Diff Locks

[Ranga]

Had a great day out today with Vlad and Defute offroaf in Glasshouse mountains - thanks guys! This was my first time offroad in any Land Rover, let alone my Defender. I was simply amazed at the performance of my stock (except maxi axles) 110, Vlad's 130 with rear lockers, and Defute's 90 (what a beast!). Certainly quite an improvement on my old Toyota troopy.

Apart from a clearance issue, that could only be solved by bigger tyres, the only issue I had was wheel spin. Hence, after seeing what a difference diff-locks make, I'm keen to add them to my vehicle. The questions I have are:


What sort to get?

How much would I be up for?

Where's the best place to buy them and get them fitted?


This has probably been asked and answered before, but I'd like an up to date answer particularly on price and location.

[stig0000]

thers not to much to chose from realy,, prity much air locker and thats it realy,,, others like detroyt and trutrack i think do them,, im in the same boat i want lockers,, but there so expensive, just one locker fitted to my fender is 2200 was the best, and mine has a rover diff,, i here sulsbry diffs are more, ,,

glass house was dry as i bet,, next time your going out pm me,, im allways keen going out there, no prity much all the tracks there:D:D,

and done most of em,:D

[Jock The Rock]

I don't think the ARB Lockers are that exxy. I can get a front for about $1100 but thats not fitted. From memory I think a rear Air Locker fitted was something like $1400 in a Salisbury

There are also the Maxi-Drive Lockers, Jack Macamara, Detroits, Trutrack etc etc. Although the Maxi-Drives aren't made anymore

Most people also ugrade axles and CVs at the same time which can set you back a bit.

EDIT:

From the 08 ARB Price List

I was a bit out $1600 for a front fitted, $1800 for a rear fitted

Then the compressor is $312 fitted by ARB. This has probably gone down seeing as they've changed the design

[stig0000]

I don't think the ARB Lockers are that exxy. I can get a front for about $1100 but thats not fitted. From memory I think a rear Air Locker fitted was something like $1400 in a Salisbury

There are also the Maxi-Drive Lockers, Jack Macamara, Detroits, Trutrack etc etc. Although the Maxi-Drives aren't made anymore

Most people also ugrade axles and CVs at the same time which can set you back a bit.

is that 1100 fitted, cos yer my locker on is own was 1100, fully fited with comp and all was 2200

[Jock The Rock]

Na thats not fitted. But I already have a rear Locker and compressor so it shouldn't be too bad

[seano87]

is that 1100 fitted, cos yer my locker on is own was 1100, fully fited with comp and all was 2200

If you go down the ARB route atm, the compressor is free (until end November IIRC), but even when its back to normal, 2200 seems slightly over the top... RRP should be just shy of 2k inclusive of locker, compressor and fitting (Rover diff - Salsbury is a little more I think, but not much). And they always take a bit off the prices I've found.

Seano

[Chucaro]

For Detroit or Truetrac send a PM to Revor (Keith) he can get them form USA at a very good value.
Also his axels are excellent.
Cheers

[Mellow Yellow]

G'Day Ranga,

Hope you had your DX GPS with you when you were out !

I've just been quoted $1690 per diff lock fitted by ARB with a small on-board compressor thrown in if one diff lock fitted and a large on-board compressor, hose kit and tyre repair kit thrown in if two diff locks fitted.

Don't know how long this promotion is on for but I'm heading down the ARB track while it is.

[953]

G'Day Ranga,

Hope you had your DX GPS with you when you were out !

I've just been quoted $1690 per diff lock fitted by ARB with a small on-board compressor thrown in if one diff lock fitted and a large on-board compressor, hose kit and tyre repair kit thrown in if two diff locks fitted.

Don't know how long this promotion is on for but I'm heading down the ARB track while it is.

Thinking about doing the same. Was quoted almost exactly the same prices at ARB Brighton. I think the promo ends in Nov.
Also kinda like the idea of the auto Detroit in the rear, but the cross slope scenario has me a little concerned.
Cheers Dean.

[NME]

I've had an ARB locker in the rear end of my truck pretty much since I bought it about 9 years ago and I swear by it being the best bit of 4wd gear you can fit to your rig. I wouldn't own a 4wd without one :D

Don't remember what I paid for it but it was over 2 grand fitted with the compressor (Salisbury diff). That price might of had something to do with living in the top end at the time too.

I use it HEAPS and it's never had a problem. Got a stick jammed over the rear axle once and it kinked the air hose and stopped the locker from unlocking 'till I pulled the stick out. Think I've only serviced the compressor once in all those years too. My comp' is mounted in the rear of my dual cab so it stays out of the dust and water a bit.

The thing I like the most about the ARB locker is complete and virtually instant control.

I don't know about the new ARB comp' but the old standard one that I've got is pretty slow pumping up tires. If you air down a lot might want to look at your options there.

[Ranga]

I picked up the Defender from MR Automitve today. Chatted to them about lockers, and they told me they will commence fitting Maxi lockers in about a month, for a couple of hundred dollars more than ARB airlockers.

Any ideas if it's worth the wait and extra money to have Maxi lockers fitted?

