factory vs. aftermarket lockers

[retrofive]

I hate to do this but It kinda thread related. I just didnt want to start another thread. My question is I have lockers on my 96 LC so whats on my 97 lx-450. They dont have that switch in the front left like the 96lc. I know this is a very rookie question on the border of total jackass to say the least, but I am learning more and more everyday.

Visit the FAQ here or Search here

Your 96 has front, rear and center locker based on your description... hence the dial for them. Your 97 doesn't, it has just the center diff. lock..... only engaged when when put into 4l, unless you add a CDL button. Again all in the FAQ.

 

[ToyotaObsession]

I vote against an ARB. They are a great design, and are built as well as you can expect these days, but they are very problem prone and very complicated to setup. For the front, the absolute best option available is the cable lockers from a 7X series. Second to that would be retrofitted E-locker with a simple harness. Third would be an Aussie locker, followed closely by a Full Detroit. Then almost at the end of my list is an ARB.

Why? More wires are needed than the E-lockers, plus air lines, air source, plus wiring up a compressor if that is your air source, drilling holes in your housing...etc. They just aren't that great....if they worked like they were designed 100% of the time, they would get my vote. But in reality they just aren't that bulletproof....and are a weak link in an 80 series drivetrain.

Very well said.

I've always liked the ARB's. But if anything snags one of those Airlines.... goodbye lock.

The nice thing about the ELockers is all you need is a 12 Volt Source to lock them and they stay locked.

ARB's need a constant source of Air Pressure to keep them locked.

There's a big long discussion on ARB vs ELockers over on Yotatech.

 

[ToyotaObsession]

Visit the FAQ here or Search here

Your 96 has front, rear and center locker based on your description... hence the dial for them. Your 97 doesn't, it has just the center diff. lock..... only engaged when when put into 4l, unless you add a CDL button. Again all in the FAQ.

I was under the impression that all '97's came with Lockers stock (limited ediition) I'm guessing the same wasn't true for the Lexus?

92-96 was strictly optional across the board correct?

 

[Lka1988]

93-97 lockers are optional. The LX came with the locker harness.

AFAIK, there was no "Limited Edition". Just the 40th Ann. and Collector's Edition Land Cruisers. Neither had lockers as standard equipment.

 

[maxafterburn]

What issues would I have if I ran Aussies front and rear? Also, does my 95 have an open diff or some sort of posi? the reason I ask is because I was looking at the Aussie and it mentioned I might need other parts besides the locker itself.

 

[Lka1988]

First off, an auto locker in the front of a full-time rig is a BAD idea. If you accelerate while going around a turn, you'll hear a really nasty sound, then suddenly not be able to go anywhere because the birfs just busted.

US-spec rigs only had open diffs or locked diffs, front and rear. We won't get into all the cool stuff the US didn't get, it will confuse and anger you

The center diff in 93-97 has a viscous coupler, sort of like a limited-slip.

 

[retrofive]

^ X2 - Aussie (or any auto locker) in the front bad idea.

 

[ToyotaObsession]

93-97 lockers are optional. The LX came with the locker harness.

AFAIK, there was no "Limited Edition". Just the 40th Ann. and Collector's Edition Land Cruisers. Neither had lockers as standard equipment.

Gotcha, I'm not sure where I got that idea from .

Aside from the "LMTD Edition" I know where I picked that up from.

"1997- An unknown number of FZJ-80 Land Cruisers were sold in the United States as "40th Anniversary Limited Edition" models. They were available in 2 colours; Antique Sage Pearl (Often referred to as Riverrock, Pewter or Grey) and Emerald Green. The 40th Anniversary models included apron badging, a serial number badge on the centre console, black pearl exterior badges, "40th Anniversary Limited Edition" embroidered floor mats, automatic climate control, two-tone tan and brown leather interiors and wheels with the "D" windows painted dark gray. Many were manufactured with the optional electric front and rear locking differentials, keyless entry, port-installed roof racks and running boards."

Effin Wikipedia!

 

[retrofive]

There is just something about "unknown numbers" sold and "Many were manufactured with the optional electric front and rear locking differentials" that doesn't match up

 

[caldentey]

nobody has mentioned the ol lincoln locker. I run one and it was pretty cheap

 

[alkaline747trio]

I have Aussies front and rear. I am halfway through a 2WD conversion. I have my t-case out and I'm trying to figure out the best affordable way to DIY the part-time kit. I love my Aussies. The 80 is heavy enough that turning isn't a problem in 4WD. It has increased my radius slightly, but not even several feet. 2Lo is insane...greatest thing to ever happen to my 80; donuts, burnouts, drift, etc...all with ease.

Sadly I haven't had much seat time with this, and already know it is a compromise to the wonderful AWD system stock, but hey...I'm going a little more extreme then most. But the same concepts apply all around. And those air-lines are just too vulnerable for me. I've replaced my breather lines 3 times on the front axle and 2 on the rear, I can imagine an ARB hose would have been taken out with it. And I would have been dead in my tracks.

 

[crowdaddy911]

retrofive you need to get a life. I feel like anytime I ask a question in here you answer it. It like ask jeeves or ask retro.... Your awesome man thanks for everyting. Yes I saw some similar stuff in the faq but it was much clearer thru you.

 

[maxafterburn]

OK, so now I'm confused. Some guys say they run Aussies front and rear with no problem, others say no way! How about a few more responses for one or the other?

 

[jodo]

guys, guys, guys, Who's talking about snagging and air line and there goes your locker??? what snags an air line will snag a wire... With that said, most folks that want locker front and rear better think of installing a sorce of air (compressor).
I had tha same delema with my 97 LX450. No locker so which way should I go. I choise to install factory lockers and with that I had to install the computer, harnesses and switches. Even with all my great onnections and free labor (me) it cost more then good ol ARB's. Sorry, my vote is for ARB's. Had them for years on several different rigs with not one problem. Yes, you need to be neet and clean with your tube/wire routing to avoid "snagging" but please, isn't that the rule?

Jodo

 

[jodo]

one more thing. I voted to install the PUMA air compressor system thats going to be just great for all my needs for... $200

Jodo

 

[jodo]

ARB parts = $1400

ARB installation = $1000

Reliability and the sound of an ARB releasing = Pricless!

Jodo

 

[arndog123]

I'd have to agree on the ARB's disengaging thing, it's like music to my ears. Got ARB's on my '86 truck and had some issues w/ 'em and stock elockers on both 80's and absolutely love 'em. I prefer the e lockers over ARB's though and will probably retrofit a pair into my '85 truck.

 

[jodo]

Arndog,

How do they release? right away? Can you tell?

Jodo

 

[ToyotaObsession]

guys, guys, guys, Who's talking about snagging and air line and there goes your locker??? what snags an air line will snag a wire... With that said, most folks that want locker front and rear better think of installing a sorce of air (compressor).
I had tha same delema with my 97 LX450. No locker so which way should I go. I choise to install factory lockers and with that I had to install the computer, harnesses and switches. Even with all my great onnections and free labor (me) it cost more then good ol ARB's. Sorry, my vote is for ARB's. Had them for years on several different rigs with not one problem. Yes, you need to be neet and clean with your tube/wire routing to avoid "snagging" but please, isn't that the rule?

Jodo

This is true.

But with a wire and a 12 Volt source the Elocker will stay Locked while the Air Locker will come unlocked without the constant air pressure.

So even if the wire gets snagged you will be able to get out. The same can't be said of the air locker.

 

[jodo]

Ok, if your carring stuff to repair a 12VDC curciut for a E-Locker, you would be carring a repair stuff (coupler/tubing) for an air locker.

Jodo