ARB 4x4
Supporting Vendor
Lockers and compressors; a critical component to every four-wheeler. And when paired together, they can be the ultimate traction duo. This winter you can SAVE BIG on Select ARB Air Compressors with the purchase of an Air Locker.
What is a locker or locking differential?
Did you know that most 4X4’s are not all truly four-wheel drive? This is because most four-wheel drive vehicles are equipped with open differentials.
An open differential sends power to the tire that has the least traction, and it also differentiates the speed of the tires when turning. This is perfect for on-road use but not so much for off-road use.
When off-road, we encounter obstacles that may cause one or more of our tires to lose traction. When you’re stuck in this bind, you need the tire that has traction to spin in order to get you out of the sticky situation. This type of situation is when a locking differential is needed.
For this reason, many only consider true four-wheel drive vehicles to be those with front and rear locking differentials.
Selectable Lockers
There are many locker options on the market: electric, Air Locker, spools, limited slips, lunchbox, etc. Air Lockers and electric lockers are selectable lockers, making them the fan favorite.
Remember earlier when I mentioned open differentials being superior on the pavement? Well selectable lockers remain an open differential; but with the switch of a button or pull of cable, this locker will lock completely and send power to both tires. Making selectable lockers the most ideal locking differential for on and off-road driving.
ARB Air Lockers
ARB Air Lockers are completely selectable giving you the functionality of an open differential on-road but the traction off-road with the press of the button. ARB has a patented timed locking process that allows the locker to lock only in the strongest possible position. This allows an increase in strength of up to 40%. The ARB Air Locker is designed to be the strongest component in the axle assembly.
You may be thinking, why air? Air pressure allows for faster, firmer locker engagement. This allows the ARB Air Locker to be engaged at nearly any speed as long as wheel speed is close to equal from side to side. Many selectable lockers on the market require engagement speeds of less than 5MPH. Air engagement also allows for faster disengagement. You’ll find that many other brands or factory selectable lockers are quite slow and finicky when disengaging.
ARB Air Compressors
You have probably heard an off-road guru tell you that a tire deflator is one of the most important pieces of equipment for your four-wheeler. This is because lower air pressure in your tires provides a larger footprint for superior traction as well as a better ride when off-road.
But that poses a problem when trying to get back on the road. You need a way to re-inflate your tires. Sure, you can wait in line to borrow a friend's air compressor. You can drive (who knows how many miles) on deflated tires to the closest gas station. Or you can install an on-board ARB Air Compressor which will allow you to inflate tires, actuate Air Lockers, run air tools, and much more. Making it a critical addition to any four-wheeler.
SAVE 50% on an ARB Single High-Output with the purchase of 1 Air Locker ($169 savings!)
- Inflate up to a 35” tires
- Engage 2 Air Lockers
- 50% Duty Cycle
- Sealed for moisture and dust resistance
- Thermal protected motor
- All tire sizes
- Engage 2 Air Lockers with ARB Manifold (#171503)
- 100% Duty Cycle
- Sealed for moisture and dust resistance
- Thermal protected motor