[weeds]

maxi locker for only a couple of hundred more.....that would seem a good price

i have arb and cannot fault them, if you go arb get M.R. to fit them, they will show more love then arb

[Psimpson7]

I've had airlockers in mine since 18000 miles, and its now done 68000 I think. They get used a lot, and have never, not once ever, given a single drama.

We fitted them ourselves though which probably helped.:)

I prefer air lockers over maxi's, at least for ease of fitment and subsequent work on the car.

[V8Landy]

I have had maxi lockers and jacmac lockers http://www.mcnamaradiffs.com.au/difflock1.html (similar to ARB) The air locker is easier to fit(By a long way) But the maxi doesn't use an air compressor its vacum. I think you have to change axles aswell thats why they are dearer. Air locker you can stay with standard axles.;)

[stevemc]

Ive got arb air lockers front and rear in my disco, traction is excellent even with highway tyres, id imagine itd be unbelievable with mud terains or similar

get the biggest compressor they have, so you can use it easier for tyres too, I have a fairly small one and it takes forever to pump up a tyre

[scott oz]

OK a bit of a deviation but is anyone in Sydney considering getting ARB lookers fitted in the next few months?

If so then perhaps we can get a better deal for a couple of vehicles?

To me the import thing is that whoever does the fitting is familiar wit LR's and fitting lockers to them.


I has some fitted to a 200TDI by ARM Milperra and they were very good but that was some years ago.

[Cliffy]

Got quoted $1941 for rear Defender (Saulsbury) ARB locking diff installed in Perth. Don't think I'll find cheaper (hint hint).

[lambrover]

I have a arb air locker in the rear sals, it is bloody great and is pretty easy to fit for the compertant DIY if you are critical with your measuring. to me the maxi locker seem way to hard and complicated to fit. I would always go for a air locker over a LSD as you are on or off, you have the control. I have the large compresor and it was about 350 but it is good.

[flagg]

While I know nothing about the real world differences between brands, I'm happy that MR are going to start making the Maxi-Drives again.

I've got a rear Maxi and I'm pretty happy with it, mind you I'm not a 'comp driver' or into anything extreme, just like it for some extra peace of mind when it gets a little technical :D

One thing I've been thinking is getting a limited slip type diff up front so not to hinder the steering as much. Am I on the right path here? ..or should I go with symmetry and get the MD?:angel:

[lambrover]

While I know nothing about the real world differences between brands, I'm happy that MR are going to start making the Maxi-Drives again.

I've got a rear Maxi and I'm pretty happy with it, mind you I'm not a 'comp driver' or into anything extreme, just like it for some extra peace of mind when it gets a little technical :D

One thing I've been thinking is getting a limited slip type diff up front so not to hinder the steering as much. Am I on the right path here? ..or should I go with symmetry and get the MD?:angel:

I would be putting a locker in rather than a lsd, especially in the front. with a locker on road it is off and off road you turn it on only when needed so you maintain steering. A lsd that has little effect on steering would be a waist off road in my opinion.

[Psimpson7]

If the budget is there I would go for symmetry! :)

[Mellow Yellow]

OK a bit of a deviation but is anyone in Sydney considering getting ARB lookers fitted in the next few months?

If so then perhaps we can get a better deal for a couple of vehicles?

To me the import thing is that whoever does the fitting is familiar wit LR's and fitting lockers to them.


I has some fitted to a 200TDI by ARM Milperra and they were very good but that was some years ago.
You'll go hard to get a better deal than what ARB are offering at the moment!

[jerryd]

My County has Maxi Drive rear axle and locker fitted, I've just dug out the invoice for it.

Fitted in june 01 and invoice cost was $2575.00

It doesn't mention the locker on the invoice though, hope this helps

[long stroke]

Our county has front and rear air lockers, we bought them second hand for less than the price of one with the compressor loom and everything including spare standard diffs aswell:cool:
Havn't had any issue's to date they are awesome!!!

Also i have just fitted one to the rear of my d1, only tested it abit, but it's great also, no problems!!!

TIM.

[lambrover]

cal415 has a sals arb locker for sale in the market place. he is selling it under cost, if you buy from arb they out source the fitting any way so no lose there.

[long stroke]

cal415 has a sals arb locker for sale in the market place. he is selling it under cost, if you buy from arb they out source the fitting any way so no lose there.

I think i sore it go on ebay a couple of weeks back, could be wrong though;)

[Mudsloth]

I would be putting a locker in rather than a lsd, especially in the front. with a locker on road it is off and off road you turn it on only when needed so you maintain steering. A lsd that has little effect on steering would be a waist off road in my opinion.

I drive a disco but I'll comment anyway....

I agree, LSD off road is useless. If the power was sent to the wheel with traction and not the one that is spinning uselesly they would be good. I have ARB front and back in my Disco with 37 inch super swampers and the vehicle is pretty well unstoppable. I wouldn't worry about changing cvs, the landy cvs are pretty tough. Absolutely change your rear axles or i gaurentee you will break them. The front axles are actually the toughest around, I know a guy who used to race Landrovers and he swears by the standard front axles and reckons everyone does. I drive my Disco into some very extreme situations and have had no trouble with standard front axles and cvs.

