8 SITUATIONS NOT TO USE DIFF LOCKERS

[@tomgrimont5062]

Great video! Do more with air lockers, e lockers, and auto lockers. Keep up the good work.

[@pat9125]

Wanted to let you know that between you and Robert Pepper you've literally saved my life with your information on winching and safety. All your other content has made me a better more well rounded off roader and I truly appreciate you and your content. Thank you

[@joanhuggett5164]

That classic 'look' from Ronny on the Flinders, love it. Your teaching videos are awesome, the explanations with visuals plus years of experience make it a 4x4 educational blast.

[@BorisEkner]

As a guy on a budget the auto-locker is what I have, front and rear in my 2022 Jimny. Yes, I had to learn to drive the car again but after less than three months it became all natural to me and I’m very happy with what I have. No regrets what so ever!

[@syntheticjuice9279]

one other thing to keep in mind in an open diff, if one tire is stuck and the other is free spinning, the free spinning tire can spin up to 2x faster than it would in a normal situation vs what ur speedo reports cause the way open diff works. if that spinning tire suddenly catches, thats more shock load than you might expect.

[@4G12]

So the ultimate solution is to keep all lockers on all the time and negotiate every turn via 4 wheel drifting...

[@observingrogue7652]

You can also overbuild your drivetrain. While he was talking about stuff breaking, I was wondering. What if you use parts meant for a truck twice it's weight or something? Like that abomination pick up truck body on a semi truck frame, Ford F650.

[@k53847]

@@observingrogue7652 Stress will eventually break something. What will fail first? Is that more expensive than what you reinforced? For example, your axle is fine but the transmission grenades because that was the weakest point?

[@observingrogue7652]

@@k53847 True.

[@rmcnabb]

@@observingrogue7652 Weight, installation costs, fuel costs, difficulty of sourcing parts, the danger of "this thing is unbreakable!" which is always a death sentence.

[@chrisfanchier2318]

Great information to help others that are new to the 4WD Scene!! Even I had trouble explaining when and when not to use and this helps a lot!! I would also like to see a deep dive video of different locker types against each other

[@harrywalker968]

use lockers all the time. but not with 10,000 revs as ronny did.. best lockers are ones you dont fk with.. like detroit, or lunchbox.. e lockers & air, brake, as they have dangling parts & subject to heat.. cant beat yank sht.. if you have to turn your locker off to turn,,you got the wrong 4x4.. great information,,heres some,, join a registered club,,with trainers..

[@chrisfanchier2318]

@@harrywalker968 clearly you don't know what you are talking about. A Detroit Locker is really just a Limited Slip type Differential that Mechanically locks under the right conditions if lucky. A lunch box locker is simply a cheap box that barely puts pressure on the axles. Both an E-Locker and Air Locker have a simple mechanism that will engage when either a Coil is Energized or air pressure is applied. Can these fail? To an extent yes, but usually it's the simple stuff that is able to be replaced. Also if you feel that you have a problem by having to turn a locker off to turn then you don't understand how the drivetrains operate on vehicles.

[@Olive-oilien]

I didn’t think there was much more I could learn on this topic but I stand corrected. Thank you!

[@jupyder4838]

Very informative, thank you! My vehicle has a rear locker and I havent had to use it yet, but this really helped me understand that there is definitely a wrong and right place to use it. Cheers

[@NICUofficial]

"ALWAYS use Rear Locker down (a steep) hill, NEVER use Front Locker downhill" "Lockers are for SLOW and CONTROLLED driving ONLY" "NEVER use a Front Locker with full steering lock; even better, don't use past half-lock" writing it down to help me remember (hopefully)

[@craigparker4108]

Yes Ronny i would love to see a deep dive into all the different types of Lockers & their pros & cons, thanks.

[@trickster8635]

I think you mean how all the different operating mechanism work? Air pressure vs vacuum vs electric vs mechanical? Or do you mean front vs rear pros and cons?

