Maxi drives Vs ARB lockers

[HAK]

Hi All

In my wealth and thirst for knowledge Its Obvious that Maxi drives are better the ARB air lockers is this because that Maxi Drives also provide strengthen shafts or is there more to it

[isuzurover]

IMO MD Lockers have the following advantages:
(1) Come with 24 spline AMS6418 axles - one of the best axle steels available (stronger than a stock 24-spline axle and WAY stronger than a 10-spline). In most cases you will need to buy upgraded axles when buying an ARB anyway.
(2) No electrics to work the locker, all pneumatic (ARB uses electric solenoid switches)
(3) MD "engaged" light only lights up when locker is 100% locked - ARB lights up when you hit the switch
(4) No moving air seals to leak compressed air into the diff or leak oil into the cab

IMO MD Lockers have the following disadvantages.
(1) Slightly more complex fitting (need to cut hole in axle casing)
(2) A FRONT MD locker is slower to engage/disengage than a FRONT ARB
(3) Axle with locking dog splines cannot be removed without removing stud axle (spindle) first.

[HAK]

IMO MD Lockers have the following advantages:
(1) Come with 24 spline AMS6418 axles - one of the best axle steels available (stronger than a stock 24-spline axle and WAY stronger than a 10-spline). In most cases you will need to buy upgraded axles when buying an ARB anyway.
(2) No electrics to work the locker, all pneumatic (ARB uses electric solenoid switches)
(3) MD "engaged" light only lights up when locker is 100% locked - ARB lights up when you hit the switch
(4) No moving air seals to leak compressed air into the diff or leak oil into the cab

IMO MD Lockers have the following disadvantages.
(1) Slightly more complex fitting (need to cut hole in axle casing)
(2) A FRONT MD locker is slower to engage/disengage than a FRONT ARB
(3) Axle with locking dog splines cannot be removed without removing stud axle (spindle) first.

by the sounds of things MD cant be switched of if you want to tackle something with out lockers they seem to be fully automatic

[Landy110]

No, MD are at your command and should the system hoses that control it be damaged it will stay locked or unlocked as you had it unlike ARB which will unlock. Even if the hoses are damaged you can crawl under and suck on the appropriate hose to lock or unlock, you would probably have to jack a wheel up and turn it to do so but it can be done.
A question, if ARB don't have a hole in the diff tube, how do they work?
Steve.

[WOLLAPIT85]

What about jack macs..... just another spanner to throw at you....

As long as they lock and disenguage when you request them to,,,,,you will be happy and they have done the required job.
Like most things that are attached to your 4wd ... opionions fly fast and furious..
And alot of pepole swear by MD just because they are LR orintated and wont have a bar of any thing else...ARB lockers are used by most comp vehicles - LR and other brands.
Most people dont buy Jack Mac because he is imposible to deal with unless you really persist in hassling him.
They are all good lockers and depending where you shop prices will be enormously different.

[DaveS3]

ARB's have a copper air line that is bent around the carrier, then you drill a hole in the 3rd member housing in which a brass fitting is tapped which the copper line goes into internally, then the blue plastic airline is sandwiched into externally.

The difference being - MD have the locking dog through the diff housing, ARB have the air line though the Cast diff centre housing.

[weeds]

Captianrightfoot just went through this process, it all comes down to $$$, I believe the front maxi-locker has gone up quite a bit

You will probably find arb with maxi axles the most affordable, this is what I have, the previous owner fitted the arb lockers and I have since fitted rear maxi axles.

One bonus with arb locker is you get a compressor, a bushranger maxair has been fitted to mine and I use it heaps

[PeterM]

I got a MD unit fitted to the rear as I was able to get one at a good price. Very simple unit and worked out about $100 more than if I purchased air locker with MD axles. Fitting for MD unit is more $$ though.

