Front Axle Lockers

Transmissions, Transfer Boxes, Axles, Drive Shafts
AndriesS
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Re: Front Axle Lockers

Post by AndriesS »

I'm with Ross on this, wonder who really do proper work. Checks the pinion pre load and contact area. I guess one can say not that serious on front diffs as they will not run for 40k km.

The problem also normally does not exhibit in the owner fitting the device but in subsequent owners when poor workmanship starts to show
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Russ Kellermann
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Re: Front Axle Lockers

Post by Russ Kellermann »

If the Eaton E-Lockers were available here and had a proper after sales service setup (should the worst happen),.... i would certainly go that route as i regard them as far superior to any other locker in every aspect.... My next best would probably be ARB,.. then go for the Auto Lockers..

I prefer the choice of deciding when and where i need to lock the diffs, but thats personal. The Auto lockers are generally regarded as Zero Maintenance, reliable, and hassle free, so i can see the attraction there.

Johan thank you for your reply as to the question i asked.

Regards,
Russ.
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Re: Front Axle Lockers

Post by Johan Fourie »

Ross, I got a quote from Australia on the Eaton E Lockers a while ago. Excluding customs charges their quote worked out to almost the same price as ARB from local supplier. Add customs charges and absolutely no backup service + the cost of finding someone that will fit a locker that has never before fitted in South Africa..may at the end of the day become a very expensive exercise.

Only difference between Eaton locker and ARB is that the Eaton operates with a electrical activation. For the rest of it is that it is a copy of the ARB locker...nothing better. I don't believe in "Auto" lockers..eg Detroit..because you have no control over activation and disengaging locked axle under load.

I have had ARB lockers fitted into quite a view 4x4 that I owned over the past view years....all I can say about ARB...they work and has never broken on me :oldtimer:
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Re: Front Axle Lockers

Post by Tiny Howarth »

Hi Johan, what did it set you back?
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Re: Front Axle Lockers

Post by Kagiso II »

Alex Roux wrote:Oom Mac

Watter kar was dit voor?
En hoe het jy jou draaisirkel ervaar na die tyd? Was dit die selfde?
ALEX: dit was oppi Prado maar AGTER. Voor se prys is dieselle [maar daai was teen Dollar wissel van R7 US $ .. sal nou meer wees.

eendag wil ek op LOBO ook lockers opsit ... eeeeeeeeeeendag.
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Re: Front Axle Lockers

Post by Tommie »

Maats.

Ek het op Yster voor en agter lockers (ARB). Ingesit en met al daai krag van ons.met 525hp (kusvlak). Het ons nog geen probleme gehad nie.

Ek het ookal n paar voertuie lockers ingesit en elke keer was dit nog ARB.
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Re: Front Axle Lockers

Post by Peter Connan »

Ek weet van 'n paar ouens wat al probleme met ARB's gehad het wat lug lek.

Ek kan egter nie se of dit weens die vakmanskap (of gebrek daaraan) van die installeerders was nie. En niks het "gebreek" nie.
Mag ons ons kenniskry met lekkerkry aanhoukry.
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Kagiso II
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Re: Front Axle Lockers

Post by Kagiso II »

I still maintain - the BEST locker prices you will get from MIKE SWANN
MIKE SWANN on +27825694183 ...
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Ross
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Re: Front Axle Lockers

Post by Ross »

Hi All,

A bit late on this thread, but here`s my contribution:

I have gone the Harrop Eaton E-Locker route for the front of my Patrol, I brought it in myself and then got Safari Center at N1 City to install it for me. I was very happy with their workmanship. I spoke to several places before deciding on them, and was extremely impressed that their chief mechanic insisted on going through not only the full installation manual, but also a photo documented forum thread on the install prior to even quoting for the work. It gave confidence that they would do things properly and not just "wing it", and they were very professional in keeping me up to date with progress as the install progressed.

To be honest the E-Locker is not cheap (especially with the demise of the Rand), but if you plan on keeping your vehicle for a long time, in my opinion the quality and functionality makes it worthwhile. The locking is absolutely instantaneous....quite a change when you`re used to the factory vacuum locker on the rear. Also, if I ever had to change my Patrol, it would only ever be for another Patrol, so the locker could be transferred to the next vehicle. I spent a lot of time on the Aussie forums researching front locker options, and while the ARB product works very well most of the time, in the front locker application particularly there are quite a few documented failures noted due to leaking seals etc. The E-locker does not have that potential draw back, and since it is at least as strong, would appear to be the more reliable long term option.

My only regret so far is that I have been so busy that there has been only limited opportunity to test and use it.....as you guys know, things have to get pretty hairy before you need the front locker in a Patrol!! :lol: My main reason for fitting the front locker was actually to compensate for dragging an off-road trailer behind me on overland trips....the front locker will give an extra margin of safety when traveling solo on the road less traveled.

:thumbup:
Ross

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Re: Front Axle Lockers

Post by Tinus lotz »

Ross what did it set you back?
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