Front diff locker

[GU4051]

Hi all,
I am looking at heading up the Cape have been considering getting a front diff locker (good LSD in the rear) for my 3 litre GU patrol. It's a pretty capable vehicle with a 2 inch lift, Cooper ST Max tyres and a 9000lb winch although towing makes life a little harder off road. I thought the locker might give me a bit more traction particularly towing the camper up steep wet creek banks and in the mud. I'm interested to hear your ( informed ) thoughts.

[Black Diamond]

Geoff you have been summoned

[D4D]

Given you have a part time 4wd, I'd seriously consider an auto locker for the front. In my GQ shorty I had a tightened LSD in the rear and an auto locker in the front and it was awesome. You could crawl over anything. You do need to modify your driving style and the steering is a little heavier but it was the best mod I did to my GQ. Benefit of auto over air/elocker is it is always working rather than when you flick the switch so you just keep driving and don't really need to think about it.

[Jakster1]

Hey mate, I have a eaton E-locker in the front of my GU. I couldn't believe the difference it makes and makes crawling up difficult tracks so much easier than with the open front diff. Just flick the switch and drive anywhere!
Patrols are pretty good at 4wd without em and an absolute weapon with em.
I'd put it up there as the single most effective mod in making the patrol even better.
I'd say do it

[oldmate]

Another vote for the e locker. Had mine 4 years, drama free.

[GGV8Cruza]

I run an ARB in the front of my GU and it has only been used a couple of times when I have run out of traction. The Patrols are pretty good when it turns to crap under the wheels and I only use mine as a last resort, they can get you deeper into trouble I believe if you use them all the time

GG

[swanny]

Plenty of opinions on what locker to go for.....do your research on the diff types of lockers that are out there, even to the extent of going to different outlets and have them run you thru there product, and while your at it ask them to show you there work shop and walk you thru how it will be fitted.

I have mate who runs an outlet down in Newcastle, and he takes all his customers who are having lockers fitted into the work shop, and meets the workshop supervisor, and he then has a good talk to them about the product, and walks them thru whats required for it to be fitted. A good initiative I think.

IMO all the diff brands of lockers are an asset to any vehicle, and you will defo notice the difference when you need to use it the first time.

I run an ARB air locker, I have only had it for short time, but have had no dramas, I choose it because of reputation pretty much, to my mind they have been around for a fair amount of time, and plenty of trucks out there use them with plenty of success, that's not to say that other brands wouldn't do the same. 

Also check out prices mate, they vary greatly from shop to shop.....haggle hard....

Good luck which ever way you go, youll love it.

Swanny

[Bird]

I'd save my money and not get one.

[GU4051]

Thanks for the feedback. It looks like a resounding thumbs up. I think the the eaton e locker might be the go but will have to check out the prices and competition.

[GU4051]

Best price I have been able to get on the e locker around Brisbane is $2,000 fitted with new bearings. Anyone know if you can get better?

[Spada]

I'd save my money and not get one.

and the reason would be...................?

and what happened to your post count, has the odometer gone round the clock   

[Swannie]

when he gets a "Lost Card" it resets to 0

Swannie

[oldmate]

and the reason would be...................?

Because you really dont need a locker just to do "the cape"

and what happened to your post count, has the odometer gone round the clock   

Oh my god, it a conspiracy 

[dazzler]

Because you really dont need a locker just to do "the cape"

You really only need

1. Recovery points
2. Snatch strap
3. A forlorn look on your face OR a blond in short shorts

[Rumpig]

Because you really dont need a locker just to do "the cape"

but it certainly makes life easier when towing up there IMHO, it's much easier driving offroad without a trailer in tow.

[Clouty]

I'd save my money and not get one.

Agree
If you get a little bit pear shaped just pull the winch out...
Buy some Maxtrax.. cheaper option..

When are you thinking of going up there??

[swanny]

but it certainly makes life easier when towing up there IMHO, it's much easier driving offroad without a trailer in tow.

yep on to it.

[GU4051]

Mate with school aged kids I am tied to the school holiday period so planning to pull them out a week early and head up there late June early July. A bit of a last minute thing I only got my leave approved today.

[GU4051]

You really only need

1. Recovery points
2. Snatch strap
3. A forlorn look on your face OR a blond in short shorts

1. Check
2. Check
3. Wife's a fit busty brunette so should suffice

Thought the locker might just make life a little easier all round, not just for the Cape although it's a good time to put it in before going.

[oldmate]

1. Check
2. Check
3. Wife's a fit busty brunette so should suffice

Thought the locker might just make life a little easier all round, not just for the Cape although it's a good time to put it in before going.

Yep it will mate, they are awesome for offroad driving and taking things slow, but not a necessity. But if you can manage to talk the busty brunette into it, ie spending the coin, then go get it. If you think the 2 odd grand would be better spend elsewhere on your trip then do that. Thousands go to the cape every year without it, what sort of driving do you do other than the cape?

[Roo]

3. Wife's a fit busty brunette so should suffice

Thought the locker might just make life a little easier all round, not just for the Cape although it's a good time to put it in before going.

That should do it.
I have a rear locker in my 100 cruiser, brother in law has same vehicle with the standard useless LSD. We both did the cape in 2012, no need for a locker at all....but I used it anyway



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[GU4051]

Yep it will mate, they are awesome for offroad driving and taking things slow, but not a necessity. But if you can manage to talk the busty brunette into it, ie spending the coin, then go get it. If you think the 2 odd grand would be better spend elsewhere on your trip then do that. Thousands go to the cape every year without it, what sort of driving do you do other than the cape?

Nothing too hardcore but quite often a bit isolated when out hunting the back blocks in Western QLD.  I have managed to get myself stuck a few times in " unexpected " dry creek line. Nothing that a shovel, chainsaw and a fair bit of digging couldn't fix. The locker would really be a bit more backup and insurance to get home quicker. I also do a bit of beach driving but I don't think the lockers will assist too much there.

[Bird]

Personally I think your better off to learn without them than with them... they just get you into more Shit.

You will become a better driver without needing any aids... If they *do* fail and your relying on them, your ****ed.

I've been everywhere in my GU without them that I went with GQ - which I only used twice just to test that they worked.

[KeithB]

If you're towing, the capability of your vehicle on rough tracks is considerably reduced. I don't think it's a case of doing hoon-boy, tough truck stuff and becoming overly reliant on your lockers.
I think it's more a case of trying to restore the capability of your vehicle while towing to what it would be without towing. For this reason, I think good tyres and diff locks make sense - as does a winch, because a trailer on the back limits your options if you do lose traction. If you're going anywhere near a lot of mud, maybe a set of chains as well. And some Maxtracks for sand.
There's no shame in being self reliant.
Keith

[V8100]

I have had both auto locker and arb in my opinion I would never have a auto locker again. Too many times I would rather it unlocked especially in long sand runs..
If you can afford it go a selectable locker..
Eddy