Lockers! One Stop Shop.

[axled89]

 

[SocalWheeler71]

As far as lunchbox lockers (Lockright, Aussie, EZ locker, etc) go, there is an important point to be made that isn't all that well known. Everything bad you've ever heard about lunchbox lockers is referring to the 2-pinion style (which is what all 4cyl Toy 8" are). The V6 Toyota 8" is a 4 pinion and is more or less the same as a full detroit (detroits are 4 pinion) once it's respective lunchbox locker has been installed. In fact, it's debatable whether or not a V6 lockright is stronger than a full detroit. I'd say the 4 pinions have similar manners to a full detroit too. The reason that the 4 pinion is better is that the nature of the design keeps the locker guts in proper alignment (perpendicular to the axle shafts) whereas on a 2 pinion the guts can shift around and do it more and more as the parts wear over time, until it just fails.

Anyways I run a HP elocker in the front and V6 lockright in the rear. The elocker engages and disenages a lot faster in the front than the rear (compared to friends' rigs with rear elockers), because of the scrub radius.

I had a spool in the back for a while and it kills your turning radius. Also in the snow having a selectable in the front makes a big difference, I can turn circles around my friends that are locked in the front.

[pumkin toy]

In So Dakota she would have no skills its too dam cold. She is a So. Cal girl. Besides she would hurt you kid!

ha ha!  well you put it out there so i figured i would ask!

[crawlerdad]

ha ha!  well you put it out there so i figured i would ask!

Yeah that was funny just be careful what you ask for. Go find a MILF in your area and find out what I mean. They bite (Its great!).

SocalWheeler71 are you telling me that the Aussie I just bought is crap. By the way we are neighbors I live in Upland.

[SocalWheeler71]

*If you have a 4cyl diff* No, but at some point it will wear out. How long it lasts also depends on how tight the tolerances are in the parts, specifically the crosspin. I had a lunchbox locker in a 4cyl diff in my first Toy rig, it worked great, but it was very harsh on the street. I didn't have the truck long enough to wear it out. But I have done rear end repairs on trucks that came in with a worn out lunchbox lockers, so I've seen how they fail.

If you have a V6 diff you've got a damn strong locker. Really I was just trying to clear up some of the misinformation out there about lunchbox lockers. And to let people know that it's not neccessary to drop the coin on a full detroit if they have a V6 diff. I think it's kind of ironic that the Lockright for a V6 is the one of the strongest out there and it's the most inexpensive model Lockright sells. If you've ever seen one you'd know why though, there are seriously two peices to the whole thing not counting the springs, pins, and spacer rings.

[crawlerdad]

Do you work at a shop? You sound like you have worked on a few.

[SocalWheeler71]

Yes

[crawlerdad]

Anywhere you would like to promote? I always like to know my options in the area. Do you guys carry off road parts?

[zembalayan]

I'll put my in favor of ARBs, despite my inexperience with other lockers.  I'd only wheeled stock/open Toyotas before I got my first lockers, which were ARBs front and rear. 

I took the save, collect, and wait approach, finding a cheaper RD-01 (ARB's 1st. generation locker for a 8" Toy 4cyl diff.) on eBay, and waiting about nine months to have it set up with 5.29 Sierra gears at "The Rear-end Shop" in Livermore, California.  Even with this older, supposedly weaker model, I have had no problems on or off-road.  (Knock on wood.)  I am not an aggressive driver, and I try to run open as much as possible, and I wait until the truck needs more traction, before I engage a locker.  I'm still working on my driving skills, but I try to let the truck crawl everything on the first attempt, allowing it to find the traction it needs naturally before giving it the lockers or the mo on subsequent attempts.  This all holds true unless I am approaching a section of the trail where I have watched the truck in front of me have traction troubles and type-writer across a step or ledge, and I realize that my heavy-assed Runner will at least need its rear engaged.  Here's a video clip from MCR-08: It's mild, but it was still a lot of fun for me!!!  You can hear my locked tires chirping on the granite a little bit.
http://s445.photobucket.com/player.swf?file=http://vid445.photobucket.com/albums/qq171/zembalayan/MCR-08/MVI_1631.flv&fs=1&os=1&ap=1 

I also think it's fun watching my wife or dad get a thrill crawling up an obstacle that might cause the vehicle to slip or hop a bit until they activate a locker and immediately crawl right past the trouble.  I always see impressed grins on their faces after that, which is kinda cool.

I plan to upgrade my 4Runner's rear end with a new V6 ARB, built at Marlin Crawler, once I get the cash saved up.  I will put my old 4cyl ARB in my wife's Hilux, and after that I'll save up some more and get an HP ARB for her front axle.

It's funny, but I never realized how many people love to bash ARBs until I got them. 

It's just my observation, but most people like what they roll (or sell ) and don't like what others use if it's not the same as theirs. 