[HAK]

Hi All

use are all probibly sick of hearing what I plan to do with my suspension

however while waiting for the part to arrive ive been given the green light for some lockers Ive read all there is on the this forum about ARB vs Maxi Drive and the conclussion seems that both centres are as storng as each other with no breakage of either

however where talking about

$3900 for the front using Maxis $1200 for install
$2200 for the rears and again $1200 for install a little cheaper if there done at the same time

thats $8500 fitted I know you get shaft plus CV

ARB is $1500 front fitted and $1500 rear fitted $500 for a compressor and $500 to replace the bearing

$4000 fitted

it is $2500 grand difference

[HSVRangie]

IMO jac mac has the best design.
but he can be PIA to deal with, mind you I have had no issues with him.

maxi drive top unit no one has issues with them.

arb are ok no where as strong as the other 2.
air seals are prone to leaking.

Michael.

[Maggot4x4]

Yo can go the TJM Prolocker. It is the Jac Mac design sold thru TJM. Basicly an air locker without the o-ring.

Those prices you quoted for the airlocker are way too much. It should be around $1500 fitted with the compressor for the first one and and $1100 for the second.

I bet those prices came from ARB penrith. PM me about them and I will tell you a story if it was.

[HAK]

IMO jac mac has the best design.
but he can be PIA to deal with, mind you I have had no issues with him.

maxi drive top unit no one has issues with them.

arb are ok no where as strong as the other 2.
air seals are prone to leaking.

Michael.

who installs jac macs what are they worth

[HAK]

No it was ARB in Moorebank

they qouted me 1500 front and 1500 rear about 250 for a compressor that does just air lockers 500ish for one that inflates tyres to

[HAK]

TJM dont do the the disco 2 yet

[jik22]

Yo can go the TJM Prolocker. It is the Jac Mac design sold thru TJM. Basicly an air locker without the o-ring.

Do they do Rover or Salisbury diffs then? Last time I asked TJM I was told they didn't.

Also, I was quoted $1600 fitted for a rear ARB plus the $500 for the compressor (also fitted). Where are you sourcing for $1100, as that's less than the catalogue shows for the supply-only price!?

[tombraider]

IMO jac mac has the best design.
but he can be PIA to deal with, mind you I have had no issues with him.

maxi drive top unit no one has issues with them.

arb are ok no where as strong as the other 2.
air seals are prone to leaking.

Michael.

Aside from Seal issue, which they have reworked...

How do you suggest they are not as strong as the Maxi or Jac Mac?

What are you basing this on?

[HSVRangie]

design of the unit.

have a good look at JM and maxi centres.

arb mass produced at a price.

[HAK]

design of the unit.

have a good look at JM and maxi centres.

arb mass produced at a price.

Im perhaps looking at he maxi drive half shafts however 900 a pair

[HSVRangie]

give jac mac a call. check his price.

I'm sure I only paid around $600-650 pair.

[HAK]

Ill called Jac mac $1250 I asked if he had anyone in NSW that fits them he advised do your self and hung up ill stick to ARB I think Maxi are to expensive for the same result I might add rear half shafts or wait till I do it all later

[weeds]

Ill called Jac mac $1250 I asked if he had anyone in NSW that fits them he advised do your self and hung up ill stick to ARB I think Maxi are to expensive for the same result I might add rear half shafts or wait till I do it all later

arb and maxi drives best salesman...gotta love customer service

when i brought the defender it had arb lockers fitted with flogged rear axles, i upgraded them to maxi, the setup seems good and stong enough for the driving i do...i'm not into bashing and crashing too much. i have had the front airline fail where it goes into the diff, a new springy thing around the hose fixed it

[rovercare]

Ill called Jac mac $1250 I asked if he had anyone in NSW that fits them he advised do your self and hung up ill stick to ARB I think Maxi are to expensive for the same result I might add rear half shafts or wait till I do it all later

HAHAHAHAHAHA, he's funny:D

[blitz]

i have ARB lockers front and rear on my disco series I they have run perfectly for me so far, cant coment on the others, but I will say I have not been gentle wth them

Blythe

[Ruslan]

arb are ok no where as strong as the other 2.
air seals are prone to leaking.