[@craigparker4108]

Air pressure vs vacuum vs electric vs mechanical for Reliability, durability, bank for buck etc. @@trickster8635

[@TilakRajVerma]

A great video, Ronny! Lots of useful information, do's and don't of using diff lock. Nicely presented. I have a question: what if we don't have manual control or don't have diff locks in the vehicle. E.g. Suzuki Jimny 4x4 setup, will this be possible for you to make a quick 3-5 minutes video on do's and don't or how to efficiently use Jimny 4x4 without breaking anything. I don't have the luxury to have these trucks but I drive Jimny. One quick video will help me or many others a lot. Thanks again mate ❤

[@elmigwar]

Thank you for the great video. Appreciate sharing a video with tips for 4x4 vehicles that do not have lockers and everything is manual, like for old land cruisers . Many thanks.

[@noahk3976]

Mate, I love your videos even though I don't do four-wheel driving and don't own a 4wheeler but one day I will! You seem like a real gentleman and a genuine man. Thanks and keep'em coming!

[@rogerclift2705]

Would love to see a more in depth video on lockers. I have heard that if you have a Patrol, go front because their rear LSD is so good. If you have a Cruiser, go rear. I have a 105 so I get could flex out of the front. Things like this I’d be really keen to know more about.

[@harrywalker968]

front locker first,,it pulls you thru, rears get bogged, try pushing then pulling something.. lockers,,detroit or lunchbox in the front, if,,, you have hubs..

[@superwag634]

I have ARB lockers front and rear on my 80 landcruiser diesel I’ve owned for 20+ years since I was a teenager when I bought it. I’ve broken three rear diff centres (once was the air locker bolts) and one front. But that’s in Victorian high country. I also have a PTO winch running from gearbox. Good set up. But you’re right, and one thing I know for sure, never reverse up hill with a locked front diff. The rest of the time, I hardly ever get stuck. Especially when I put front and rear chains on in snow season and lock both diffs. Cool info. Many people are totally ignorant and wonder why they always get stuck and cannot follow my path 😅

[@dixonbuttes6564]

Great video. And the talk about differentials and high traction surfaces is another point of data to support the need for the old 2L feature ... it used to be available on some vehicles, and disappeared. On rock surfaces where all 4 wheels aren't needed, 2L would be a godsend.

[@stpOwner]

They need to bring back 2L great for reversing trailers up steep driveways

[@atypicalmotorcycle752]

Great info! Don't worry about Australian terminology. Your American brothers are here to learn the 'right' way to do and say things. I live in the mountains where 4WD is often the only way to reach the house at the end of the day. If Ronny says it's skookum, I trust it!

[@nirfz]

Very informative. Looking at how "brutal" electronic traction controlsystems in modern awd vechicles act, i always thought that that shockloads and stresses the driveline even more than when both wheels are locked together. (There's more seemingly sudden "stops" of a fast turning wheel, loading the stress via the diff onto the other one)

[@TLC150]

Great video, with good tips! Greetings from Germany! I drive an 80 Series Land Cruiser in forestry and hard offroad and will remember when to use which locker 👍

[@lefterisordoulidis1940]

Great video! Tend to not use the rear locker or think of it as a resource tool but got me out of trouble once recently on a sandy bumpy hill that tyre pressure and momentum didn’t help. Rear locker on, climbed the hill like a breeze.

[@adrianzbaeren]

I love the 4x4 system of the Mercedes G-Wagon. I drive these cars in the swiss army on and off road. The nice thing on these cars is that they have permanent all wheel drive. You can drive these cars with open diffs on snowy roads up hill with alot of traction and controll (not just RWD). Then when you go offroad, you can engage center locker, rear locker and front locker. The transfer case is also two speed with a low range for creeping really slowly over obstacles. I love driving the G‘s and I am constantly looking im the internet for a „less expensive“ one to buy. Thanks for your Videos! I love watching them.

[@user-yl9vs9eh1w]

Plenty other modern SUVs work exactly like that. Full-time AWD on roads, Centre-locked 4WD off-roads. LC150 Prado for 1 third of price of G.

[@adrianzbaeren]

@@user-yl9vs9eh1w Yes that‘s right. Most SUVs have AWD but not „real“ 4x4 with all the lockers and two speed transfer case. The G has kind of the best of both worlds, but costs an awfull lot… I like the Prado. Here in switzerland the Prado costs 50k CHF in the lowest 3 door trim with the 2.8 Diesel engine.

