explain lockers to me like I am the village idiot...

[Volcano cruiser]

Lockers come in a few different varieties.

1. Always on - called a spool if it was manufactured that way. Some people do this by welding the spider gears together, sometimes referred to as a "lincoln locker"

2. Automatic Lockers - disconnects when required (as in a turn) via a spring system. Quicklock, lockrite, Aussie Locker are a few brands

3. Limited Slip Differentials (LSD) - Uses springs and clutches to limit slip or differential action. Not a true locker as it doesn't completely lock up.

4. Manual Lockers - you turn it on when you need it and off when you don't. Can be acutated electrically, pneumatically (with air), or mechanically (Cable). Examples include ARB (Air), Toyota E-lockers, Toyota Cable lockers, and OX (cable)

anything I missed?

Ok, Very newbie here trying to see if I get this, was the 4WD lever in my old Cherokee Wagoneer an example of a manually actuated cable locker? I would engage 4WD by using the lever instead of having to hop out of the car and turn the locking hubs on each wheel like my friends. Thanks and remember be kind to newbie

 

[cody c]

no, your cherokee probally had automatic hubs, pulling the lever just put it in 4wd. electric or cable actuated locking differentials are the shizznit, however they are expensive, so most vehicles have open differentials or use traction control (a system which applies the brake on the opposite wheel to get motion on the wheel with traction)

 

[Volcano cruiser]

Ok, for a second I thought that I actually felt the light bulb igniting above my head indicating understanding. As usual that feeling is entirely due to sitting under the reading lamp too close to the bulb! I guess that my question then is will I need to get out of the FJ40 to turn the hubs manually or are there automatic hubs for it and a lever to shift into 4WD? P.S. thanks for the quick response.