I have heard ARB guys talk smack about e-lockers not locking up and releasing fast enough, having inherent design weaknesses, and claiming that e-lockers don't mix with water.  I have heard e-locker guys criticize ARBs for constant leakage, compressor failures, o-ring failures, and painstaking trail repairs, etc. I have heard full-Detroit guys say that Lockrites, Aussies, and other lunch box lockers wear out in no time.  I have heard spool guys claim that only yuppies run selectables, but I have also heard a spooled KOH competitor say he'd run an ARB rear end for better turning, but other priorities took $$$ consideration and the spool would have to do. 

running dual detroits driving habit have not changed except i slow down on snowy/icy days i dont mind chirping around corners offroad there fantastic no complaints.

I could see myself going full Detroits, front and rear, if I had Hydro-assist and lived in So-Cal or AZ and rarely needed the truck in icy conditions. One thing is for certain; I have never heard anyone who runs Detroits say they would rather use a different locker.  I've talked with quite a few people who love these, just like Bigarms23.

At any rate, I am carrying a spare 5.29 diff for my 4Runner, as well as extra air line, and I'd like to get a spare compressor; hope not to need any of it.  However, from all of the negative ARB lore out there, I'd better be prepared.

Here is a link to a newer ARB video on youtube:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ewt7f-h8Wn4

[SocalWheeler71]

You make a great point about how people like what they roll. I think almost everyone would go for the ARB if they had the coin for it. That's the only locker I've never ran in my own rig, I guess it's just too bling for me! I do have a couple buddies that have ARB's front and rear in their rigs and I haven't seen any issues personally.

[jrock]

So what's the big difference between air lockers and e-lockers? Besides the obvious.

[Cheesemaker]

I plan on running a selectable locker once I get my axles built.  My rig is a DD and I tend to spend more time on hwy than off. (until I can afford 2 rigs)  And in my area the snow and ice I get is very nasty when your locked up. 
 
I look at it this way, the added money you will spend for a ARB will be made up in the amount of tire you won't be scrubbing off in the corners. 

[SocalWheeler71]

Anywhere you would like to promote? I always like to know my options in the area. Do you guys carry off road parts?

Not really, I used to work at a shop that did a lot of custom build type stuff, but right now I'm at a regular service joint. If I could make money doing customs I would, but right now that's not the case.

[crawlerdad]

Not really, I used to work at a shop that did a lot of custom build type stuff, but right now I'm at a regular service joint. If I could make money doing customs I would, but right now that's not the case.

Any interest in side jobs?

[H8PVMNT]

You make a great point about how people like what they roll. I think almost everyone would go for the ARB if they had the coin for it. That's the only locker I've never ran in my own rig, I guess it's just too bling for me! I do have a couple buddies that have ARB's front and rear in their rigs and I haven't seen any issues personally.

If I had the coin for an ARB I'd buy 6 aussie lockers instead...

[jrock]

So what's the big difference between air lockers and e-lockers? Besides the obvious.

X2

[SocalWheeler71]

So what's the big difference between air lockers and e-lockers? Besides the obvious.

The three major differences are:

#1 Air lockers are "on demand". They engage and disengage instantly the moment they are switched, where e-lockers sometimes need the tires to differentiate so the splines on the locking collar can line/free up. It's not too bad in the front because you can just turn the steering wheel and the scrub radius does it, but in the rear sometimes you have to drive in a circle. If you plan on leaving it locked the whole time you are on the trail it's not too bad, but one time I was behind a guy who thought he had to turn his (rear) e-locker on and off for every hard obstacle, that was a long day!

#2 Air lockers need pressurized air to stay locked. If there is a leak, air line damage, a compressor issue, or if your tank runs out- you have a very exspensive open diff. E-lockers only need elecricity to change states, not to maintain a state; and you can pop the motor off and switch it with a screwdriver if you do have a electrical or motor problem. FYI the oil level is above motor opening so if you need to pull the motor with oil in the diff, either have a pan ready or try to angle the vehicle on an incline.

#3 The e-locker motor isn't watertight, if you like deep water crossings then either get an ARB or rebuild the motor often. It's also vulnurable to damage but you can get a guard if that worries you.

[86turboyota]

Ive been running an open front and a quicklock(lockright?) turbo rear(i think thats the same as a v6... not sure)  i greatly prefer the feel of being locked up on or off the road, but what i dont like is that i broke the locker pins on a gravel road which caused my R&P to get destroyed, that was 2 years ago, since then i replaced the R&P and the locker pins and its starting get a lot of slop in it and doesnt seem to be locking properly.  IMHO i would never by this locker again, i wish i would have gone with an aussie instead.

[SocalWheeler71]

Ive been running an open front and a quicklock(lockright?) turbo rear(i think thats the same as a v6... not sure)  i greatly prefer the feel of being locked up on or off the road, but what i dont like is that i broke the locker pins on a gravel road which caused my R&P to get destroyed, that was 2 years ago, since then i replaced the R&P and the locker pins and its starting get a lot of slop in it and doesnt seem to be locking properly.  IMHO i would never by this locker again, i wish i would have gone with an aussie instead.

