Thread: Whats better for a Disco?

Airlockers don't bugger the diff. They REPLACE the diff!

My Disco has had ARB Air Lockers in for 6 years, no problems with them.

ARB lockers replace the diff carrier. The stock 2 pinion carrier is the weakest part of the rover drivetrain. All lockers, arb, maxi-drive or mcnamarra have stronger 4 pinion carriers

Arb's definetly wont harm the diff. They can develop a problem where diff oil gets into the pneumatic line and tends to make an unsightly mess when the diff is unlocked.

Once the locker is fitted, the axle/half shafts become the weakest part of the drive train. If you want to run larger tyres, it is worth fitting stronger axles - maxi-drive or mcnamarra.

Maxi-drive lockers have stronger axles included, as they need a special axle for the locking method to work. So this should be factored in when comparing their price to arb.

IMHO, I would rate mcnamarra lockers just a little better than maxi-drive and arb, because of their pneumatic actuator. If you can go around to mcnamarra with cash, so much the better.

Ive only seen ARB AL's at work and they seem to do well, my mates with them havnt broken axels or diffs and none of them have told me of oil leaks from air lines etc.

Some of them have had them on for 10 years or more with no probs but arent running huge tyres, 33" max.

Maxi's seem to be more popular for the rover guys and would be well worth the extra for the stronger axels and drive plates.

Ive never had anything to do with Mcnamara lockers at all so I cant coment on what they are like.

I think it's more personal preference and taylor it to the 4wding you are going to do e.g. touring, I would get ARB as your only going to use it if you get stuck but doing comp work you would go Maxi's or a custom job.

All are good,

Damo

Love the Maxi I have fitted to the rear of mine. Already had the 24 spline stock axles but the extra piece of mind that comes with the stronger ones is handy. If you use them properly you will be kinder to your drivetrain by being able to take obstacles slower, using mechanical grip rather than momentum to get you through.

I hear Maxis have got ultra expensive lately so maybe get a quote for Airlockers with MD axles.
I got a Maxi locker + axles fitted in the back a couple of years ago around $2500 inc fitting has worked flawlessly.

just using my disco arb lockers today for the first time,climbing down into and then out of a rock and clay mud gully,and they worked well
tryed without lockers engaged and had wheel spin and needed a run up and wheels spinning for the exit
then with lockers on,it crawled in and then crawled out,with no wheel spin
only problem was the steering with the front locked ,was tight,and i had to disengage it to get around some trees,so long as i only engage it when its needed ill be happy with there performance

Originally Posted by muddydigger

Im thinking of adding some more traction in the form of Lockers.

Ive been told ARB air lockers bugger the diffs which is a concern.

So what is better;

Air lockers or Maxi drives?

Who ever told you that, walk up to them, smile, then slap them up the side of the head....

Lockers are diff centre replacement, they can place extra stress on the axles if not used nicely! But MaxiDrive axles arent too expensive.