[@Ghostrider-71]

Excellent explanation and synopsis. Thank you for posting.

[@normanmazlin6741]

I have installed an e locker in my Toyota slwb 2wd campervan. It's been a life saver, keeping me from bogging when off the hard surfaces. It's not infallible though and i also carry a winch which i can fit front or rear to get me out of bad bogs. Also chains and mud boards. Who needs 4wd??😂😂

[@nmda9578]

Excellent video. I’ve heard lots of people say to never put a front locker on an IFS vehicle because it will break a CV. I think the problem is that they are using them at incorrect times. I’d love to hear your thoughts on air versus E lockers.

[@nirfz]

Maybe not the perfect example, but: Audi did put self locking diffs in their quattro cars for years. (torsen diffs front middle and rear) They don't anymore, for cost and weight reasons Audi didn't have problems wiht snapped driveline parts. All of these cars had IFS and IRS, but due to the nature of it, the torsen probably only really "locked up" on snow. So when the traction wasn't sufficient and thus in the right condition for locking a diff.

[@trickster8635]

And a Torsen is not actually a locked centre. It is a torque biasing limited slip centre that still requires some resistance from from the wheel with no traction, ie, it will not carry torque across to the wheel on the ground if the other is in the air. Different animal altogether.@@nirfz

[@nirfz]

@@trickster8635 i don't think that's the case. As soon as there's too much difference betweeen the wheelspeeds it basically locks. You may want to take a look here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gHbMhIewgJJ0aKM

[@nyausyaoc7207]

Another great video legend. Please do a deep dive into all the diffrent types of diff lockers.

[@trickster8635]

already been done - do a search

[@theborednerds]

This was great, Ronny. What do you think about adding a rear air locker to a rwd vehicle? Worth it? I hear a lot of poeple say a 2wd vehicle with a rear locker will go 98% of the places a 4wd will go, but for me, it's about getting out of sticky situations (muddy mountain roads and sandy beaches).

[@normanmazlin6741]

I have installed an e locker in my Toyota slwb 2wd campervan. It's been a life saver, keeping me from bogging when off the hard surfaces. It's not infallible though and i also carry a winch which i can fit front or rear to get me out of bad bogs. Also chains and mud boards. Who needs 4wd??😂😂

[@CHMernerner]

Defending on the locker with 2wd vehicles to do 4wd stuff is Just dangerous. because you can't get out if you stuck unlike when 4wd with rear locker got stuck, there are not enough ways to get enough traction and right weight distribution. lockers are safety device!

[@CraigSimons]

Over here in Florida USA (sand and swamp) we try to keep the diffs unlocked as much as possible to reduce driveline stress also. We also add as much flex as possible to the suspension to keep the tires on the ground.

[@rissoleroostar2953]

Yes please mate, I would love to work out what would best suit my needs regarding lockers, and having the differences and pros/cons explained like you did with the campers. I enjoy your videos and look forward to more mate. Keep up the good work. Stay off road

[@tahosrfr]

Yes would love to see a deep dive on diff locker types. Keep up the great work!

[@grumpydrummer8960]

Great article. Does the Traction control on other modern 4x4's work the same way.?

[@UnPetitPique]

Thanks Ronny, I wasn't sure if I should watch as I don't have lockers yet but super helpful. You explain things very well.

[@hmaldonado77]

Hello mate! Here from the states. I wanted to comment on using the rear lockers in high speed. I currently own a ford Bronco with 35” tires and front and rear lockers. My Bronco allows me to travel at very high speeds in Baja mode. Great video!

[@glennenglish6583]

Brilliant video thanks - I feel I have a much better grasp of when & when not to use my lockers.

[@leighsdsc9340]

Top vid mate. A long time ago I put an auto locca in the front diff of my 2002 hilux. Wasn't much info about any locca back then. I figured I had LSD in the back and the ifs was limited travel. Still does me good with limited height and articulation also I didn't have as much weight as what every one is carrying now

[@alexanderSydneyOz]

Outstanding coverage of the matter.

[@cesara.borges9698]

This problems occour when we use automatic mechanic Lockers (Kaiser type) or Limited Displacement Slip (LDS) in both Axles??? Excellent Video👏👏👏!!!

