ARB lockers without an operation manual

sandiegodave · **Posted:** Mon Mar 19, 2007 5:51 pm

I’m getting ready for Moab.

After splitting my front differential in the desert last summer

I decided that the front diff was not tuff enough for a locker so last week I put an ARB air locker in my rear diff. Does anyone have an opinion on when and how to operate an air locker? My guess is that you use 4WD before you need it but only use the air locker for the most difficult climbs or in deep soft sand. I tested the lockers and in any turn at all it leaves rubber on the road. So on trails with a lot of turns should I turn off the locker? Does an air locker help when trying to descend down a steep stepped trail?
Dave

Jeepjeepster · **Posted:** Mon Mar 19, 2007 6:12 pm

I would only use the locker when needed offroad.

jason thompson · **Posted:** Mon Mar 19, 2007 8:15 pm

I use mine when I see others spin a wheel
If I am leading then I use my best judgement
one thing I will tell you is to keep the compressor on when you are wheelin so that you have air when needed and you dont have to wait
With a rear locker you will not have the adverse steering problems that I have in the front of the TJ so you COULD just "set it and forget it"

another thing to NEVER do is to hit the swich when you are spinning you should first stop then lock then go

This is what I do and I have no problemsin 2+ years with the ARB

USPLibby · **Joined:** Thu Jul 28, 2005 12:29 am **Posts:** 377

Use the locker if you expect your axles to cross or lift up where at least one wheel per axle will come off the ground. With one wheel up, all of the power will go to the wheel with the least resistance and you'll stop moving.

sandiegodave · **Posted:** Tue Mar 20, 2007 1:41 am

Thanks for all your input.
It sound like the air lockers get minimal use, just when you find they are required.

I know what you mean about the steering problems with front lockers I lived through that, glad to hear rear lockers don’t cause any steering problems.

Thank for the advise about not locking a spinning tire. That’s how I split my front diff. Also your advise about leaving the compressor on and air lines under pressure sounds good. I did notice that when I turn off my locker the rear diff sometimes stays locked for a while. Is this normal?
Happy Trails Dave

jason thompson · **Posted:** Tue Mar 20, 2007 11:11 am

sandiegodave wrote:

I did notice that when I turn off my locker the rear diff sometimes stays locked for a while. Is this normal?
Happy Trails Dave

Yup
at least mine does you need to just let it roll no gas and no turn

ARBSeth · **Posted:** Tue Mar 20, 2007 11:27 am

I usually just keep the rear one on and actively work the front one. The KJ is a longer wheel base vehicle, so it won't affect your steering like it would with a TJ. By keeping it on, you always maintain momentum... lessens wear on your parts and prevents the dreaded restart on steeper grades etc.

ARB lockers without an operation manual

Who is online