Air DIFF LOCKER Installation [on a Suzuki Jimny 4x4]

How to install an air differential locker on your Suzuki Jimny or any other 4x4 for that matter? In this video, I will show you in detail all the steps to remove your stock diff and swap it with an air locking one. (I'm using an exact copy of the ARB air locker unit)
Undoubtedly, having a selectable air diff locker at least on the rear axle can truly transform your 4wd in terms of its offroad capabilities but the installation procedure could be quite expensive and is not incredibly easy to perform yourself.
That is why, I decided to take the time and help you by documenting every step of the way: from disassembling the brakes, detaching the prop-shaft and pulling out the half-shafts and stock diff, through checking the factory backlash on the ring and pinion set, replacing the carrier bearing, to drilling the hole in the 3rd member for the bulkhead port and routing the copper line. I’ve got you covered!
Here is the next video if you want to see the drum to disc brake conversion: • How-To: Drum to Disc B...
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[@The4x4Lab]

Check the next video on the drum to disc brake conversion process here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bmPbiH-CdreZnc0

[@rodbacon9489]

I used your video as a guide to assist with the installation of one of these Chinese ARB copies last weekend in an SJ70 and it was most useful. For those who are contemplating doing this, please read the instructions in conjunction with the video as there are a couple of critical things that are omitted. Firstly, it's important to use a torque wrench when re-assembling, and also use threadlock compound on the ring gear bolts. When disassembling, use some paint or a marker to put some reference marks on everything to ensure that you don't mix things from one side to another.

[@samcoates7519]

Ooo where did you find a Chinese copy? I really want one of these but don’t fancy spending %50 of the value of a Jimny on one

[@ianmburke]

Nice work! Lockers are such a game changer for offroading

[@The4x4Lab]

Now the little beast will be unstoppable :)

[@neilbeacham1244]

Thanks George, explained well, that's something I need to do

[@The4x4Lab]

You are welcome! It's perhaps a 2-days work if you know what you are doing.

[@Gusto0172]

Thanks for the great vid. Wow, that diff casing as really been beefed up with trusses. What's let me to look at diff lockers is that I destroyed the diff housing on my Jimny in a remote part of Australia. LH axle also broke. So, after a lot of logistical challenges, I'm rebuilding with a new housing. Now is obviously the time to fit a diff lock. Cheers

[@The4x4Lab]

Glad you found ti helpful. :) And yes, investing in some extra protection will definately be worth it in the long run.

[@pux4enator]

Джимнито е страхотно ,много ще се радвам ако и аз някой ден се сдобия с едно. Желая успех на канала 👍🏼

[@The4x4Lab]

Благодаря! Успеха на канала зависи от хора като вас! Пожелавам ти и до твоите ръце да стигне някое джимни и да се видим в гората :)

[@SuzJim99]

Great video!

[@The4x4Lab]

Thanks for the visit

[@GKarg]

Nice video George! Can you do also one video how to change suspension on a Jimny?

[@The4x4Lab]

Sure thing :) stay tuned

[@monkey_with_a_skateboard6823]

What are you sealing the diff case with? The black sealant stuff

[@briankirwan9588]

Great video! Do you have any information on your axle gaurd on the rear axle? Is is welded to the axle? Does it act as an axle truss as well?

[@The4x4Lab]

Thanks Brian! No, it's not welded. Check the walkaround review video, there you can see the guards and all the other modifications better.

[@stacys5886]

what about bearing preload

[@25Aldof]

Nice video. Are the differentials torsen design? If I only have one differential, where do you recomend install this in front or rear, why?

[@The4x4Lab]

Nope. This is a fully selectable differential. The torsen ones are refered as automatic and are horrible :) I have installed a locker only at the rear, but you are giving me a good idea for future video topics.

[@frankf2856]

I was wondering why you didn't install front air locks is there no need on the jimny for front air locker

[@The4x4Lab]

It is always nice to have, of course, but it's also expensive. :) maybe I will put a front one in the future

[@nirvanarelaxationandmedita9427]

Hi! I have a ARB air locker on my rear differential. I haven’t connected the ARB air compressor to the air locker yet. This as led to a leak out of the bulkhead where the air line from the air compressor will connect. I am about to install the air compressor to the air locker and I am wondering if I can just proceed or I have to deal with the leak first. If I do have to deal with the leak, what should I do? Thank you

[@The4x4Lab]

I'm a bit late to respond to your message - what happened with the leak, did you install the locker at the end?

