find the link to the Diff-pegging there.It keeps the crown-wheel in mesh with the pinion.

[DazzaTD5]

Hi all,
wondering if anyone has fitted a Harrop e-locker or ARB Air Locker to their Puma. The rear diff in mine is about done and I'm thinking I may as well replace with a locking version. I've just had Max-Drive axles installed - want to create the absolute strongest set-up I can.
Any thoughts?

I've fitted plenty of the Harrop e-locker (its an Eaton e-locker anyway) to Jeeps, both front and rears, they are top quality and tough. I like the e-locker over the air lockers as its a simplistic setup, no air lines to worry about!

The disadvantage of the e-locker is (once already locked) if you move from driving forward to driving in reverse there is a small point as you reverse that the e-locker dis-engages, then as you continue to reverse the e-locker re-engages. And the same if you then go from reverse to forward.

I can explain in great detail as to why this happens, but the very basics are the 3 locking pins are out of the beveled section on the locking ring (locked) when you reverse they move into the beveled section on the locking ring (dis-engaged) then move out of the beveled section again onto the flat (locked again).

Personally on any traction control vehicle I'd go the tru-trac or the Ashcroft version.... I think they are better bang (or lock) for buck.

Regards
Daz

[justinc]

You will still be left with a rubbish diff though...a Salisbury conversion with a trutrack would be the strongest for the $$$ just have to locate an ABS diff from a 1999 to 2002 defender...and get the tailshaft shortened.

Jc

[DazzaTD5]

You will still be left with a rubbish diff though...a Salisbury conversion with a trutrack would be the strongest for the $$$ just have to locate an ABS diff from a 1999 to 2002 defender...and get the tailshaft shortened.

Jc

Jc as you have found too no doubt, every P38 diff I've rebuilt (actually I'm getting pretty dam good at them :p and have never done so many diffs in my life) Once ya put new bearings and half the time a new crown wheel and pinion, only because once you get the diff whining away for a bit it puts a new wear pattern on the C & P.

Once rebuilt correctly they seem fine, I've not had one that I've rebuilt come back with a failure, but a lot of guys dont do the preload correct and well the dealers are only changing one bad diff out for another bad diff.

But if ur going to go hard core offroad then sure go a Sals, n diff pegging etc etc..

Regards
Daz

[Alra]

Hi Buxton,

What option did you eventually go with for your rear diff lock? I'm looking at getting a rear only diff lock purely for off road performance. I'm not suffering any diff issues with my MY12 110.

Cheers,

Danial.

[Tote]

SWMBO is enthusiastic to get me a rear locker for the 130. I thought I'd update this thread with my research and ask for opinions on my thoughts.

Firstly, my requirements:

Touring and the occasional challenging trip where traction aids are the difference between defending the Land Rover name among those who prefer Japanese whitegoods. I cannot think of a time where I have not been able to be recovered by someone else in the convoy or by winching myself out. My 130 is mostly a farm vehicle where it gets to do all manner of tasks, not usually related to 4wd but is also our touring vehicle. A picture that I showed to the Land Rover experience guys at Solihull probably explains it best. The location is on Macfarlaines/Cowombat track on the last climb towards Limestone road. My D3 made it up here easily a couple of times but I couldn't proceed in the Defender.

159825


So far my research is as follows

ARB air locker $1635 Fitted
TJM Pro locker $1499 - Does not specify fitted or not
Ashcroft ATB $721 inc GST - no freight no Fitting (Paddocks)
Ashcroft Air Locker $1133 inc GST- no fitting ( Paddocks)
Harrop Elocker $1728 no fitting Harrop Aust How do these blokes sell these???

My preference is for a manually controlled unit and probably for the Eaton but its pretty hard to justify the additional cost Thoughts?


Regards,
Tote

[rick130]

Ashcroft or TJM for a full locker.
They are the best/most robust/reliable designs IMO.

ATB if you want set and forget and don't lift wheels, unless the TC is better than the TD5 versions?
With the ATB you just need to be careful what oil you run for maximum traction.

[DiscoMick]

ATB.

[Slunnie]

I would use the ARB, Prolocker or the Ashcroft.

Personally I would choose the ARB Airlocker because it is Australian, the support is excellent, parts are easy and all of the necessary components intergrate perfectly as a one stop package. There is a lot of talk about the ARB design during the update not being as good as the older ones due to less depth in the locking dog, personally I don't think its a problem, its an issue that has been talked up by the massive tyred V8 comp guys - they seem to work in every other comp car still, go figure. I think its a pretty high quality unit, they are strong, they're proven in competition, parts are available from your dealers down the road, and they will fix anything under warranty without a problem.

The Ashcroft is also a good unit, high quality, proven in comps. If you want the part then you will have to import and if there is a prob you will have to send it back. Ashcroft don't have a good reputation for their support.

