Nissan Patrol 4x4 (Africa)

I am starting this thread as a reference for other people going through the same process as me.

Replacing the OEM difflock at the rear. Not a simple task as there are not many options.

My question I cannot rearly answer on the web is:

Will the ARB work? I thought it would until I rear this from Pieter du Toit on my old patrol when he had it:

Couple a days later I found out it is not that easy to replace the rear diff lock with an ARB Locker - problem being the one side shaft is too long and needs to be cut - the other one is too short and there is no "right" size side shaft available in SA - It has to be imported from Australia. And to top it all - ARB does not have a diff lock for my car available in SA - and the soonest they might be able to help me is end November - this I was told in the beginning of October. And then we complain about the agents giving bad service or not having parts available - it happens everywhere. So back to Nissan AGAIN.

Is there a TJM difflock available for the rear diff of the patrol?

E-locker will not fit. This is from the suppliers.

Auto lockers on the rear is really not something I want to do. Or do I?

I am not sure if there is really an auto locker for the rear diff available... but I might be wrong.
Lokka lockrite etc, only got a locker for the h233 diff.

It might not be so lekker having an auto locker in the rear diff, as it would constantly lock and disengage, even when driving 2 wheel drive on bitumen.


Will see if I can get more info on rear difflock options....

A bit more research indicates that an auto locker on the rear axle will be a bad idea.

Towing a heavy caravan up a twisty pass would likely mean that the autolocker will not dis-engage.
Accelerating from a junction turning iether way would mean the autolocker will not dis-engage. With supercharger singing I can get a satisfying semi-drift as it is...

So TJM or ARB it is.

Would you not consider a 2nd hand Nissan unit?

An entire 4.8 rear axle could be had for around 10k.

hugejp wrote:Would you not consider a 2nd hand Nissan unit?

An entire 4.8 rear axle could be had for around 10k.

Just sorta feels like going backwards. I think I need a solenoid too so more than just the axle.

After doing some research the Nissan unit seems to give a fair amount of issues.

I have seen several patrols with ARB lockers front and dear, so I am sure it is available.

Oom Mac had an auto-locker installed in his Prado. Perhaps have a word with him regarding his experience, but he often tows heavy trailers and did not once complain about it.

I also think he has ARB's in both axles on his current Patrol.

I can't see why an auto locker would not disengage under the conditions you describe. I have studied their design in some detail but have no personal experience though.

I would say your best option is to give Ronald Hairbottle of 4x4 Traction in Polokwane a call and discuss the options with him?

Peter Connan wrote: I would say your best option is to give Ronald Hairbottle of 4x4 Traction in Polokwane a call and discuss the options with him?

Agree, I also did sent him a mail earlier today to see what he can recommend for the rear diff, will post here when he responds. (prob. tomorrow ).

I agree!

Ronald knows his stuff...

The 4.5 diff locker fits on 4.8 anton and errol repaired his one 4.8 with a 4.5 diff center

one day I will also have a rear diff lock............