Air lockers.....

[mellows40]

Ok Guys... I've read the threads on Lokka vs Air locker debates and all the to and fro on the subject.. I realize people will always have and opinion on what is best. My question is.,...... realy truely... How hard is it to fit an Air locker. model number rd142 front and rear to my 40?.... I have a huge phobia about mucking around with gearing... I would tear apart an engine block apart. no dramas.... but gearing and things like backlash and that gives me the willies... If I was to atempt to fit air lockers myself .. Having no experience with gearing but armed to the back teeth with all the literature..... should I atempt it or say " no way too much hassle... I'm wanting air lockers but am on a budget so if i can save some money on fitting them myself.... SHOULD I ?????

[dexter09]

you get the lokka centre and put your crown wheel and bearings on it, the hardest part is drilling and tapping your diff housing for the banjo fitting for the airline.....in saying that i also fitted a goanna lokka to the front of m sixty and it lasted six months before it turned from a lokka to an unlokka, cause thats all it ended up doing, worst waste of 700 bucks ive ever spent. the only other good alternative is a detroit soft lokka, ive seen them in action and they are awesome and easy to fit

[dogbreath_48]

Will you be removing the pinion to replacve bearings or changing gears? Removal and fitment/resetting of the pinion is probably the most difficult and time consuming part job.

If you're not touching the pinion just take your time and make sure you understand the instructions you're following, instead of just following them, and you'll be right

I have a feeling the air line on the newer style lockers is more of a pain in the arse, fiddly, but not a difficult job technically speaking.

[mellows40]

Will you be removing the pinion to replacve bearings or changing gears? Removal and fitment/resetting of the pinion is probably the most difficult and time consuming part job.

If you're not touching the pinion just take your time and make sure you understand the instructions you're following, instead of just following them, and you'll be right

I have a feeling the air line on the newer style lockers is more of a pain in the arse, fiddly, but not a difficult job technically speaking.

As I said I have never opened a diff housing ... ever... so may be the first thing i should do is ... bite the bullet and have a look inside... what i will do is try to rope in a mate who has opened diffs before... then read.. learn... and read again..... any more info people can give will be greatly apreciated... cheers

[Commando Cam]

Mellows.
I have fitted/rebuilt many Air lockers and diffs for road and race in both Nissan's and Toyota's. I have all the tools and am in Melbourne also. I would be more than happy to help /provide some tips. If you want some assistance, just send me a message.
Cheers
Cam.

[oldmate]

As I said I have never opened a diff housing ... ever... so may be the first thing i should do is ... bite the bullet and have a look inside... what i will do is try to rope in a mate who has opened diffs before... then read.. learn... and read again..... any more info people can give will be greatly apreciated... cheers

It would probably be worth getting a repair manual for the 40 (although that might be a challenge given the age).

The only things you really need to worry about is getting the pinion/crown wheel contact right, and
if it has a crush sleeve on the pinion, getting the preload spot on. That can be the trickiest part and you might go through a few crush sleeves before getting it right.

You'll need a good sturdy vice to work on, and on crush sleeve type pinions, an inch-pound torque wrench.

Unless the diff has recently been rebuilt then I'm of the opinion you should replace all the bearings and seals while you have it out. It's only a pittance compared to the price of an airlocker.

[mellows40]

Hey guys,

Cam and Oldmate, I have always had a workshop manual with ALL cars, 4x4"s and Motor bikes i have ever owned.. it has saved my many times not to mention the thousands of $$ it has saved me as well.

As to fitting myself I have decided ... Let an expert deal with it... at least i will have a warranty with it.. I 've decided that some times i will just have to bite the bullet and not be such a tight a#@e wih the bucks. so with that in mind... It's A.R.B airlockers front and rear, and they can fit em... I know it will cost but at least i wont have any headaches....

Thanks all.....

[popeyehj60]

you save a lot of money if u remove the diff centers from the car. its cuts down a lot of the labor charges.
and pulling diff centers is easy job if u've doe swivel hub overhauls before etc