ARB Differential lock

Your 4x4 differential lock is a gear system that allows the wheels to turn at different speeds as the wheels on the outside of a bend travel further than the wheels on the inside.

Your 4x4 is equipped with a front differential, a rear differential and a centre differential that distributes power between the front and rear

On some 4x4 models, there are differential locks on the front and rear axles and on the original gearbox. If your 4x4 is not equipped with a differential lock, it is worthwhile fitting one or two locks which will greatly improve the vehicle's driving ability.

Locking the differential means connecting the two half shafts on the front or rear axles and the transmission shafts for the central differential. This ensures that the wheels of the locked axle always turn at the same speed.

Designed and manufactured in Australia, ARB Air Locker Differential Locks will improve your 4x4's grip on just about any type of terrain: rocks, dirt, gravel, sand, snow or mud.

The ARB differential lock is controlled by switches that engage an air compressor. This compressed air controls the differential lock.

The ARB differential lock can replace the front and rear differentials and is available for a number of 4x4 models

Examples of situations:

- When crossing a road, one of the wheels on the front or rear axle of your 4x4 is no longer in contact with the ground. The transmission from the differential will only go to this wheel because the opposite wheel is in contact with the ground and therefore blocked.

- When driving through a mud hole, one of the wheels of the front or rear axle ends up in a hole filled with mud, so this wheel is no longer in contact with the ground. The transmission coming from the differential will only be on this wheel because the opposite wheel is in contact with the ground and therefore blocked.

In both these cases, your 4x4 will be blocked. When the ARB differential lock is engaged, the transmission will be on both wheels of the same axle, which will increase your 4x4 capabilities of moving.

Important notes:

- If you only fit one differential lock on your 4x4, you should use it on the rear axle.

- if you install a differential lock on the front axle of your 4x4, you must not use it when you turn the wheels too much, as this would inevitably lead to breakage.

- never engage the differential lock on the road, on a fast track, or in bends...

The ARB differential lock should only be engaged

- in the event of poor grip when crossing: mud, snow, bridge crossings, etc...

ARB differential locks are sold as kits consisting of :

- front or rear differential

- copper tube

- solenoid valve

- switch

- electrical connections

- seals

- screws and bolts

Note: the ARB compressor is not included

There is an ARB differential lock made from the highest quality steel and designed to meet the needs of extreme races like the Ultra4.

The planetary gears are larger which gives it more tensile strength in the splined part of the shaft, and the teeth of the ring gear are further apart. A change in the design of the lock gives more space to the planet and planetary gear set and increases their size, plus there's a new lubrication system. All this gives this differential lock a strength of + 290%.

Reinforced ARB Differential locker

Differential locker ARB for a Toyota, front or back depending on the model

Differential lock ARB for a Toyota, front or rear depending on the model

Differential lock for a Suzuki Jimmy, front

Differential lock for a Mitsubishi Pajero & L200, front

Differential lock for Niassan Y60,Y61 & Terrano 2, rear

Differential lock for a Nissan Y60,Y61 & Terrano 2, front

Differential lock for a Land Rover Defender & Discovery 1, front or rear depending on the model

Differential lock for a Jeep Wrangler JK, Grand Cherokee 2, rear

ARB locker compressor 2-way output 12V + inflate

ARB locker compressor 1/2 way output 12V

ARB locker compressor 24V

ARB locker compressor 24V

ARB compressor wiring loom

Airline for compressor and locker - ARB

ARB air locker switch- front

ARB air locker switch - rear

ARB air locker switch - compressor

ARB differential lockers

Compressors & accessories

Spare parts

Thanks to Nicolas for his contribution to this article - journaldu4x4.com 

Note: Euro4x4parts publishes this information as a service to its customers but cannot be held responsible for the advice given here and its consequences in use.

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