Difflocks: KAM450 vs ARB vs Maxidrive vs Eaton E

[Mercguy]

Guys,

After some information for those running any of the above in their rover diff housings (not sals)

Looking at options for the RRC, and I'm not wanting to really install an aircompressor...

So I was thinking KAM450 or Eaton, but as you all would probably know prices are Fuhhhh, so.....

Who is running what, and could you please provide a little bit of detail ( ie byond just saying yeah theyre good) which could assist others in trying to make sense of other attributes beyond just the product itself (i.e. Effective, useability, installation issues, servicing, any problems, warranty issues, dealer issues etc)

Thanks in advance.

[DieselLSE]

Hi Mercguy,
FWIW I had the ARB lockers installed in my 1993 LSE in about 1997. Apart from the odd damaged air line they have performed flawlessy. By 2010 the ARB compressor was reaching the end of it's life so when I fitted the diesel motor I added an engine driven compressor and an additional air reservoir (to run the EAS, air tools & pump up tyres). Air to the solenoids is via a valve set at 90psi.
I recently checked the axles during a wheel bearing/brake/SPH etc overhaul and there was no excessive wear on the inner splines. I saw no reason to pull out the diffs and the pre-load of both felt fine to me.
Note that the ARB lockers require LSD oil. I also use LSD oil in the SPHs as opposed to the normal HP90 or the new silly grease.

[Vern]

You forgot "vs ashcroft" in the title

[gavinwibrow]

And no mention of the softer, but still very effective Ashcroft ATB, Detroit Trutrac type options?

[Mercguy]

Well if you have info share please.... Especially if you have a favourable case.

I had considered atb, but have decided I want a full mechaical switchable lock and not a truetrac or atb like quaife or ashcroft.

I already have a quaife qdf5v in my SL and while it would be adequate in the front of the rrc, it wouldn't lock and there are situations where you want 4 wheels working at once.

The KAM option allows a conventional LSD which is OK as backup....

If ashcroft did their ATB WITH a locker as well, then I'd be sold on it.
Ultimately that is what I want, but I'm not going to get it..... Because they dont make one.

[rick79]

would you be installing them yourself?

I have an arb airlocker in the rear, and an eaton e-locker in the front

the airlocker definatly has more that can go wrong with it, and have had it fail a few times out bush...always the relay however..so no biggie. Other wise im more than happy with it. It came in the truck when i got it, and i assume it prettty old, but it still does the job.

eaton front goes well, but occasionally doesnt release until i reverese just a tiny bit then its open again. It is an extremely simple design and has the least that go go wrong with it for a selectable locker.

heard good thing about ashcroft air lockers...and pretty well priced too..about 1200 ea i think

[Mercguy]

Yes Rick, I will be installing them myself.
The plan is to purchase a complete F&R diff from an RRC/D1 and build out complete.

I have also thought about locating stuff 2nd hand but it never seems to be anywhere near me, or it's snapped up before I even get to read the ad.

There is a price premium involved obviously with all-new internals. I'll just have to wear it and bite the bullet if I end up going e-locker.

But the older style KAM diff really appeals to me, especially with the diff cover reinforcing etc - and the LSD centre as well as it being able to lock-up. To me, it's a huge advantage. I just wish that the centre was an ATB + locker and not a clutch type lsd.

I'm not in any hurry. I'm simply trying to get the feedback on the lesser-known stuff, and to be honest I won't buy a made in PRC ARB locker. I'm supportive of australian manufacturing, and despite the e-locker is an eaton product, it is made here in australia under license and keeps aussie employed.

Still keen to hear what people think about their different centres.

[crash]

Les Richmond in Melbourne use to sell the KAM lockers and now sell Ashcroft. May be worth your while talking to them and find out why they switched.