YouTube - mudsloth's Channel (http://www.youtube.com/mudsloth)

[scott oz]

OK just got a quote front and rear with the U bute compressor drive-away $3,600 and I think I could get the heavy duty air line from the diff thrown in.

Be looking to book it in late this month.

[Fraz]

OK just got a quote front and rear with the U bute compressor drive-away $3,600 and I think I could get the heavy duty air line from the diff thrown in.

Be looking to book it in late this month.

You can do better than that mate, I was quoted $3100 front and rear fitted, with a heavy duty compressor (told him I would fit that myself. How hard could it be? And you'll save yourself $500...

[Ranga]

I'm going to ring ARB tomorrow and see if the free compressor deal is valid if you don't get them to fit it. I think I'd rather someone like MR Automotive to fit mine.

[scott oz]

You can do better than that mate, I was quoted $3100 front and rear fitted, with a heavy duty compressor (told him I would fit that myself. How hard could it be? And you'll save yourself $500...

I'd prefer to mount the compressor and run the wiring myself then you know it's done right. But from my conversion there was little difference in price.

I'll be checking again. What I may do is book it in get the compressor and wiring kit, wire and locate then have them connect it to the diff?

Where did you get your quote?

[scott oz]

I'm going to ring ARB tomorrow and see if the free compressor deal is valid if you don't get them to fit it. I think I'd rather someone like MR Automotive to fit mine.

And they throw in a ARB tyre repair kit as well??

[Mellow Yellow]

Yes they do. Large compressor, tyre inflation kit and tyre repair kit. I'm getting mine done at ARB Artarmon. David Dennis is the man. Good guy.

[scott oz]

ARB Artarmon. David Dennis is the man. Good guy.

Artarmon MMMMMMMM I was going to go to St Peters because the workshop manager is X Milpera and I had some good work done there. Heard good things about Artarmon.

I'll have to give them a call.

[Ranga]

I rang today and they told me the free compressor deal is valid even if they don't do the fitting. They never mentioned anything about the free tyre repair kit though?!

MR Automotive will charge about an extra $70 for fitting, but I think it's worth it.

[Mellow Yellow]

The devil's in the detail :-

One locker - get a free small compressor
Two lockers - get a free large compressor, hose kit and tyre repair kit.

Have a look on the ARB website, I'm pretty sure the offer is set out there.

[rovercare]

The front axles are actually the toughest around, I know a guy who used to race Landrovers and he swears by the standard front axles and reckons everyone does. I drive my Disco into some very extreme situations and have had no trouble with standard front axles and cvs.



Good luck with that:eek:

[Ranga]

The devil's in the detail :-

One locker - get a free small compressor
Two lockers - get a free large compressor, hose kit and tyre repair kit.

Have a look on the ARB website, I'm pretty sure the offer is set out there.

So it is. :)

[HangOver]

LINK (http://www.arb.com.au/resources/pdf/airlockerpromo.pdf)to arb locker offer

[Fraz]

I'd prefer to mount the compressor and run the wiring myself then you know it's done right. But from my conversion there was little difference in price.

I'll be checking again. What I may do is book it in get the compressor and wiring kit, wire and locate then have them connect it to the diff?

Where did you get your quote?

My quote was from ARB newcastle. I dont know anyone there, but the bloke gave me a nice price because I pulled up in a defender :)

After this weekend, I will start saving. Lockers needed...

[spudboy]

If you want a cheaper solution than ARB do a search here for TrueTrac diffs. Not a locker but not a traditional LSD.

I've got Front and Rear ARBs in my Disco1, and they have done a good job over the last 12 or so years. I've had one issue with the compressor not working, but it wasn't too much drama to fix it.

I am now building up a 130 touring vehicle, and am going for TrueTracs front and rear. No compressor. No switching in and out. Always "on". Steering still OK when fitted to the front.

If you do rock work, and are always lifting a wheel etc then lockers are def better.

Most of my driving is sand/mud, which is perfect for TrueTrac / Quaife style diffs.

I just imported 2 from the USA, at a price of $690 per diff including shipping.

Just an alternative thought.
David

[scott oz]

Thanks to those who recomended ARB Artarmon did a good job.

I'd recomend them.

[Freestyler]

I didn't read all the replys, I have a truetrac in the front of my v8 county. It is a marvellous diff, probably not quite as much traction as a full locker but it doesn't overload the CV's and you just don't worry about it! And you don't need to unlock it before you turn. Just keep your mind on the track. If I didn't have 2 maxidrive diff locks here for a Salsbury diff I would put one in the back as well. My other V8 county has the standard detroit auto locker, haven't driven it yet though. I also upgraded to the Hi Tuff 24 spline axles in the front which is also a good idea if you have an early defender, they changed part the way through '94, and the maxi drives diff locks came with axles. And the air compressor bit, I have an old rotary AC compressor on the engine and air tank under the back. Pumps up tyre quicker than any electric compressor and I gathered the bits for less than $300.