[@tomlobos2871]

how to break your driveline: use rear locker for drifting on the supermarket parking. cool video, always great to learn.

[@JTuggy_MissionFrmGlobalMargins]

I always manage to learn something new from you, thanks! Lockers comparison video please, if possible including cable lockers! Majority opinion seems to favor air lockers (like arb) over e-lockers (like harrop), I hear that they engage more quickly, are (maybe?) stronger, don't disengage on rollback, etc. But I really, really dislike the idea of airlines running the length of my chassis. So many places to spring a leak! Diagnosing n repair would terrible on the trail, seems to me! And I have a nice portable air compressor that I like to throw in the back for 4x4ing, n take out the rest of the time when using my kzj78 as my daily driver. So I lean towards elocker, since mine does not have factory locker. But i live in Africa and I love simplicity! What about a cable locker? I see virtually NO reviews, bug 8m the kinda of guy would is open to that option, if they are any good - simplicity is a beautiful.thing!

[@JTuggy_MissionFrmGlobalMargins]

And, I can only afford one. I don't generally do serious uphill rock crawllng, but do come across deeper water crossing and sand/mud and traction issues, with some wheel lifts. Am thinking if only one, go for the rear?

[@harrywalker968]

only lockers to buy, are detroit, or lunchbox.. detroit lock up under pressure, or there then like an lsd normally.. lunch box, good for front diff, if you have hubs.. e lockers, air, lockers, have cables hanging in the air to get ripped off.. & they fail internally..

[@benjaminnissen7977]

Good video. Thanks for sharing it clear and simple. All makes sense and could save a lot of drama. Hard pill to swallow eventually if you’re not wanting to go with this advice Keep it up, good job 👍

[@rodentofanger1720]

This was a great video. I would really like to learn the differences between say ARB and my factory Nissan rear E-Locker. I am absorbing as much info as I can so I can better tour the USA. Cheers!

[@somewheresalty]

Best tutorial info I’ve found on lockers!

[@malachi2371]

Thanks again for the great content! Question, approximately what speed do you consider to be high-speed and dangerous to use the rear locker…?

[@kristoferrayner]

Running an E locker on a 2wd truck. Just enough to get out of trouble but I don’t count on it when deciding what to get in to. I’d love to see some comparisons of what a locked 2wd can do compared to an open 4wd

[@replicant357]

Awesome info , thank you once again.. Buuut, I’m a silly bugger that owns an Iveco Daily 4x4, they are an AWD system…maybe in the future a remake of this but with info about those types of vehicles would be grouse… 😁 . Either way, awesome job on your uploads.

[@samjohnson9894]

Great animations and explanations! Best I've seen explaining what a differential does and how it operates in 'open mode'. (grasshopper speak) Also what lockers do and how they 'level up' the 'mod'. (again) 100% agree. Tho will say that full-time rigs (80series for example) and 'part-time' or AWD rigs can be operated differently still. That'd be a good video if you could wrastle up the rigs to demo for it.

[@amyfreeze9772]

I'm looking at a 05 Sequoia 4x4 that has the center and rear locker. why center vs front? I'm not planning to use it like you do, but do plan to go to the beach and other places where a AWD won't do well.

[@SkylinersYeti]

I purchased a very capable & heavy off road caravan (Travel Trailer) 9,000#, I am trying to decide on a new tow rig. $WD yes, Winch yes, Lockers rear? Lockers front? E or Air. Lots of decisions and lots of money.

[@odysseyusa]

Great advice. It’s confirming my thoughts have been spot on.

[@fchrisb804]

This was so helpful! Thanks so much!

[@pantera7152]

Thanks for the video, it's very informative. I have a question however; don't some cars engage the rear locker automatically even in 4H? I have a 2011 Ranger (used in a farm) and the moment I engage 4H I get the rear locker sign light up. If I want to disengage it, I have to go to two wheel drive and press the locker button which you cannot do in 4H or 4L (at least according the icon on the dash). Am I doing something wrong? Thanks in advance for any help!

[@bgbc1980]

I have a toyota rav4 2011 it only has one option of diff lockers should i turn it on when going downhill in a muddy road?