I know bloke who has "not operational" 1 front and 2 rear MD lockers. And still running OK two seasons now on ARB staff. Ladoga Trophy :)

[tombraider]

design of the unit.

have a good look at JM and maxi centres.

arb mass produced at a price.

So what your saying is you had a look and like the JMac/Maxi Design over the ARB.

Your not quantifying the metallurgy, the tolerances or the performance of the unit, just "it doesnt look as strong" ????

ARB lockers exceed the strength of the CW&P gears by a decent factor, if anythings going to let go the CW&P will go before the centre.

I know the strength testing of the ARB centres, they have it documented....

As for real life, I dont fancy external actuators with multiple pipes to them....

I've happily ran ARB lockers and Maxi Axles and its a great combination...

Who cares the light is or isn't on until its locked.. You can tell if its locked. I dont need an idiot light to let me know that.

My Disco was 35's, Supercharged, just shy of 300kw and ARB and Maxi Axles never let me down...

I certainly showed it no mechanical sympathy :cool:

Mals a great bloke, but his setup is too expensive IMHO.
Jack McNamara is a *****... I wouldn't use his gear regardless of how cheap, he's an A1 grade A-Hole.
(This is my opinion / experience)

And with the ARB, pay and get the H/D hose kit, then you wont rip one off on the trail...

A good spare is a quick join Pneumatic fitting (female/female).

[rovercare]

So what your saying is you had a look and like the JMac/Maxi Design over the ARB.

Your not quantifying the metallurgy, the tolerances or the performance of the unit, just "it doesnt look as strong" ????

ARB lockers exceed the strength of the CW&P gears by a decent factor, if anythings going to let go the CW&P will go before the centre.

I know the strength testing of the ARB centres, they have it documented....

As for real life, I dont fancy external actuators with multiple pipes to them....

I've happily ran ARB lockers and Maxi Axles and its a great combination...

Who cares the light is or isn't on until its locked.. You can tell if its locked. I dont need an idiot light to let me know that.

My Disco was 35's, Supercharged, just shy of 300kw and ARB and Maxi Axles never let me down...

I certainly showed it no mechanical sympathy :cool:

Mals a great bloke, but his setup is too expensive IMHO.
Jack McNamara is a *****... I wouldn't use his gear regardless of how cheap, he's an A1 grade A-Hole.
(This is my opinion / experience)

And with the ARB, pay and get the H/D hose kit, then you wont rip one off on the trail...

A good spare is a quick join Pneumatic fitting (female/female).

He's right, I've run both and either would be good, I currently have only maxi's but they were the diffs that ended up with 4.11's and I've sold the rest off

ARB o-rings fail due to crappy installation, their is nothing wrong strength wise and to be honest, If i was buying new, it'd be ARB's, due to the fact of

1. ease of fitment

2. ease of transfer from vehicle to vehicle

Nobody ever breaks an ARB, its only ever the o-rings that give trouble, or the airline rubs through, Both due to incorrect installation

I am a fan of true indication of when I'm locked, but not happy with the locking speeds of the maxi's, its a right ****ing pain sometimes:mad: but only for the hard stuff;)

[seqfisho]

A word of warning about Maxi's

And I have had them on a Defender:cool: they are very good units.

Be very careful with the installation, or who does it, a mate of mine had to replace his entire rear axle housing as it had been bent out of square when the actuator block was cut in and installed, this didn't show up for about 100K but caused the bearings to flog out, this was done by a supposed LR expert mechanics that have done many installs and unfortunately still do:o

The axle housing needs to be removed fro the vehicle and pretensioned before cutting and welding the actuator block on, there used to be a great tutorial on here somewhere but I'm not sure if is still on file?

[Captain_Rightfoot]

I went through this exact issue and ended up with ARB lockers and maxi axles. All seems well so far.

I think it's really silly spending that amount of money on front lockers. You only use them occasionally, and you can't steer anyway when they are on, so it's really point and shoot. If you remember that and keep the steering wheel straight you should be fine.

