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ARB Air Lockers - Just Differentials

Just Differentials

Differentials and Axles!
Location
Washington State
ARB Air Lockers - Just Differentials



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With our improved two piece design available right across the range, along with the addition of forged gears and an industry leading five year warranty, ARB Air Lockers are now better built and better backed than ever before.

Created to provide 100% traction on demand, without sacrificing any of your vehicle's highway driving performance, ARB Air Lockers employ a 12 volt ARB Air Compressor designed to activate (and deactivate) a solid and durable locking mechanism inside the differential. This gives you the traction you need, when you need it, all at the flip of a switch and all within the comfort of the driver's seat.

The advantage of the ARB Air Locker lies in the pneumatically operated locking system inside the differential. When activated, the Air Locker prevents the differential gears from rotating and therefore prevents the axle shafts from turning independently of each other. With both wheels tied directly to the rotation of the ring gear, the vehicle maintains maximum possible traction at all times. When unlocked, it operates just like a conventional 'open' differential.

In addition to providing outright improvements to a 4x4's off road capabilities, the Air Locker offers significant environmental benefits. An Air Locker equipped vehicle can be driven in a slower, safer and more controlled manner, greatly reducing the likelihood of vehicle damage and environmental impact.


Required Parts:
  • CKSA12 air compressor (extremely compact, operates up to 2 air lockers, not intended for oversized tire inflation) or
  • CKMA12 air compressor (compact, operates up to 2 air lockers and will inflate tires when paired with a 171302) or
  • CKMTA12 air compressor (still compact, operates up to 2 air lockers when paired with 171503, will inflate tires AND run air tools when paired with a 171302 and will run even faster when paired with a171501 air tank


Optional Parts:
  • ALSB3 - bracket for mounting three (3) rocker switches. Manufactured from steel and powder-coated black. (Suitable for mounting both a front and rear air locker and a compressor switch.)


 
If you are debating between a selectable or mechanical locker, this should help you choose. We keep ARB Air Lockers in stock for many different vehicles and axles


Mechanical Lockers:
(Detroit, Powertrax, Lock Right)

  • Mechanical lockers engage automatically when force is applied to the differential via the pinion and ring gear. While force is not actively being applied, springs in the locker allow the mechanism to disengage. That is to say that when you press on the gas it locks up, when you let off the gas and turn it unlocks.
  • Mechanical lockers are well know for the popping and clanking noises they make when engaging and disengaging.
  • Mechanical lockers can be installed in front differentials but you must have lock out hubs and they MUST be unlocked for on-road driving because of steering issues.

Selectable Locker:
(ARB, TJM, OX, Auburn ECTED, Eaton E-Locker)

  • Selectable lockers fall into 3 categories - Air, electric and manual.
  • Air lockers use compressed air from a vehicle-mounted air compressor to engage the locking mechanism.
  • Electric lockers use an electrical pulse to engage a magnetic locking device.
  • Manual lockers (OX) must be engaged by pulling a cord, usually requiring the driver to exit the vehicle (although many OX can be upgraded to electric).
  • Air and electric lockers can be activated by a switch inside the vehicle.
  • Selectable lockers are fully locked when engaged and function as an open differential when not engaged.
  • Some electric lockers function as a limited-slip differential when not engaged.
 
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