Gear
Gallery5
A differential essentially allows wheels on the same axle to spin at different speeds.
This allows you to turn corners on high traction surfaces by sending all the power to the wheel with least resistance - the outside wheel when turning a corner, for example. This is great on-road, but it becomes a problem when traction is at a premium off-road such as on loose surfaces or when your 4x4 picks up a wheel.
A diff locker solves this by locking the differential and ensuring both wheels on the same axle turn at the same speed.
- What it is: Cross-axle differential lockers.
- Why you need it: All HiLux 4x4 variants come with a standard rear diff locker, but nothing compares to twin lockers. Adding a front locker to the mix will provide supreme off-road traction and really is a must for those who dabble in hardcore off-roading.
- Buying tips: Consider whether the type of off-roading you do really requires this type of modification. The HiLux is plenty capable out of the factory for the average weekend warrior and camper.
JUMP AHEAD
| Locker activation | Engagement speed | Warranty | |
|---|---|---|---|
| ARB Air Locker | Air | Any | 5 years |
| Harrop E-Locker | Electronic | <5km/h | 3 years |
| Lokka part-time locker | Part-time | Any | 3 years |
ARB Air Locker
Manufactured in Australia, the ARB Air Locker is made with quality materials and an uncompromising approach to manufacturing. With a state-of-the-art two-piece design and forged gears, the Air Locker has increased strength, durability, and resistance to fatigue.
It also has a reduced number of moving parts, making it more responsive to activation. ARB has invested heavily in the application of forged gears commonly used in heavy duty commercial, race and agricultural transmissions.
All Air Lockers come with a five-year warranty and are supported by ARB's extensive network of stores and distributors worldwide. The product's superior design, quality and support make it a reliable choice for 4x4 enthusiasts and professionals alike.
Specifications
- Locker activation: Air
- Engagement speed: Any
- Warranty: Five years
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Pros
- Proven track record in off-roading
- Near instant activation at any speed
- Simple activation, no electrics
Cons
- Requires an on-board compressor
- Historically the air lines are prone to leaks, but this seems less common in recent models
Harrop ELocker
A collaboration between Harrop Engineering in Australia and Eaton Corporation in the USA has resulted in the development of the ELocker, an electronically control selectable locking differential.
The locker uses electromagnets to engage the locker, providing a simple and effective design. As the electromagnet is energised, torque is created on a drag plate that activates a ramping mechanism. The ramping mechanism, in turn, translates rotational force into the axial motion of a locking mechanism.
The locking mechanism engages into slots or tabs on the differential side gear and locks the side gear rotation to the differential housing. The result is on-demand traction and a fully locked differential.
Specifications
- Locker activation: Electronic
- Engagement speed: Under 5km/h
- Warranty: Three years
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Pros
- Australian engineering with a reputation for quality
- No need for compressors or air lines
- Designed to be rebuildable
Cons
- Recommended engagement below 5km/h
- Rare failures reported where the locker engages full-time
Lokka part-time locker
As opposed to a selectable diff locker, the Lokka is an automatically engaging diff locker. There are no switches, cables, wires or hoses.
It relies on a simple mechanical design which makes use of two distinct sets of forces" the “ground driven” forces acting on a wheel when cornering (that force an outside wheel to turn faster); and the forces from the engine (power) turning the differential and axles.
Specifications
- Locker activation: Electronic
- Engagement speed: Any
- Warranty: Three years
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Pros
- Simplicity of operation and installation
- No need for compressors, air lines or wires
- The budget option
Cons
- Not quite as effective as a fully selectable diff locker
Anytime factory locker
It's not a whole new diff locker, but this modification has been included here as it allows addition functionality of the factory rear diff locker.
The Anytime diff locker allows you engage the factory locker at any speed, when in 2WD, 4WD high and 4WD low range. From factory you can only enable the diff lock when in 4WD low range.
This is a super handy little mod for anyone who uses slippery boat ramps or has a steep, unpaved driveway.
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Pros
- Plug-and-play replacement of the factory locker switch
- No mechanical modification and easily reversible
- Added functionality of the factory rear diff locker
Cons
- Won’t increase your traction off-road like addition of a front locker
How we review products
4X4 Australia has been reviewing four-wheel drive vehicles and aftermarket products for more than 40 years.
When looking for the best accessories for your make and model of 4WD, there are some things essential to making sure you have the best off-roading experience.
When we compare products, here are some of the things we consider:
- Warranty
- Build quality
- Value for money
- Time and ease to set-up/install
- Weight
- Fit and finish
- How well it gets the job done
- What materials they’re made from
- Corrosion/UV resistance
- Coatings
- Compatibility with other accessories
- Compliance with ADRs and vehicle safety systems
- Country of manufacture
- Load ratings, to determine what's the best product across each price point.
We also consider user reviews and our own experience with these products to make sure our recommendations are for the best on the market.
Disclosure: When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. We also include products that we do not earn a commission from.
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