[bushy555]

Had airlockers front and rear. Smashed the entire front ARB housing back in 98 along with axles and a CV.
(All from a 200tdi). In went a front Maxi v2 and a fortnight later I smashed a rear axle. Six months later after driving around in front wheel drive, in went (somehow) a rear maxi v1.

v1 = 28 spline. with Ford(?) sun/planet gears.
v2 = 24 spline. Hytuff gears.

Had heaps of problems up the front with vacuum lines from 98 through to 2000. Too much artic I guess. Eventually got around to re-running all new lengthened lines and finally fixed the probs I was having. Jambo 2001 vacuum line fell off from vacuum side of switch and I sucked on various lines to engage/disengage front locker in competition. Would have looked funny from spectators point fo view.

Completely smashed rear v1 maxi, axle and dog clutch in Feb 04, replaced it with a v2 maxi. Now I occasionally go playing on 38" swampers and really havent had much of a problem since then.... But saying that, havent competed in a competition in years too.

If I was too go back and dood it all again....?
Bolt in a GU front diff and a rear 80 series diff with air-lockers or TJM lockers. Would work out to be way cheaper.

[HAK]

I cant justify Maxi at $8500 when ARB will cost $4000 and another $1600 for shafts $5600 appose to $8500

I cant see spending $2400 will make it any stronger or better especially when as all of you guys are saying chuncks will be removed from the diff housing and the risk of it getting weaker

I was just going to go ARB and no shafts for now or ARB and rear shaft as I dont have CDL yet either so majority of the power will be to the rear

perhaps CDL should be installed as well there goes the funds for a front bar and winch

Oh the minister of war is not going to be happy still have another $2000 to spend on the suspension already spent $1000 and $1500 on rubber oh boy

[rovercare]

I cant justify Maxi at $8500 when ARB will cost $4000 and another $1600 for shafts $5600 appose to $8500

I cant see spending $2400 will make it any stronger or better especially when as all of you guys are saying chuncks will be removed from the diff housing and the risk of it getting weaker

I was just going to go ARB and no shafts for now or ARB and rear shaft as I dont have CDL yet either so majority of the power will be to the rear

perhaps CDL should be installed as well there goes the funds for a front bar and winch

Oh the minister of war is not going to be happy still have another $2000 to spend on the suspension already spent $1000 oh boy

Spend your coin on the CDL first;)

[Defender200Tdi]

A word of warning about Maxi's

And I have had them on a Defender:cool: they are very good units.

Be very careful with the installation, or who does it, a mate of mine had to replace his entire rear axle housing as it had been bent out of square when the actuator block was cut in and installed, this didn't show up for about 100K but caused the bearings to flog out, this was done by a supposed LR expert mechanics that have done many installs and unfortunately still do:o

The axle housing needs to be removed fro the vehicle and pretensioned before cutting and welding the actuator block on, there used to be a great tutorial on here somewhere but I'm not sure if is still on file?

You mean this one?

http://www.aulro.com/afvb/showthread.php't=25621&highlight=maxidrive

They're still going strong, but the AEU2522 CVs didn't last long. Changed over to Ashcroft CVs last January.


Paul:)

[Ace]

I just bought front and rear air lockers, i was all set to get maxi everything but Graeme Cooper rang me after i placed the order and told me they no longer make the maxi front axles to go with the locker that fits standard CV's, they only do the full kit which converts the front end to maxi locker, axles and County CV's at another $1000 over just the locker and axles. But they still make the maxi axles for stadard disco front CV's just not with the spline of the locker. So i canned the maxi lockers, ordered a set of axles and bought two air lockers.

Maggot- is that $1100 for the locker only? As retail on disco air lockers is $1220 and fitting is listed at about $360 a diff or the lockers and $162 for the air compressor, myself and my mechanic are fitting mine. matt

[DirtyDawg]

Having been down this road of indecsion
it came down to $$$$$$

$3800 for maxi drive rear alone
ARB $3000 for both lockers fitted tand $1200 for the maxi drive axles and flanges I already had

So for $5000 I had the best of both worlds and Airlocker parts are so readily available Nation wide..

