HF ET128 lockers (Chinese)

**TroyMortimer** · 3rd September 2020, 09:26 PM

Hi guys,
Thought I'd start this thread on my journey for some lockers.
So I've been procrastinating over lockers for 12 months. I'm not a extreme driver, but enjoy the Victorian high country tracks. The D2 has been really good with the traction control but still sometimes needs to go slower through some sections where TC just isn't good enough. Which has stopped me, then having to get out and winch.

anyways, so I have been looking at getting either a single new front or rear (that's a whole other debate). Or a second hand unit with the diff already done. After reading various blogs. Second hand units can be hard work from a reliability perspective.
Then came to another discussion around air vs electronic if it us new.

Looking at the numbers I could only afford single new unit. I started looking around and came across alibaba and noticed a number of alternatives.

I ended up ordering 2 x ET128 front and rear elockers for the price of a single ARB. They did have airlockers for the same price, however I feel that there is less mechanically that can go wrong with the elocker. (Until it does, then it goes really wrong).

I think if I drove with bigger tires and harder on the metal I would of went with a air locker and risked the air not sealing vs the unit exploding

Down side is I doubt I can get any mechanics to install these Chinese units.

I got both units and shipping to Australia for a total of $1200 AUD.

I'll update this with progress, and eventually reliabilty. ( this might be the worst investment)

Given that ill end up doing it. This will take me some time and having to borrow some mates who can help with the backlash.

**twr7cx** · 4th September 2020, 08:21 AM

I'll be very interested to hear your experience with them.

Regardless of type, brand and manufacturing location I like my Ashcroft Transmisions ATB in the front and Eaton Detroit in the rear as there's a lot less to them to go wrong - they're just there and they work. Certainly not equal to a proper triple locked vehicle but close enough for my purposes (I've got to be able to drive to work on the Monday).

**singlecell** · 4th September 2020, 12:42 PM

Any particular reason you didn't put the same type in the front and rear?

Originally Posted by twr7cx

I'll be very interested to hear your experience with them.

Regardless of type, brand and manufacturing location I like my Ashcroft Transmisions ATB in the front and Eaton Detroit in the rear as there's a lot less to them to go wrong - they're just there and they work. Certainly not equal to a proper triple locked vehicle but close enough for my purposes (I've got to be able to drive to work on the Monday).

**twr7cx** · 7th September 2020, 09:25 AM

Originally Posted by singlecell

Any particular reason you didn't put the same type in the front and rear?

Yes. You can't drive around with a locked locker in the front so the Eaton Detroit isn't a front option. (well perhaps it is on other vehicles with hubs and lock and unlock).

I previously had the Ashcroft Transmissions ATB in the rear too but upgraded to the Detroit only fairly recently - it is a step up for off road capability, does loose some on road manners though - particularly if you push hard on the street around big sweeping corners etc (I don't generally but did test out the effects) but in effect very little noticeable difference on the road.

**trout1105** · 7th September 2020, 10:17 AM

Has your D2 got CDL??

**TroyMortimer** · 8th September 2020, 12:51 PM

Originally Posted by trout1105

Has your D2 got CDL??

Is that question for me? is so. yes 2003 D2

**trout1105** · 8th September 2020, 06:17 PM

Originally Posted by TroyMortimer

Is that question for me? is so. yes 2003 D2

If that is the case then you really don't Need locking diffs as long as you pick the right tyres and adjust the pressures accordingly

**V8Ian** · 8th September 2020, 10:35 PM

Originally Posted by trout1105

If that is the case then you really don't Need locking diffs as long as you pick the right tyres and adjust the pressures accordingly

That's a big and rather misleading call. It totally depends on the terrain. There are plenty of tracks that would require at least three wheels locked.

**DiscoDown** · 9th September 2020, 12:09 AM

Interested to see how this turns out, some photos and impressions of the quality of these lockers would be appreciated even if you don't get them installed anytime soon.

**trout1105** · 9th September 2020, 03:17 AM

Originally Posted by V8Ian

That's a big and rather misleading call. It totally depends on the terrain. There are plenty of tracks that would require at least three wheels locked.

Only IF you are attempting extreme tracks would you Need lockers on a D2 with CDL and the OP said that wasn't the case and as the OP also has a winch fitted to get him out of trouble it seems like a lot of extra expense and effort to spend on an 18 year old 4WD.
Even WITH lockers fitted people will still come adrift/unstuck if they push their luck to far.

Will lockers improve a D2's capability off road? Of course they will But you have to ask yourself is it Really worthwhile going to this extreme on such an old 4WD.

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