For some reason (which I’ll leave to others to comment on) I’m prone to getting my 4×4 stuck in some unlikely places (see this video). And while I know that it’s a poor craftsman who blames his tools, just about every time I’ve been stuck, it’s been due to a lack of traction (as it usually is for just about everyone).
To remedy this situation once and for all, I decided to order and install a differential locker for my 1986 Landcruiser HJ60. After doing some research online and reading dozens
Simple parts, simple install
opinions of the various lockers available, I decided to go with an Aussie Locker from Offroadlockers.com.
As you probably know, a locker is a device that enables either both front or both rear wheels to receive and transfer power to the ground, instead of the usually one wheel spin with an open differential. A 4wd with a locked differential has about twice as much effective traction as one with unlocked, or open diffs.
For my Landcruiser, I opted for an auto locker rather than an air, cable, or electricity actuated locker for a few reasons: auto lockers are simpler, easier to install, less expensive, and very durable. And after reading only good things about the Aussie locker, I placed my order online and my locker arrived a couple of weeks later.
The only drawback, if it can be called that, with auto lockers is that unlike a switched locker, they are always ‘on’ and only ‘unlock’ around corners to allow the wheels to turn at different speeds. And when they are locked on-road, they can be a little noisier than an open differential.
While it should only take 2-3 hours to install an Aussie Locker according to the installation instructions, given my schedule, free time, and mechanical ability, I expect to get it installed sometime in the next few weeks (plus, it’s about -3 outside right now, a little too cold to be wrenching in the gravel).
I’ll be documenting the entire installation, bloody knuckles and all, for this site, and also performing a comprehensive evaluation of the on and off-road performance once it’s successfully installed–which will hopefully be a little sooner than later.