Prolocker is also a good unit, high quality, design has been taken from Jack McNamara diff's in Melbourne and has been the benchmark for a long time in airlocker design. Fortunately you don't have to deal with Jeff there to get one of these lockers. I'm not sure, but I suspect TJM now manufactures these and I'm not sure where these are made. If the quality is the same as what JacMac were doing, these should be good.

ATB - its not a locking diff. For the same money you will get more positive drive from a locker and the freedom and stability of an open diff on the road.

ELocker..... well, see this video from Stefan , a highly experienced operator and enthusiast. Very interesting, you wouldn't go there.
YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1nYZo--7Xh4&list=PLWPF5UrIkLAZBvNpG8RKHysNb4G87lHhU&index=65&t=0s)

[Ancient Mariner]

As Slunnie mentioned a TBD - ATB is not a locker till a bit of work[bighmmm]



AM

[Slunnie]

AM, you are hard core running a spool! :burnrubber:

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/attachments/90-110-130-defender-county/159838d1530002693-best-rear-diff-lock-puma-110-a-101_1080.jpg

[Ancient Mariner]

AM, you are hard core running a spool!

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/attachments/90-110-130-defender-county/159838d1530002693-best-rear-diff-lock-puma-110-a-101_1080.jpg. No Trutrac

[Slunnie]

. No Trutrac

Oh wow, it deadset looks like a spool. Is that a locking dog on the axle?

Ahhh, is that a locking TT that I thought they produced years ago but it came and went????

[Ancient Mariner]

Oh wow, it deadset looks like a spool. Is that a locking dog on the axle?

Ahhh, is that a locking TT that I thought they produced years ago but it came and went???? No I put a add in the wanted section for a LR one to play with but no reply so bought a 9"Trutrac to mod


AM

[rick130]

FWIW LRA sell and support the Ashcroft locker here, that's if you buy it through them.

[POD]

I have been very happy with the Ashcroft equipment I have added to my 130 and with the service and support from them. Far less so on both counts with the ARB locker that the previous owner put in the rear end of mine. I have bought direct from Adshcroft via internet order and stuff arrives within the week.

You should factor in shafts and flanges, the stock stuff won't last long in that terrain.

[rick130]

No I put a add in the wanted section for a LR one to play with but no reply so bought a 9"Trutrac to mod


AMI didn't realise you'd done that!

I'm going with an ATB in the rear of the Disco and mentioned to uninformed I'd look at getting the case broached for the Maxi Drive locking dog if I felt I needed a full locker in the rear.

My rationale was I'd really like the benefits of the ATB on road and I'd fit a full locker in the front as that's the end you are more likely to lift wheels with off road.

[Ancient Mariner]

https://youtu.be/qZoxBULMylg

[Slunnie]

I didn't realise you'd done that!

I'm going with an ATB in the rear of the Disco and mentioned to uninformed I'd look at getting the case broached for the Maxi Drive locking dog if I felt I needed a full locker in the rear.

My rationale was I'd really like the benefits of the ATB on road and I'd fit a full locker in the front as that's the end you are more likely to lift wheels with off road.

I think they stopped making them, but this is the puppy you would have loved. The Detroit Electrac, a locking Truetrac.

ROCKCRAWLER.com - Tractech Ships First Detroit Electrac Locker (https://www.rockcrawler.com/features/newsshorts/02september/electrac.asp)

[Ancient Mariner]

When I couldn't find a LR TBD I came across this unit when looking for a 9" trutrac .It has 6 gears and aggressive preloading, chinese under $500.It is well made with fit and finish as good as the Trutrac.Unfortunately due to a ****wit with a 50 ton press a missing support depth stop and a .015" bigger bearing diam[bigsad] Like most sellers once they have your money nup we don't have spares and are not available Newer Trutracs are now 4 gear and also preloaded



AM

[rick130]

I've read Eaton change the gear number depending on application and the bias ratio they are aiming for.

I remember Dave Ashcroft saying theirs is preloaded, too.
I've always wondered if GKN make them for Ashcroft's?

[martnH]

With atb....You can corner and do big round abouts at a higher speed.....

[MLD]

With atb....You can corner and do big round abouts at a higher speed.....

high speed roundabout in a defender is an oxymoron or a death wish, take your pick.

for my 2c on the OP, the best locker is the one you can afford. If the diff is set up properly all brands function as designed. For a set up up to 35" tyres driving as a weekend warrior none of us will see the design limits of the likes of ARB, Ashcroft, TJM, Maxidrive (i left E locker out because there is a sentiment that it is inferior, not convinced myself and mine has been faultless). If you are on 37's and larger and view driving your truck as challenge to concur all obstacles, you will be thinking about upgrades to your diffs that go beyond sliding in HD axles with a locker.