[@eliasvikaios5823]

I have Suzuki jimney 2005 with air lock originally factory were in can buy them lock type

[@The4x4Lab]

You have a factory locked Jimny? I never knew there were Jimnys with lockers from the factory!

[@nikolayhristov4864]

Страхотно видео, поздравления! От къде си купи бутоните на таблото за задействане на локъра?

[@The4x4Lab]

Благодаря! :) Бутоните си бяха в комплекта, но съща така може да се купуват по избор каквито искаш от AliExpress

[@sinnakjell7077]

Thx, just what i needed. Quick question tho : Is this the ARB replica? if so, does it hold up good? I want Airlocker in front, and LSD rear. Your jimny look very close to my jimny, just uploaded a vid today.

[@The4x4Lab]

It's the Chinese replica called HF. I know several people with that one and nobody had any issues with it. P.S an lsd will slip when you need it most so get a full selectable locker. ;)

[@sinnakjell7077]

@@The4x4Lab i know it will, but my jimny is also my daily, and daily drifter in the winter . im not doing crazy offroad 24/7. If stuck, i can always use the e-break to make it lock again if wheel is in air. I hope you understand my idea .-)

[@The4x4Lab]

Yep, it's all just "nice to have" stuff but definitely not essential :)

[@georgikovachev9367]

А в случай че имаш 2 моста, един с блокаж и един без, възможно ли е просто да свалиш диференциала с блокажа и да го монтираш на моста без?

[@The4x4Lab]

Ако примерно имаш друг заден мост от джимни, който е с блокаж, то можеш да го свалиш и сложиш на другия, да. Ще пасне.

[@kr.3563]

Are you happy with the HF china locker? Is it working properly?

[@The4x4Lab]

It has been a couple of years and its still working well.

[@alexandervouzenthal8163]

What's the price of an airlock like that ? Great video, thanks for sharing

[@steelcucumber5708]

$3500 installed for front. Got mine done last week mate, can crawl vertically up a tree.

[@The4x4Lab]

If you get the original air locker from ARB it would be... a lot. However, this HF replica I have is half the price so lets say about EUR 1000

[@peterszincsak5759]

Ilyen diferenciálművet hol árulnak?

[@The4x4Lab]

Search for the HF brand - you will probably be able to find a retailer somewhere in your country.

[@LuciusFelix]

What does this do exactly?

[@The4x4Lab]

It makes the left and right wheel spin together at the same speed. Otherwise only the one with less resistance spin, so traction is lost.

[@LuciusFelix]

@@The4x4Lab oh nice, I gotta get one for our Jimny

[@nimeshvala1793]

Price

[@The4x4Lab]

It was around 700eur

[@falconpatrol3565]

I have a problem with ARB lockers. The twin washers inside the air line ring (seal housing) mounted onto the axle spline gear (bearing journal) is so low quality. They begin to leak after a year and start to pump your diff oil out to the air pump and now you have an oil leak from your air pump. And when the leak increases with more wear, your lockers stop locking. You have to dismantle the whole diff to change those washers. And guess what, those also wear and here we go again. They are constantly subjected to friction when the axles are moving. This is a big big design weakness. I prefer electrically operated lockers now.

[@The4x4Lab]

I wasn't aware of that issue but that sounds awful and shouldn't really happen with such (presumably) high quality products... Have you contacted ARB to take this problem to them? What is their take on it?..

[@falconpatrol3565]

@@The4x4Lab This is a wear problem. It is a fundamental design problem. There is no getting around it. The air to the locker is supplied via this seal housing into the bearing journal. There are two o-rings sealing the air. And they are stationary. As long as the axle turns, they are subjected to friction. In time they wear down. I had those lockers both on the front and rear of my 2010 Hilux. Because the truck is mostly rear wheel driven, the front differential is rarely used. So I had this problem only at the rear. And more than once!

[@The4x4Lab]

Sounds like a solid argument in favor or electric locker! Have you made the switch already?

[@falconpatrol3565]

@@The4x4Lab Yes, the Toyota factory locker.

[@rodbacon9489]

This is certainly a design weakness of the ARB product (and subsequently the Chinese copies). I have friends who have had ARB's fail in a year, and others who have had them last for many years without seal damage. The only thing I can suggest is to run a quality diff oil and a PTFE additive to remove as much friction as possible, and change it every six months.

[@Venom-nk8nd]

,🇵🇬🇵🇬

[@The4x4Lab]

No idea what that means 😄