[Maggot4x4]

I just bought front and rear air lockers, i was all set to get maxi everything but Graeme Cooper rang me after i placed the order and told me they no longer make the maxi front axles to go with the locker that fits standard CV's, they only do the full kit which converts the front end to maxi locker, axles and County CV's at another $1000 over just the locker and axles. But they still make the maxi axles for stadard disco front CV's just not with the spline of the locker. So i canned the maxi lockers, ordered a set of axles and bought two air lockers.

Maggot- is that $1100 for the locker only? As retail on disco air lockers is $1220 and fitting is listed at about $360 a diff or the lockers and $162 for the air compressor, myself and my mechanic are fitting mine. matt

The figures I quoted were from ARB Southern a few months back, they were supply and fit. Call Dave Dennis at T4/ARB Nothern as well for a price, or Harry at Bars & Racks Hornsby.

Rovernit, what sort of driving are you planning on doing? IMHO, you would be far better off just getting a rear locker, be it ARB or Maxi, a CDL, the front bar an winch. I would not even worry about axels at this stage, but maybe get rear axels if you must. You have traction control. The money for the front locker would be far better spent on decent tyres. Thats my 2c.

The disco in this video has exactly that setup, Rear airlocker, traction control, STANDARD AXELS & 33"s. And it has competed in comps. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n7NAV1iOdVU

[HAK]

The figures I quoted were from ARB Southern a few months back, they were supply and fit. Call Dave Dennis at T4/ARB Nothern as well for a price, or Harry at Bars & Racks Hornsby.

Rovernit, what sort of driving are you planning on doing? IMHO, you would be far better off just getting a rear locker, be it ARB or Maxi, a CDL, the front bar an winch. I would not even worry about axels at this stage, but maybe get rear axels if you must. You have traction control. The money for the front locker would be far better spent on decent tyres. Thats my 2c.

The disco in this video has exactly that setup, Rear airlocker, traction control, STANDARD AXELS & 33"s. And it has competed in comps.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n7NAV1iOdVU

Ive got a set of 265x75x16 cooper STT so for rubber im set


so its down to front rear locker and bull bar and CDL and perhaps a cheepo winch from ebay


or front and rear locker shafts and CDL

[tombraider]

Ive got a set of 265x75x16 cooper STT so for rubber im set


so its down to front rear locker and bull bar and CDL and perhaps a cheepo winch from ebay


or front and rear locker shafts and CDL

Go for....

CDL
Rear Locker and Maxi Shafts
Bar
Decent Winch - NOT eBay junk

[HAK]

Go for....

CDL
Rear Locker and Maxi Shafts
Bar
Decent Winch - NOT eBay junk

yeah OK Ill go

CDL lockers and shaft for now

[dobbo]

Just out of interest how many trips have you done in the car (in standard trim)?

[tombraider]

Just out of interest how many trips have you done in the car (in standard trim)?

Yes!

I think I know where Dobbo is coming from here...

Don't become a cheque book offroader...

DO, learn how to drive the stock vehicle.
Learn to pick lines, judge terrain....

Learn technical driving first, before you use the gadgets...

I had the last Landy lifted, locked, over tyred, 4.11s...

This was AFTER I learnt to drive it stock....

It upgraded as I upgraded / broke things....

Lara, the Deefer, is, aside from lift and tyres essentially a stock driveline (no lockers etc)
Even has std CVs...

Only upgrade was rear shafts and a H/D Double Cardan Front shaft...

Learn the vehicle and how to make it move, lift is ok....

Then upgrade over time....

[HAK]

Just out of interest how many trips have you done in the car (in standard trim)?

Only One in this one I was pritty impreesed in standard form

Am I comparing this to my Patrol well not really these shots are when I had the 2 inch lift prior going bigger but hated its preformance even with bigger lift

why, because of the off the shelf tough dog gear I had

[HAK]

I was out prefomred by this even with a greater lift

bad luck for me I dont have photo when it had the 35 and the bigger lift it got flogged at that stage 4 weeks after the 35 rrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr

[Scouse]

Go the Rangies :).
What happened to the old girl ? I know the 4.6 was donated to the County but I haven't seen the RR around for a while.