[@ZCAT-Dubai]

One of the best Videos on You Tube!!! Well done

[@joseojea565]

Old video but very interesting and informative, thanks!

[@derfranke9255]

Thanks for the interesting video! Would you put the diff in, when crossing deep rivers with round loose gravel?

[@RabidWombatz]

My Grenadier has the factory front and rear lockers, which I’ve never had before. Turning left off a beach on the run up to the big “escape dune”, I discovered the effect the front diff lock has on steering.

[@ronaldrrootiii6040]

One thing I like about Land Rover traction control on my old solid axle disco is that instead of just having open or Locker I can have open, TC and then a locker when needed . I don't like just having open or Locker because the TC is very very fantastic and makes using a locker less often

[@Momchi_Cvetkov]

Hey, love the argumented approach to everything in this channel. And if you plan on visiting USA I think everyone would love to watch a desert sand competition in Utah between you and MORR team. 4 years ago when i started watching your channel i got that idea and just wanted to share it already :D

[@FlatBrokeAdventures]

Cool informative video which leads to a lot of questions. I've just bought but not yet installed an auto lokka for the front diff in my car. How does this compare with what you've just said in this video

[@ArreyMakia]

Is it advisable to lock all differentials when climbing a muddy slippery hill with load in the trunk?

[@krh007]

Excellent video. I have rear Harrop E locker in the 07 Prado 120 V6 and its handy on the beach/sand tracks. Thought about adding one to the front diff as well but have not made my mind up yet

[@bobvedder2451]

I have dropped my front wheels in a trench and was resting on my frame/skidplate. I used a high lift jack to raise my jeep up and backed off of the jack freeing my tires.

[@dudless13]

Great video Ronny. Some vnew vehicles HiLux - downhill desscent engaged, do not engage rear locker, that will turn DAC off.

[@brettquince4807]

A comparison and rating of the different types of lockers would be great Ronny. Cheers

[@trickster8635]

already done - do a search.

[@alexm.3790]

Brother your editing for the video was pretty good. Just wanted to say that. Thanks.

[@oxidize99]

Great video and on-point. Thanks for sharing.

[@janfourie7590]

Nice video, I have only / mainly experience of Toyota's electrical motor actuated diff lock and have wondered about the speed compared to air lockers (or is it leakers). The Eaton mechanism is flawed in my opinion / understanding. Plus magnets should in my opinion only be on the drain plug. Another question that I have about the use of stiffer side shafts is how much are you now impact-loading the ring gear and rest of the drive line if you do not have flex. This is similar to the impact forces if you should increase your snatch rope rating and reduce stretch Or to make a ridiculous exaggeration to snatch with a chain. I have driven in mud with a Ford that engage and disengage rear diff quickly, but my cruisers are sometimes slower to engage or disengage especially under load - most probably not recommended. Steering in mud if you slide off course is so much easier and sometimes even possible if you are not engaged, but when you need traction, you need quick engaging diff locks before you lose momentum. Diff locks can cause you to lose control / steering without the ability to disengage quickly enough even at low speeds - colleagues ended on their Hilux's roof at low-low speed. thanks for your video.

[@aarongerman7857]

2 questions. 1. The slide slope. I live in CO USA lots of off camber shelf roads. Sometimes there’s a lot of loose rock. You’re saying don’t use a rear locker? My understanding is if you start to slide towards the shelf your only hope is to floor it and you need that traction no? 2. I have aftermarket air lockers on my Lexus Land Cruiser. Any reason to use a rear locker with center locked or even in AWD mode (don’t have to go down to 4 lo or lock center with air lockers) thanks!

[@MuddyRuttzz]

Totally awesome Mate! I learned a lot! Did not really know the finer points of lockers. We have front and rear on our Gladiator Ecodiesel.

[@coloradomallcrawlers]

Interesting, I’ve never tried using my rear locker on a steep downhill (just 4L). Might try that, might be useful on the sketchy downhill obstacles on a cliff’s edge. Otherwise, this vid is exactly how I was taught years ago.

