ARB Locker question

[N8tabasco]

I'm fairly new to the whole locker bit.

What I want to know is; what is the advantage of having air lockers over the standard differential lock?

Thanks for any input

 

[joey]

Depends really on how much off roading you plan to do and how good a driver you really are. I am sure I will get comments on both of those statements.

If you off road 1 to 5 times a year, then lockers are really a waste of money. I know I have thought about them a lot, but I just don't off road that much to justify the expense.

Unlocked rover with CDL (Center differential Lock) will have power going to the front and rear axles at the same time. But can and will have wheel spin front and rear since they are not "locked" together. In mud or snow they will help to some degree, but remember if you high center or are on a slop (side ways) lockers are not much help. They will also tend to get you further than you should and get stuck twice as bad

If you can drive and know how to use your brakes you will get almost as far without lockers as you can with (I am sure someone will argue this point) notice the "almost", either way it is really down to do you have the equipment to get you out if you get stuck somewhere.

 

[discoman]

I say it's a matter of the type of wheelin and terrain you want to cross. Even if you only go once a year, if your in nasty terrain, the locker will help.
I have a locker in my Land Cruiser and I wouldn't do without it. I only went wheeling 3 times this year and I'm glad I had it every time. But the terrain warranted it.
You do have to realize that having a locker will make a vehicle handle rather unexectedly in certain situations. Joey eluded to this when he mentioned side hills and such. If you understand how the vehicle will react in those situations, your line of attack and style will be different than if you have no locker at all.
How do you learn this???? Practice dude, Practice.
I wheeled for 4 or 5 years without a locker. Every time I went out I became a better driver without having to modify my vehicle. As my confidence and experience grew, I challenged tougher terrain. Finally, I found the limitations of my vehicle and I went and got a locker and then it was a whole new ball game. I've been wheeling with a rear locker for 6 years now and I'm to the point where I want to put a locker in the front now.
Somedays I find wheelin too easy, and I wish I had an unmodified rig so that it would be challengin again. I guess thats why I bought the Disco! (Hee, Hee).

 

[N8tabasco]

Thanks alot for the info guys!

The reason I ask is because I just bought a 97 Disco that has a rear locker and a winch.

I have been wheelin on and off for the past 9 years, but never felt the need, or had a rig with a locker. I did have an 88' classic which I had for almost 5 years. This Disco doesnt feel much different! Nice and a bit squirrley with the lift like my old RR!

This would be my first winch as well. I look foreward to trying to get stuck this winter!


Nother question:
Is it customary to remove the fuse for the compressor untill it is actually needed?

 

[discoman]

Nother question:
Is it customary to remove the fuse for the compressor untill it is actually needed?

Are you saying that the compressor is running all the time? If so, I would wire in a toggle switch for the dash. Then, with a flip of the switch you can go locked or unlocked. I'm surprised you don't already have a switch on the dash, unless I am misunderstanding your question.

 

[N8tabasco]

Sorry bout that I shouldda been more direct.

The compressor doesnt run all the time, as a matter of fact it doesnt run at all. I do have two switches for it. One for the compressor and the other for the locker, installed next to the window switches.
When I get back home, I will check to see if the fuse for the compressor is out. When I got the truck home last night it was late and I didnt look to see if one was missing.

Someone mentioned to me about taking out the fuse just as a precaution for freeway driving. Sounds weird to me

 

[discoman]

Someone mentioned to me about taking out the fuse just as a precaution for freeway driving. Sounds weird to me

I have a lockrite auto locker and 36" tires on my land cruiser. When I travel down the road at speed, if I let my foot off the gas, or go to shift gears, the vehicle nearly changes lanes. A little unnerving when you don't expect it.
I was at an off-road store once and was looking at a bench demo ARB. I asked the salesman if it would damage the locker to engage it at highway speeds. He said no. He said damage could occur if your spinning your tires and not going anywhere and then engage the locker while still spinning. All I know is that when the pavement is icy, I go slow.