The turbo diff is dimensionally the same as the V6 (same bearings, R&P, etc as the V6), but the V6 case is a lot beefier if you compare them side by side. I'm not sure about the diff itself being 2 or 4 pinion? One way to tell, if you can install a lunchbox without removing the carrier from the case, it's a 2 pinion. I don't know who makes the quicklock, but I don't think it's the same as a Lockright? The Lockright I have is made by Richmond Gear. Sheared pins taking out the R&P seems unlikely, maybe you didn't catch it soon enough and the metal debris was the cause? Exactly what happened to the teeth?

And you couldn't get one before, but Aussie just came out with their Toy V6 locker and it looks to be the best option yet, it doesn't use the OEM side gears. If you have a lot of slop you should pull the third and check it out before more damage is done.

[88_Pathy]

My e-lockers work perfect I guess. I leave the rear locked on the trail and turn the front on as needed.  The rear always locks within 1 tire rotation and the front will lock almost instantly 90%+- and within a tire rotation all the time.

[86turboyota]

The turbo diff is dimensionally the same as the V6 (same bearings, R&P, etc as the V6), but the V6 case is a lot beefier if you compare them side by side. I'm not sure about the diff itself being 2 or 4 pinion? One way to tell, if you can install a lunchbox without removing the carrier from the case, it's a 2 pinion. I don't know who makes the quicklock, but I don't think it's the same as a Lockright? The Lockright I have is made by Richmond Gear. Sheared pins taking out the R&P seems unlikely, maybe you didn't catch it soon enough and the metal debris was the cause? Exactly what happened to the teeth?

And you couldn't get one before, but Aussie just came out with their Toy V6 locker and it looks to be the best option yet, it doesn't use the OEM side gears. If you have a lot of slop you should pull the third and check it out before more damage is done.

im not positive but im pretty sure that when the locker pins broke they fell between the ring and pinion causes some of the teeth to break off.  When i took it apart i found the remains of the pin and several teeth in the bottom of the housing.  I felt the locker let go and drove it maybe 100 yds before i was able to stop and take it apart.

[jrock]

SocalWheeler71, thanks for the excellent information. Is there a way to water proof an e-locker?

[SocalWheeler71]

Not that is commonly known. Most people say it's not possible. There was rust inside mine when I got it, and since then I've had it apart a couple times. Both times there was water in it. There is a big o-ring seal for the motor can that I don't think the dealer stocks, but I haven't tried that hard to find it and I know I could. I think I'll do a write up about sealing this thing one of these days, just don't hold your breath! 

[TacoRunner]

Points for SoCalWheeler71, for being very helpful and informative.

[BAMF]

Points for SoCalWheeler71, for being very helpful and informative.

X2.  Turtle points awarded 

[H8PVMNT]

Last night I welded up a diff for my '80.  I took it all apart and used brake cleaner to get it all spiffy, then put it back together and welded away.  After it was done I put it in the wood stove on a hunk of steel over a bed of coals so it could cool down over night.  This truck is getting the same setup as my '94 with the welded rear and an aussie up front, just no major suspension mods or even big tires.  I've always wondered how well you could wheel if you just forgot about all that other stuff and got locked up and maybe put on some sliders.  Obviously there's the issue of clearance, but with careful driving it should be pretty capable and do alot of fun 3 wheeling.  Anyway it will be a fun sleeper.

[46&2]

Points for SoCalWheeler71, for being very helpful and informative.

Definitely. Thanks for the input Socalwheeler71!!!!

[Sparkplug]

Last night I welded up a diff for my '80.  I took it all apart and used brake cleaner to get it all spiffy, then put it back together and welded away.  After it was done I put it in the wood stove on a hunk of steel over a bed of coals so it could cool down over night.  This truck is getting the same setup as my '94 with the welded rear and an aussie up front, just no major suspension mods or even big tires.  I've always wondered how well you could wheel if you just forgot about all that other stuff and got locked up and maybe put on some sliders.  Obviously there's the issue of clearance, but with careful driving it should be pretty capable and do alot of fun 3 wheeling.  Anyway it will be a fun sleeper.

The only thing done to my 81 is a welded rear, and I take my truck some insane places, I can pretty much run any trail around here, just have to pick easier lines. It depends a lot on the drivers ability. I can only imagine what my truck would do if it would quit breakin dumb crap and I could spend money on mods.

[46&2]

The only thing done to my 81 is a welded rear, and I take my truck some insane places, I can pretty much run any trail around here, just have to pick easier lines. It depends a lot on the drivers ability. I can only imagine what my truck would do if it would quit breakin dumb crap and I could spend money on mods.

Really with marlin duals and 4.7s and open/open i kept up with my friends with much more "capable" rigs for years. Then I welded it, and honestly, I feel no need or urge to buy a front locker. Ran fordyce and rubicon no problem, 3-4 feet of snow every year...

A front locker definitely would make some things easier but for what I do with my rig, a welded rear is about all I need locker wise.

[Pat]

I just installed a new arb in the rear to replace my elocker..    I love them both..  hope it works as well as my other arbs