Over the years ARB Air Lockers have become the world’s most highly regarded traction aid to use in a Jeep vehicle. An ARB Air Locker is a driver controlled, fully locking differential originally designed to give serious 4 wheelers the traction needed to tackle extreme off road terrain and conditions. The ARB Air Locker is air operated so when extra traction is required, the driver activates the Air Locker via an in-cab mounted push-button switch inside the Jeep. When this button is pushed, compressed air, delivered by the ARB 12 volt on board air compressor is passed via a 12 volt solenoid down an air line into the differential housing. The air travels into the differential’s center via a specially designed seal housing which seals against an extended bearing spigot. This compressed air then enters through air galleries and into the piston chamber and actuates the piston and clutch gear, moving the gear into the locked position. The clutch gear now locks the side gear to the differential housing instantly stopping any differential action. The differential is now 100% locked, and both axles will deliver 100% traction.
To disengage the differential the dash mounted switch is again pushed, which releases the compressed air via the solenoid and the piston springs return the piston to its original position. The differential is then fully open allowing full, standard differential action.
The ARB Air Locker only takes a split second to engage, making it the only, truly, driver controlled, differential locking system.
ARB Air Locker’s patented design has been proven to be ultra dependable, even in the most grueling conditions. Its strength lies in its simplicity with minimal moving parts to ensure maximum reliability. All structural components are manufactured from aerospace grades of high alloy steel. A recent Air Locker design utilizes timed gear sets to further improve its strength. This design feature has led to a second US patent on the product.
The Air Locker design process involves exhaustive testing. Computerized Finite Element Analysis (FEA) allows each Air Locker design to "virtual" off road simulations far more extreme than those encountered in real life. Destructive laboratory testing is carried out to ensure the strength of the Air Locker will exceed that of the axles or other driveline components. Environmental test cells subject prototype models to high (120ºC) and low (-24ºC) temperature running conditions, as well as harsh wheel spin engagement for cycle durations of more than 20,000 actuations. Finally, field-testing is carried out in the harshest environments imaginable. Only after these forms of quality control and testing will an ARB Air Locker will be ready for personal use in your own Jeep.
ARB Air Lockers are manufactured in Melbourne, Australia and are available for both front and rear Jeep differentials. Air Lockers are also manufactured in over 100 configurations to suit a wide range of vehicles spanning the globe, so if you do not own a Jeep we may be able to supply your vehicle with an ARB Air Locker.
These Air Lockers provide 100% traction on demand without affecting on road drivability or driveline wear as would result from using a Detroit Locker or other similar full locking devices.
With the vastly improved traction comes less reliance on momentum, thus reducing the likelihood of vehicle damage and environmental impact. An ARB Air Locker is easy to operate which allows the driver to concentrate on the terrain without leaving the comfort and safety of the driver’s seat
The ARB Air compressor can also double as convenient, reliable source of air for inflating tires, camping and leisure equipment with the tire inflation kit (sold separately)
(Please note that Jeeps are a highly modified and very interchangeable vehicle. The following applications are based on stock configuration. Your Jeep may not follow the original configuration. Please verify your axle prior to ordering. Using the following chart to assist the identification process.)
