Which Rear Diff Lock to Buy - TJM or Elocker?

[Fudnut]

Looking to fit a rear diff locker to my NT Diesel Auto, and after trawling this forum and others, decided on getting the TJM Air Locker.

Got a quote for under $2400 installed, including compressor, but the store owner asked why I didn't consider an Elocker instead, as in his opinion, they were better then the AL, and he reckoned that in the future, AL would end up taking the back seat in the electric vs air lock debate.

I did look at the Harrop Elocker, but there seemed to be an issue regarding how it works i.e. takes a half turn to engage, and commentators were saying it was a deal breaker for them.

When I mentioned this he shook his head, saying it wasn't really an issue for the greater majority of 4x4 users, as usually you've selected lock before you attempt what ever you're trying to drive over or through.

As of now, I've absolutely no experience with 4x4's, and never intend to be trying to drive "technical" or go rock hopping etc. Just normal use, towing a camper trailer around Oz, with a few sans trailer trips to the NT, Cape and central deserts.

I like the idea of not having to have a compressor and air hoses to deal with, so now I'm having 2nd thoughts. The supply & install of the elocker comes in a little less then the AL.

Any insights or advice appreciated.

cheers

[Merts]

I have an Elocker and it's been terrific. I tend to engage it before I approach a very steep climb, or before I venture into a bog-hole. It always fully engages before it's needed for me.

[Ian Sharpe]

I’ve had both types of lockers in the past , first the arb locker when it was all that was available for the Pajeros & now the Harrops e locker.
The arb gave me trouble with oil return blowback , loss of the air line to the diff and a machining intolerance in the diff that ate 2 inner bearings before my diff guy realised what was wrong.
The Harrops have given nil problems so far. I am aware how they work & how they unlock when reversed. In all reality that has never left me stranded & I think it’s just nit picking by guys who prefer air lockers. Both types of lockers work well & are a vast improvement over an open diff . For me I prefer the e-locker because it is silent , marginally less expensive & an easier install.

[Poita]

I would go an elocker. Much easier to fix a broken wire than a snapped air hose and you don't need a compressor.

[Fudnut]

Thanks for the input everyone. I'm definitely swayed towards the elocker, what with no compressor to carry and airlines to worry about. I'll update my order with TJM tomorrow.

[Miner]

Can I ask a query? How is the factory diff lock activated? Electric?

Why would you choose and air locker over a compact e-locker?

Just curious... my car has factory rear diff lock.


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[rgrubby]

Can I ask a query? How is the factory diff lock activated? Electric?

Why would you choose and air locker over a compact e-locker?

Just curious... my car has factory rear diff lock.


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From looking on the below link section 27, it looks like air controlled

http://faq.out-club.ru/download/pajero_iv/maintenance/Service_Manual_2007/2007/index_M1.htm

[Miner]

Air or vacuum? Is the transfer box vacuum switched? Interesting.... thanks. [emoji41]


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[old Jack]

Transfer Case is electromechanically activated, using an electric motor.
Front diff is vacuum activated, using engine vacuum.
Factory Rear Diff Locker is low pressure air activated, using air from an electric air pump.

OJ.

[Garc]

I suggest you seriously think about the need. My Paj doesn’t have one and I’ve not felt the need for one in desert travel, sand hills, light mud. I reckon drive the car for a while and then see if you need one.

[Merts]

I suggest you seriously think about the need. My Paj doesn’t have one and I’ve not felt the need for one in desert travel, sand hills, light mud. I reckon drive the car for a while and then see if you need one.

That's probably good advice. I use mine fairly often, but I spend a lot of time in the Vic high country climbing up very steep tracks. The expense may not be worth it for the sort of driving you are intending Fudnut.

[letsgoplaces]

I suggest you seriously think about the need. My Paj doesn’t have one and I’ve not felt the need for one in desert travel, sand hills, light mud. I reckon drive the car for a while and then see if you need one.

That's probably good advice. I use mine fairly often, but I spend a lot of time in the Vic high country climbing up very steep tracks. The expense may not be worth it for the sort of driving you are intending Fudnut.

I have the same train of thought.
By the sounds of your intended use, a diff lock may not be necessary and the 4HL and 4LL with traction control should get you through. It's a very good 4wd system.
You also say you have no 4wd experience, so make sure to 'work up to' more difficult scenarios, and during this time you will work out if you need one.
It took me 3 years before fitting a rear diff lock, I went with the ProLocker, and am glad I did

[Miner]

My car came with it (3.8L full option) and although 4H is fine for most of the time in the desert, there are times when 4HLc/4LLc and rear diff lock are handy...[emoji85][emoji1]




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[Fudnut]

Quick question, I'm having the the e-Locker fitted next week, and am wondering if there is a way to wire up the locker so that the dash display shows when the rear is locked, as it does when using the factory locker?

[Ian Sharpe]

Quick question, I'm having the the e-Locker fitted next week, and am wondering if there is a way to wire up the locker so that the dash display shows when the rear is locked, as it does when using the factory locker?

Not sure on gen4s but I did this on my nl. I took out the instrument cluster & identified the circuit for the rear locker light & isolated it and then powered it from my arb switch . I probably think gen 4 circuitry would be a bit more complicated though