[@stevebulach5198]

A deep dive on lockers from you would be awesome, given the detail & no BS approach you do in your vids. I personally run an auto locker front & factory vacuum locker on the rear & have done for many years with no issues, however I mainly run on clay/ mud up in Northern Rivers NSW. It would be very interesting how they all stack up against each other...........😃👍

[@harrywalker968]

in the u.s. there locked front rear allways, off road.. watch trailmater. & any other vids from u.s.. as they have been doing it for 300 yrs, as to our 3 yrs.. most all items 4x4 come from u.s. stikered made in au..or copies..

[@ryanviquiera1406]

Very informative and helpful! Thanks.

[@Alsinsin]

What a great video. So many things to learn in 10 minutes. One option for a front differential is a Torsen dif. I would be very interested to have your opinion on this.

[@johnstripsky8974]

Great info, never used a diff locker. Can you dive deeper into the topic. I am always keen to learn.

[@malachi2371]

I’m relatively new to offloading and own a Jeep Gladiator Mojave, which comes with only rear lockers. I live in the United States. Around the seven minute mark of your video you are cautioning people not to use lockers at high speeds. Do you think it’s a mistake if you use the rear lockers only when: 1). If you’re trying to go fast in sand (+40 kph) , do you still think it’s a bad idea? 2). If you are stuck in mud? Thanks again for this most helpful content.

[@justice6480]

Most informative video yet

[@Juan0481]

New to 4wheeling and new sub here. This video was very helpful. Thanks!

[@thfmlymn4498]

Ive got twin air lockers in my jimny. Its amazing what extra capabilities it adds.

[@elliotkane4443]

Top notch splainin' Ronny.

[@jksof]

Could you please explain the advantages and disadvantages of a limited slip differential LCD? I have a Delica L400 fitted with one

[@simonlopez6381]

Fantastic video, would love to hear the difference in the types of lockers. Looking at getting a rear locker in my 08 200 series

[@davidholyoake5767]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z5-8i6JjYpyLnpY

[@davidholyoake5767]

A good over view of different types of lockers. I have an E locker in the rear and auto locker in the front.

[@antonroux6737]

there needs to be a winter/snow/ice version of this video

[@ronalduljee3520]

Thanks. Learned a lot!

[@marklaurendet1861]

Great information, please do that follow up video. Also when you do that one could you cover the use of the Prado rear and centre locker setups that some of the models come with

[@sgt_kissekatt6686]

How does on put a locker on their car? Is it something that is added to the axle? Or does the axle have to be replaced with a axle that has a locker?

[@roblynch9219]

definitely do the deep dive on the types of lockers :)

[@brendonkellynz]

It's great to see Wayne back in the videos ........

[@toddmillar4041]

Can I get more detail on not using on side slope. I don’t have lockers ATM but are seriously considering them (or upgrading to a vehicle with them). 90% of my 4WDing is on the beach. Sometimes when getting off the top line gravity pulls you down to the water line. What's the best option?

[@peterkropman2137]

Please do a complete locker comparison.

[@bamafencer12]

Thanks Ronny! This was a very very good and education episode.

[@Random4RC]

My biggest regret is not spending the extra money for a selectable locker in my front. The lunch box spools in 4x4 and you get to learn the hard way where that is a bad idea. It will get you through some crazy stuff tho😅

[@joesgonefishin4789]

Got any driving style tips for open diff beginners? Would love to see a video talking through obstacles

[@jemlyhtoo6366]

Hi Ronny,i just bought a 79 series workmate without diff lock,is it possible to rebuild one or not?i live in qld brisbane

[@garywinkworth3380]

great video mate. id like to put lockers on my 2014 sr5 but dont know which is best to use.

[@markedward5941]

I'd love to see a video on locker types, it might cure my old school way of thinking that any and every locker that isn't cable and a key locker is a distant second. As far as I can find I don't think anyone in the world is offering a universal cable and key locker.

[@Banlara1702]

Would you apply the same rule to not use diff lock on 4hi when it’s the center differential? Or on a center differential it doesn’t matter if you lock it in 4hi?

[@nicopostigo123]

Great video man! I'd like to see others about the different types 👍🏻

[@morkzorckerborg5000]

my diffs are already welded, should i grind them back apart?

[@ronaldrrootiii6040]

That's what I like about a Detroit Locker in the rear. It will ratchet when needed and rolling

[@DrewHanks2083]

Should I use it when going up a steep hill with my side by side