[dobbo]

Each is too their own but I think all you need is to get a CDL and decent sized tyres. Then (if you really want to) later on fit a minor lift and a locker. The T/C on the D2 is excellent combined with a CDL and decent tyres. It's got me through a few tracks. The D2 drives differently to a Patrol, you should go for another play first after getting a CDL then see if you need the other stuff.

[HAK]

Go the Rangies :).
What happened to the old girl ? I know the 4.6 was donated to the County but I haven't seen the RR around for a while.


I havent seen him for ages I was out the 4by seen for while after the patrol was stolen so lost contact

[HAK]

Each is too their own but I think all you need is to get a CDL and decent sized tyres. Then (if you really want to) later on fit a minor lift and a locker. The T/C on the D2 is excellent combined with a CDL and decent tyres. It's got me through a few tracks. The D2 drives differently to a Patrol, you should go for another play first after getting a CDL then see if you need the other stuff.


I hear yeah but while the wife has her purse string open Ill make the most of it :D:D:D

I do plan on the extream hard trip with the club when I became a member

[blitz]

Yes!

I think I know where Dobbo is coming from here...

Don't become a cheque book offroader...

DO, learn how to drive the stock vehicle.
Learn to pick lines, judge terrain....

Learn technical driving first, before you use the gadgets...

I had the last Landy lifted, locked, over tyred, 4.11s...

This was AFTER I learnt to drive it stock....

It upgraded as I upgraded / broke things....

Lara, the Deefer, is, aside from lift and tyres essentially a stock driveline (no lockers etc)
Even has std CVs...

Only upgrade was rear shafts and a H/D Double Cardan Front shaft...

Learn the vehicle and how to make it move, lift is ok....

Then upgrade over time....

Sage words Tombraider, I agree with you 100%, landies are very formidable off road in standard form. Also all the trick bits will only get you in more trouble if you are lacking in experience. Either way no matter what path you take I am sure you will have a ball with it.

Blythe

[dobbo]

I hear yeah but while the wife has her purse string open Ill make the most of it :D:D:D

I do plan on the extream hard trip with the club when I became a member


How do you think I got my car the way it is? I didn't polish it with a wire brush. With car and in Slunnies word's "a bit of mechanical empathy" a stocker with decent tread will do a tuff trip.

[Scouse]

With car and in Slunnies word's "a bit of mechanical empathy" a stocker with decent tread will do a tuff trip.I'll go along with that.
I don't even have a lift in my RR, the driveline is stock standard & I've done a few Tuff Trips with no problems (apart from my own errors getting me stuck :().

[dobbo]

Personally I'd use the extra money saved on lockers and a lift to invest in a steel rear bumper, lockers or not you'll need it.

[cartm58]

Hi All

however where talking about

$3900 for the front using Maxis $1200 for install
$2200 for the rears and again $1200 for install a little cheaper if there done at the same time

thats $8500 fitted I know you get shaft plus CV

ARB is $1500 front fitted and $1500 rear fitted $500 for a compressor and $500 to replace the bearing

$4000 fitted

it is $2500 grand difference

I know some people spelling and typing aren't the best but now we got to add maths to the list of remedial lessons $8500 less $4000 = $4,500 not $2,500.

[HAK]

in time it will all be done there no end to my needs ask my wife :D:D:D:D:D

[HAK]

I know some people spelling and typing aren't the best but now we got to add maths to the list of remedial lessons $8500 less $4000 = $4,500 not $2,500.

yeah I know and I do accounts receivables by trade these days and I had a 3 year telling me to get of the computer :D:D:D:D:D sad I know

[dobbo]

:bangin:

[HAK]

So youve noticed, I get ahead of my self, welcome to my world :D:D:D:D:D:eek: