Thread: Diff lockers for Defender HardTop 2009

Hi Rob, I have an eLocker in the front and as MLD mentions I am very happy with it. AirLockers have never appealed to me. I have a Detriot (auto) locker in the back. The Detroit is fantastic off road (it has engaged before I realise I need it), but if I had my time again I'd get eLockers front and back. That's because I live in the city and if I do a day trip to Lithgow that means 300k of sealed roads and (only) 50k of dirt for the day, so I can't ignore on-road performance of the Detroits which I am not entirely happy with.

I had another chat to Gordon at Opposite Lock and he suggested I fit a LSD on the front and a elocker on the back...he apparently has his Defender set up this way, and thinks it's the way to go. He does not feel that a rear axle upgrade is necessary...as he suggests it is easier to repair/replace an axle when out in the wilderness than the other stuff...so a better option to get home...THOUGHTS gentlemen?

Originally Posted by ian4002000

I am thinking of installing the Ashcroft limite slip torsen diff centres, as I am most concerned with losing traction on wet grass pulling a heavy trailer. It all depends on where you want to drive and how often you will have a wheel in the air.
Surely lockers must add to axle breaking if you are putting all the torque and shock load onto one axle ?

yip, that's the main concern we/I have...I suppose it all depends on how many times you envisage doing the "hectic" rockcrawling" stuff....if you are mainly doing weekend leisure off-roading with nothing too extreme, then LSD seems to be the ideal practical solution.

Originally Posted by MLD

Rob, don't be too concerned about the Elocker. The technology has been around for decades and was use in the Pajero in the 80's and has been around in various guises since. Harrop sell a range of elockers for the Rover front and rear diff, P38 and salisbury housings. Expect to pay about $2,000 to $2,100 fitted + uprated axles and flanges for the rear. The salisbury will be more expensive.

I have an Elocker. 1 button press for on, press button again for off. Seamless and works every time. John RVR110 also have one in the front and from his comments he is happy with his purchase.

Pick whatever locker fits your price range and needs. All of the available lockers on the market, be it ARB, Ashcroft, Harrop, TJM, Detroit will be more than adequate for the weekend warrior.

Rob, best not take advice from a forum member that does not have first hand knowledge of the person they are criticising. Gordon at Opp Lock S Sydney does good work. He built my 110 and was charged with building my 130. If you have a look at my build thread you'll see what work was done. Was your conversation with Gordon over the phone as a general enquiry or did you going into detail of what you want and what is the best solution exploring the various options? There is a difference in expectation of both parties depending on the purpose of the conversation.

As for the front diff, it depends on what you want to do. If touring is your gig, an ATB is more than adequate. If technical crawling is your gig, go the front locker. If the later, budget for CV's and axles.

MLD

I had another chat to Gordon at Opposite Lock and he suggested I fit a LSD on the front and a elocker on the back...he apparently has his Defender set up this way, and thinks it's the way to go. He does not feel that a rear axle upgrade is necessary...as he suggests it is easier to repair/replace an axle when out in the wilderness than the other stuff...so a better option to get home...THOUGHTS gentlemen?

not sure why everybody refer to air lockers being for the hardcore.........

my arb lockers have been in the car for 15 years at a guess, hasn't done much rock hopping but its done a ton of touring.......not one issue with them

it all comes down to budget and whether you want auto or air/elec, the later type are the most expensive to fit therefore those that don't have them knock em pretty quick cause they go with the other option

if my next car needs lockers than I would consider auto lockers in the mix of all options

Originally Posted by AndyG

Rob,
There are threads here that discuss this with greater authority than me,
LSD & TC work very well together
Install and forget, plus less other stuff like compressors ,cables, switches
Cheaper I believe
Eaton seems to be the original and well regarded
There are threads here and elsewhere that suggest they are gentler on axles
But,
For ultimate wheels in the air stuff, lockers are the go.

Personally, I like the idea that it works automatically when needed.

thought this may be a useful link for anyone still a bit unsure on this "technical" chatter

Limited Slip Differential: HowStuffWorks "Limited Slip Differentials "

Traction Control: HowStuffWorks "How Traction Control Works"

Differentials: HowStuffWorks "How Differentials Work"

Locking differential - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Originally Posted by robglewis

I had another chat to Gordon at Opposite Lock and he suggested I fit a LSD on the front and a elocker on the back...he apparently has his Defender set up this way, and thinks it's the way to go. He does not feel that a rear axle upgrade is necessary...as he suggests it is easier to repair/replace an axle when out in the wilderness than the other stuff...so a better option to get home...THOUGHTS gentlemen?

Not upgrading axles when lockers are fitted is just asking for trouble in my opinion.
Simple explaination standard Rover diffs are crap standard rover axles are crap , both can and have broken with standard cars often with out hard core driving.
No offence but i think you need to source professional advice somewhere else for a second opinion.
Ok as some suggest air lockers are for rock hopping is just plain bull **** . End of the day its personal opinion or dollar wise what you have . If they had elockers years ago i might have considered them ,But i like my air lockers and no i dont rock hop i like the fact i can choose when i use either of my lockers not when it wants to work

Originally Posted by robglewis

I had another chat to Gordon at Opposite Lock and he suggested I fit a LSD on the front and a elocker on the back...he apparently has his Defender set up this way, and thinks it's the way to go. He does not feel that a rear axle upgrade is necessary...as he suggests it is easier to repair/replace an axle when out in the wilderness than the other stuff...so a better option to get home...THOUGHTS gentlemen?

So that would mean carrying spare axles, drive flanges and what ever else the gets damaged when the axle fails

My maxi-drive axles have been in for 200 000km......zero sign of wear. Good value for money and piece of mine........one less thing to carry and replace in the wilderness.