ARB Air Lockers

When deciding upon performance modifications to a 4x4 vehicle the addition of locking differentials has to be considered at the top of the list in terms of importance. Many different types of traction devices are available in the automotive aftermarket. Your selection will depend on many different factors such as price, drivability and desired performance level but it is definitely possible to find a product that will be suitable for YOUR needs.

At the top end of the performance scale is the ARB Air Locker from Australia which is the only driver-controlled differential currently available in the aftermarket. It is an air-actuated differential lock, engaged by simply pressing a button. Compressed air actuates a piston within the ARB differential that engages a locking gear, instantly locking the differential and directing drive torque to both wheels equally for maximum traction across the most difficult terrain. What sets it apart from conventional locking differentials is that the driver has full control over when the differential should be open or locked.

The ARB can be turned off for street use, eliminating any of the quirkly handling manners common to an automatic locker. Icy roads can be a scary situation for automatic locker-equipped 4x4s but with the ARB it's not a problem, just turn them off if you don't like the locker's effects on the ice. For off-road use, it can be turned on when needed, instantly providing 100% torque to both wheels, just like a regular locker.

Here are some points to consider about the ARB Air Locker :

• Driver controlled, push button actuation for 100% instant traction.
• Up to 100% stronger than the stock differential in most cases
• Air Locker does not have a higher wear rate or require more maintenance then a standard differential
• Patented design has proven to be ultra-reliable, and conclusively shown by an exhaustive Nissan durability test program. Air Locker does not have an adverse effect on tires, transmissions or handling in highway operation unlike automatic and limited slip differentials
• Air Locker is silent in operation unlike most automatic type locking differentials
• When engaged the Air Locker will not allow one wheel on a drive axle to spin hopelessly while the other wheel remains motionless. Full power is transmitted to both wheels.

North Shore Off-Road is the only ARB authorized dealer and installation center in British Columbia. We have installed hundreds of these locking differentials without problems. Remember ARB advises that you have your Air Lockers installed only by authorized installers such as North Shore Off-Road.

Recently North Shore Off Road installed a set of ARB Air Lockers in a 2000 Ford Powerstroke F250.

The old diffs were removed from the truck.	ARB on the left, factory limited slip on the right.	ARB on the left, factory open diff on the right.
The bearings, tone rings (for ABS) and ring gears were removed from the old diffs and installed on the ARBs.	While the diffs were out, a hole for the air line fitting was drilled into the housings.	Cutting threads into the hole.
The installed air fitting.	After the diff gears were properly set up, we installed the ARBs and hooked up the copper air lines.	The finished product.