A truck has several types of locking devices. Some are automatic, while others are driver-selectable. These include Detroit Locker and ARB Air Locker. Let’s discuss the features of each one. You can also learn about their function. Listed below are the advantages and disadvantages of each. We also discuss how to properly operate them. Read on to learn more. Also, take a look at the different types of locking devices and learn how they can improve your truck’s efficiency.
Automatic or driver-selectable
Truck lock options come in two basic flavors: automatic or driver-selectable. Automatic locks automatically engage and disengage when the truck is in motion, while driver-selectable locks require the operator to input the lock key. Automatic lockers are available from brands such as Detroit, Aussie Locker, and Lock-Rite. These types of locks are best suited for off-road vehicles. While locking your truck in snow isn’t recommended, automatic lockers are.
Selectable or automatic truck locks vary slightly in how they operate. Automatic lockers are easier to steer and place less stress on driveline parts. On the other hand, selectable truck locks become spools and prevent tire give. This makes them strong, but can make steering a pain. Drivers tend to prefer automatic lockers. But the decision really depends on how the vehicle will be used. Automatic locks are generally more convenient, while driver-selectable trucks require more effort to operate.
Several manufacturers make locking differentials. Depending on the vehicle, the locking mechanism will be either automatic or driver-selectable. Driver-selectable truck locks require the driver to activate the locking mechanism. Some lockers use a lever and cable to lock the axles, while Eaton ELockers employ a pushbutton or electromagnetic assembly. Other lockers use an air diaphragm to activate a clutch. However, these systems will require an airline hose and an air compressor.
Drop-in or “lunchbox”
If you want to install a locker in the back of your truck, you’ll probably be interested in a lunchbox-style lock. These lockers can be found in several locations, including the backyard bunker and outside, by the yellow dumpster. These boxes have names such as Acadia, Becky, Cole, Dona, Greesha, Jack, June, Sage, and Vault Girl. The names of the boxes are indicative of the fact that you’re trying to lock something. These lockers are also known as “Take” locks, and they require you to hit a button to unlock.
Lockers made for drop-in carriers are an excellent budget option. They couple the axles together, retain differential action while turning, and separate with a ratcheting action. Drop-in lockers are relatively simple to install and remove. If you’re not a mechanically inclined person, you can buy a drop-in lock for your truck and use the existing carrier.
The problem with lunchbox lockers is that they can be temperamental. They can’t open even if you’re not applying torque to the axles, so your bad driving habits won’t affect them. Besides, if you install a lunchbox locker, you don’t need to dismantle the axle housing or remove the differential from the axle housing.
Detroit Locker
The Detroit Locker is an excellent choice for your truck’s differential. It has been designed to handle high horsepower and torque. However, the life of this unit can be limited by the weight of the vehicle. Street tires do not put a strain on the unit, but wider tires do. The Detroit Locker is the strongest differential unit available. Read on to learn more about this great product. Weighing less than 4,000 pounds, the Detroit Locker is one of the best buys for your truck.
The Detroit Locker is available for most axle types and models. Although this is the case for off-road vehicles, the Detroit Locker can be used on paved roads. The durability of this product is unmatched. It is also compatible with most brands of trucks. However, before purchasing a Detroit Locker, make sure you do your research and know what you’re getting. Be sure to consider the cost of your new Detroit Locker before making a final decision.
The Detroit Locker is an automatic locking differential that locks both rear wheels together when torque is applied. It works by acting like a spool, capturing 100% of available torque and sending it equally to both wheels. This allows drivers to differentiate wheel speeds and maintain control of their vehicles while negotiating turns. There are two types of Detroit Lockers, Soft and Hard. Which one is right for your truck? Let’s take a look!
ARB Air Locker
Installing an ARB Air Locker on a Truck allows you to enjoy the freedom and performance of locking differentials on your truck. These units have two-piece forged gears and patented two-piece case design. Despite their lightweight design, they still deliver high-performance locking. These units are designed to withstand massive torque handling. The shafts are custom-made with larger splines to fit the original axle assembly. For the air locker, ARB used aerospace grade materials and computer simulations to guide the design process.
ARB Air Lockers are compatible with the vast majority of 4×4 vehicles on the road. You can find ARB Air Lockers for a variety of applications, from basic use to high-performance competition rock crawling. You can also find ARB Air Lockers for heavy tank-track type snow equipment. If you’re interested in installing one on your truck, here are some things you should know. Once you have the right size, you’re good to go.
Installing an ARB Air Locker on your truck is simple. The air-operated locking differentials function like a conventional axle differential. The front and rear axle shafts can be locked together to ensure maximum drive torque is transmitted to both axles. And, thanks to the 12 volt air compressor, you can adjust traction with ease in any situation. You can also lock or unlock your front axles depending on your needs.
Manual Diff Locker
If you’ve ever driven a four-wheel-drive truck, you’ve probably wondered what a manual Diff Locker is. These devices lock the axle halves together. This allows both wheels to rotate at the same speed, giving you more torque in one wheel, instead of the wheel that has less traction. A manual locker not only gives you more control, but it also reduces stress on the drivetrain.
Selectable lockers are also available. They are available with a manual shifter or an air-actuated model. The latter requires a wiring loom and air compressor. These types of lockers come with heavy-duty steel diff covers. These models are a good choice for everyday driving, but are less suitable for off-road use. Regardless of the type of locker, you’ll have to pay close attention to your vehicle’s intended use.
Automatic Diff Lockers: These systems don’t offer full control over the differential. They can be awkward and put more stress on the vehicle. They can also be noisy and lock at random times while driving. Some people prefer an automatic Diff Locker, but only if the truck’s intended use is only off-road. There are many benefits to using a manual Diff Locker on a truck.
Selectable Diff Lockers: A Selectable Diff Locker lets you switch between open and locked differentials. This locking device can either be operated by compressed air or electricity. A manual Diff Locker on a truck does not allow you to choose between the open and locked differentials. Instead, it makes both tires rotate at the same speed. As a result, steering can become difficult. However, the benefits of a manual Diff Locker are well worth the cost.
Center diff locker
There are two types of lockers for a truck: the front and the rear. Depending on the type of truck you drive, you can install either the front or rear locker. The rear locker is better suited for off-roading, and the front locker limits your turning ability. A front locker is only useful if you plan to drive on steep, muddy terrain. A rear locker increases traction on both the front and rear axles, making it ideal for most off-road situations.
The center diff locker on a truck will force about 50% of the power to the front axle while the rest will be sent to the rear. It typically engages when the truck is in its low-range gearbox. Some vehicles engage the center diff automatically, while others require manual engagement. While the center diff locker is a good feature, the front locker is not very useful in most situations. In fact, most trucks that have a front locker aren’t useful unless they’re used on technical trails. They will also cause significant understeer and can lead to excessive tire wear.
The rear center diff locker is similar to the Air Locker by ARB. It is a special unit that ensures equal traction between the front and rear axles. However, unlike an ARB Air Locker, it does not take into account the loss of traction from the left to right wheel on the same axle. In addition, most part-time 4WD vehicles do not have a center lock. To understand how the center lock works, refer to the diagram on the right.
