E locker vs air locker

[Ben81C]

Hey Patrolers, i am about to fit twin lockers to my GU3 and i am leaning towards fitting the Eaton E locker over the Air locker, i like the idea of not requiring a compressor to engage them as with the E locker it uses electro magnetics to engage (if i have power i have lockers) and if their is an issue or failure it returns to the open/ unlocked position, i have done some research on them and they appear to be of good quality (detroit lockers having a solid reputation developed over years) these are the new type NOT auto lockers but engaged via switches same as air lockers, has anybody on here had them fitted and how do they perform for you? Thanks for any info on these lockers. Ben.

[Bloodyaussie]

Heard only good things about the E-locker... thats my 10 cents.

[Rumcajs]

Go E-lockers and avoid air lockers leaks.
Cheers

[macca86]

Save your cash patrols don't need rear lockers unless a comp rig. LSD and front locker FTW maybe shim the LSD if you want it really tight. If you lock the rear its just an open diff on road and I prefer the feel of an lsd on road for traction and safety.
I'd got e locker over air no annoying compressor noise less leaks etc.

[jimmi]

the e locker uses a lil motor to move the locking ring, its the same design they used in the ford 2 speed diff, i haven't had a chance to play with one yet, but if the motor does die (the older ones where pretty well sealed) you could manually turn the motor shaft and engage or disengage.
the arb air lockers are prone to leak, but the sliding ring seal has been revised, the biggest problems is people dont use them enough and as such the seal goes hard. they are an easy fix, i did 1 in 5 years.
the lsd in the patrols are very good as macca pointed out.
at the end of the day its up to you, i personally prefer air lockers, as air isnt affected by water. slow leak? run a tank. and depending where ur wheeling, you can have problems finding parts for a detroit.
hope this helps

[BigRAWesty]

the e locker uses a lil motor to move the locking ring, its the same design they used in the ford 2 speed diff, i haven't had a chance to play with one yet, but if the motor does die (the older ones where pretty well sealed) you could manually turn the motor shaft and engage or disengage.
the arb air lockers are prone to leak, but the sliding ring seal has been revised, the biggest problems is people dont use them enough and as such the seal goes hard. they are an easy fix, i did 1 in 5 years.
the lsd in the patrols are very good as macca pointed out.
at the end of the day its up to you, i personally prefer air lockers, as air isnt affected by water. slow leak? run a tank. and depending where ur wheeling, you can have problems finding parts for a detroit.
hope this helps

Pretty sure e lockers are electromagnetic, no motors..

Edit, confirmed..

The ELocker's electromagnetic locking mechanism is the next generation of aftermarket differential technology. Performs as an open differential until you decide that you need more traction. Eaton ELocker is your push button solution to almost any traction problem.

Designed expressly for 4-wheel drive systems to give you the ability to lock or unlock the differentials when necessary. When locked the Eaton ELocker performs as a full locker, capturing 100% of available torque and sending it equally to both ends of the axle.

The ELocker is built with precision-forged gears that are designed to mesh perfectly, providing improved strength and durability over a standard cut gear. Its ease of installation, reliability and push-button activation make ELocker an absolute must for all traction and off-road performance applications.

http://www.eaton.com/Eaton/ProductsS...als/PCT_221472

Kallen Westbrook
Owner of
Westy's Accessories

[taslucas]

the e locker uses a lil motor to move the locking ring, its the same design they used in the ford 2 speed diff, i haven't had a chance to play with one yet, but if the motor does die (the older ones where pretty well sealed) you could manually turn the motor shaft and engage or disengage.
the arb air lockers are prone to leak, but the sliding ring seal has been revised, the biggest problems is people dont use them enough and as such the seal goes hard. they are an easy fix, i did 1 in 5 years.
the lsd in the patrols are very good as macca pointed out.
at the end of the day its up to you, i personally prefer air lockers, as air isnt affected by water. slow leak? run a tank. and depending where ur wheeling, you can have problems finding parts for a detroit.
hope this helps

Yeah as kallen has posted, e lockers use an electro magnet to lock. So no chance of the motor dying. I like the idea because:
1, if you break the wire you can simply join it back together(try doing that with an air line)
2, if the engine isn't putting 12volts to the locker then you've got bigger things to worry about than locking the wheels.
3, most people carry jumper packs and jumper leads these days so getting power isn't that hard.
4, far less things to go wrong, ie: no compressor just two wires and a switch.



FanTapstic!

[Bloodyaussie]

^ what he said but in a deeper voice!!!!

[BigRAWesty]

Your right BR. Not to many air failures, from my eyes its more the maintenance.
I've seen a few which have small internal leaks from the style of entry threw the diff.. thus compressing diff and pushing oil back threw the breathers. Not a lot, but just enough to make an ugly wet spot...

I think the other things its the 2 part process of the air. More to fail (if...) Compaired to the e.

I'm not against one or the other, pure personal choice for me.

Kallen Westbrook
Owner of
Westy's Accessories

[jimmi]

Yeah as kallen has posted, e lockers use an electro magnet to lock. So no chance of the motor dying. I like the idea because:
1, if you break the wire you can simply join it back together(try doing that with an air line)
2, if the engine isn't putting 12volts to the locker then you've got bigger things to worry about than locking the wheels.
3, most people carry jumper packs and jumper leads these days so getting power isn't that hard.
4, far less things to go wrong, ie: no compressor just two wires and a switch.




FanTapstic!

sorry but the info, like i said havent had a chance to get a look at them (strip and rebuild)
yes u can just rejoin air lines
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/14mm-Push-In-Nylon-Tube-Hose-Connector-Joiner-Air-Line-/260784106364?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item3cb7f1 ab7c&_uhb=1
but you are right about getting power.
after having a MQ and now owning a A currrent model hilux have found the electrickery and water really dont mix.
Eaton do build great products and i have worked on many.
keep it simple, weight up wants and needs.
maybe find an eaton dealer and ask to speak to someone running these.
good luck