[MrRocky]

got a front airlocker so i could steer offroad but it doesnt really make much difference at all
so im going to stick it in the rear (I have 26 spline chromo fronts so is same as rear) to make on road nicer
and do power steering with autolocker up front for offroad.
Anyone considering one may wish to consider my experience

[atari4x4]

tried turning it off

[MrRocky]

atari4x4 wrote:

tried turning it off

doesnt make much difference, well not enough to warrant $1600 over $300 imho

[stockman]

When you unlock it, it should be open wheel and steer like a standard diff would.

[ajsr]

X 2
what made you think it would steer any better when locked???
its still locked just like an auto or welded diff.
try turning it off and I bet it steers heapps better

[Bruce]

Bwhahahaah. Have had a front air locker for years and have power steer as well.
Sure it still can be hard to turn with front locker at times even with Power steer but would not change a thing.
Turn it off when not needed.
I can have either have front on by itself or rear on by itself.
I just think you need to harden up.

[MrRocky]

*sigh* of course i didnt think it would make a difference when locked offroad u noobs i meant when unlocked its still a bastard to steer, meaning the novelty of being able to turn it on and off seems to be useless (its been so long since i drove an unlocked front offroad maybe i forgot how hard it was)
powersteer with an auto locker makes much more sense to me now

[Bruce]

Why is a bastard to steer unlocked. It's then open so it's like it's std???????????????
Fuck auto lockers

[atari4x4]

MrRocky wrote:

*sigh* of course i didnt think it would make a difference when locked offroad u noobs i meant when unlocked its still a bastard to steer, meaning the novelty of being able to turn it on and off seems to be useless (its been so long since i drove an unlocked front offroad maybe i forgot how hard it was)
powersteer with an auto locker makes much more sense to me now

[ajsr]

are you sure it shouldn't be MrsRocky ????

[BertZook]

uh?











ps: can we please get this smilie back? >>>

[MrRocky]

ajsr wrote:

are you sure it shouldn't be MrsRocky ????

pretty sure ive never owned a hightop ???

[Joshyboy26]

If apparently it doesnt change when in the front why would the rear be any different? Maybe just buy an auto for the rear as well? Wtf??

[DarkHorse]

This thread makes no sense...

[ajsr]

MrRocky wrote:

ajsr wrote:

are you sure it shouldn't be MrsRocky ????

pretty sure ive never owned a hightop ???

yes but I bet you wish you had

[christover1]

I'd agree fully with switchable rear and auto front.
I have full steering control, unless I stick the boot in and lock it up.
Auto is a bastard in the rear, but I can't afford an airlocker, so its livable.
Particularly good going down steep rocky tracks.
It unlocks smoothly when needed, and still gives good engine braking.

But its like spoa, its a devisive subject,
that has no right and wrong,
cos we all have different needs, bujets and terrain.

[MrRocky]

ok has anyone thats posted here had an airlocker ?

[christover1]

MrRocky wrote:

ok has anyone thats posted here had an airlocker ?

No. But my last car had a welded front for many years.
So I know what its like to drive fully locked front.
Was much happier when I put an auto locker up front.

My last car had a welded rear, too.
And I liked the handling better than the rear auto locker now in my Vit.
But Vits too wide and heavy to run welded rear on road.

[atari4x4]

MrRocky wrote:

ok has anyone thats posted here had an airlocker ?

yes & currently front only

[MrRocky]

*sigh*

ok i was twin locked with 6:5's and lockrights on 31" tyres
steering offroad was a bitch so i thought i'd get an airlocker
that way i could unlock the front at the flick of a switch and enjoy normal steering
after a few offroad runs in this configuration i have found the difference marginal even when off
it has become apparent that a much better setup would be to use the airlocker in the rear
so i can enjoy the peacefulness of a standard rear onroad and have it locked offroad
returning the front to an auto locker with the addition of power steering thus addressing my original issue
of improving the steering offroad and drawing the conclusion that there is no real advantage of an airlocker over an open center or lockright in relation to steering when offroad because sierra steering is gay and only able to be improved
via powersteering

[atari4x4]

so you don't notice a difference AT ALL with it locked & unlocked?

you do realise you need to unload the driveline to get the thing to unlock.

[alien]

atari4x4 wrote:

you do realise you need to unload the driveline to get the thing to unlock.

i've spotted this on my rear =) unlocked it and driven then heard it click unlocked on the road... since i figured out what it was i just roll back a foot before taking off which seems to do the trick.

[Zook_Fan]

I don't have powersteering and do have a front air locker. The difference is completely noticeable. With the locker in steering is pretty much a quarter turn each way max, with it off it is like you are on the road. I'd be looking at your locker if you can't tell the difference.

[want33s]

I have an air locker in the front of my old white car, it also has power steering.
I only ever engage the front when needed but turning isn't much, if any, harder than unlocked especially if there's wheelspin.

Are you sure yours is unlocking?

[mrgtt34]

G it took a wile for some one to ask if it was unlocking , probly some thing you should check mate. I have a auto lock in the front with P/s and im very happy but the auto in the rear sucks. Its a pig to drive. When i get cashed up ill be air locking the rear . I recon P/s is very important in sierras.

[Gwagensteve]

MrRocky wrote:

ok has anyone thats posted here had an airlocker ?

There is a MASSIVE difference in steering effort and drivability between locked and unlocked on the front of Piggles, and that's regardless of the tyres I run. I wouldn't ever "recommend" an auto locker in the front based on my experience with both, for victorian conditions.

The effort on the arms is reduced with power steer and an auto locker, but the car still pinballs all over the shop when under power on easy hills etc.

Steve.

[ajsr]

yes my red car (the hitop ) had 2 airlockers
It also started life with 2 lockrites and no powersteer, a selectable front and ps transformed its ability and drivability.
auto locker front and ps is ok but drive with an air lock and ps and its night and day difference
the black currently one has only a front airlocker and a welded rear, as I feel a selectable rear locker is just a waste fo what I do.

[Damo]

I think the problem here MsRocky is one of expectations.

Your expectation was that when you switch off your locker, it's off. Now when you are looking at the shiny air locker unit in the ARB showroom yes this may be the case, but the reality is slightly different. A bit of background first... when you switch off the locker the pressure in the line is released to atmosphere, thus allowing the spring loaded piston in the air locker housing to slide back unlocking your diff. The reason this does not happen instantly is loading. The friction caused buy the loading cannot be overcome by the springs so the piston does not slide back. If you've ever experienced difficulty changing gears in your transfer case you may have an appreciation for what's happening here.

So what to do? Nothing more than realign your expectation with reality, and allow the unit time to disengage after you've flicked the switch. Rolling back a little like Alien suggested will certainly help too, i've done this before when i've had to do a really tight corner and want to make sure my front end is unlocked.

[MrRocky]

maybe its just the desert duelers at 8psi but the difference is marginal at the best of times
i guess my expectations may have been a little high, i'm still thinking it may be better off in the rear

[ajsr]

if you reall hate it that much
I'll swap you a new lockrite