ARB's Air Locker or TJM's Pro-Locker??

[Patrolguy]

Could also be a reason why there products are so $$$$$$$.

[not not]

Think its kim bolten that ruffs talkin about. And he is right . only 1 thats outright sponsered by the company not the franchises. I used to run arbs and now in the buggy prolocka. (mcnamarra) Why should one company have a manopoly on the air locka market. I give mine a hard time and have had no probs what so ever. With the arbs i had problems with the crapy little blue airline so in the buggy i am running a 300 psi hose with high pressure hydrolic fittings and have had no probs at all.

[turps]

so then if the prolockers aren't better then the arb locker so why is it then that a lot of the guys that race in the winch challenges and the outback challenge and so on are switching from arb lockers to the prolockers I would say that that is telling you something about which locker is better. I don't think that the lockers can be tested any better then in those events. and for the people waiting for the prolocker be patient they are coming

WOuld be interested to know whos changing over. Cos really I cant see anyone of the competirors that I know of changing over unless they are getting sponsered or they bust an ARB and are are willing to trythem. Cos most comp guys I know of aint that well off. So why sell there arb's for bugger all, just to go buy a Prolocker.

If I was to buy new now I would probably look at them.

[ISUZUROVER]

Think its kim bolten

Thanks, that's who I meant - all Nissan drivers look the same to me...

[not not]

Aposed to rover ones

[RUFF]

cause they're sponsored....?

As far as i know there is only one vehicle competing in Australia that is outright sponsored by Pro Locker. Other than that TJM(the company not a franchise) Dont sponsor many vehicles at all.

Are you talking about Laurie Sternbeck (sp?) and his GQ? He is sponsored by TJM isn't he?

But I suppose that is a reason to buy ARB - the fact that they seem to sponsor a lot of events and competitors.

Laurie drives a Hilux but i think your thinking of Kim Bolton who drives a GU.

[antt]

cause they're sponsored....?

As far as i know there is only one vehicle competing in Australia that is outright sponsored by Pro Locker. Other than that TJM(the company not a franchise) Dont sponsor many vehicles at all.

so there are others that are sponsored by local tjm places then. also, arent you part of 'Team TJM' Tony?

not bashin, just highlightin the fact that people have to take some peoples opinions with a grain of salt, cause they may be pushin their sponsors product

i'd run a prolocker in my pos, if i was deciding between a new arb or new prolocker, just to try something different. but i have a line on a second hand arb, so will most likely go that way

[RUFF]

so there are others that are sponsored by local tjm places then. also, arent you part of 'Team TJM' Tony?

Actually no im not part of Team TJM but yes i run an event that is sponsored by TJM. There is no denying that. My buggy runs ARBs and i have been using these for around 8 years with only one seal problem in that time but that was an install error on my behalf.

If i was buying NEW lockers now i would go with the Pro Locker not because i have a relationship with TJM but because they dont have the seal issue. Is one stronger than the other? I couldnt say. I have had both apart and both have good and bad parts in their design.

[Patrolguy]

Hay RUFF

Which one had the more GOOD then BAD parts in their design??

[Troll00]

Ruff
Only you would have pulled both of them apart "Just to see how they work"
Now you boys stop kicking sand around!!!!

[Cossie]

if the prolocker has no o rings what do they use instead?

Pro locker uses rubber U rings instead of ARB's O rings. The U rings are cheaper and less wear/heat resistant than the O rings.


I hope they've changed a few things since the pro locker was released too:


The Pro locker can not be engaged at speeds over 30kph.

Pro locker uses the same solenoids that ARB used to use. ARB now uses a superior type solenoid.

No bearing puller slots on the pro locker. Lets just hope you enjoy the complete disassembly of the carrier and locking mechanism so you can punch the bearing off from the inside.

Pro locker has no wiring diagram or harness. Maybe not a problem to some people but the number of questions I read on here about locker/compressor wiring, switching and plumbing, I guess not everyone is au fait with that side of things.

You will also find that TJM's advertising has been very misleading with their comparisons, I'm sure if you study their comparison carefully you'll pick most of them up.


So now lets hear some technical reasons why the TJM is better please?

[Richo GU]

So now lets hear some technical reasons why the TJM is better please?

here here

[4x4Monkey]

http://www.tjm.com.au/Default.aspx?tabid=93
has a some one detailed break down/3d image of the inside of the pro-locker
may be helpful

[sniper]

pro locker is the way to go.
ARB are good but the seals will eventually fuk up.
TJM bought the pro locker from mcnamara.

I will be puttimg pro lockers into my cruiser when $$$ permits.

[Cossie]

pro locker is the way to go.
ARB are good but the seals will eventually fuk up.
TJM bought the pro locker from mcnamara.

I will be puttimg pro lockers into my cruiser when $$$ permits.

The seals will fuk up how exactly? which seals are you even talking about?

o rings only fail due to incorrect fitment, not through wear and tear.

see Ruffs reply above:

My buggy runs ARBs and i have been using these for around 8 years with only one seal problem in that time but that was an install error on my behalf.

Has anyone here actually had an o ring fail due to wear?


Just add a little more tech to this discussion :

the Pro locker uses a one piece cross shaft, ARB uses seperate cross shafts. The grade of alloy steel used by ARB is not even available in the form used by the pro locker.


Over 750 views and 45 replies and I am yet to see one piece of TECH (not opinion) proving the pro locker over the ARB

[FourSpin]

if the prolocker has no o rings what do they use instead?

Pro locker uses rubber U rings instead of ARB's O rings. The U rings are cheaper and less wear/heat resistant than the O rings.


I hope they've changed a few things since the pro locker was released too:


The Pro locker can not be engaged at speeds over 30kph.

Pro locker uses the same solenoids that ARB used to use. ARB now uses a superior type solenoid.

No bearing puller slots on the pro locker. Lets just hope you enjoy the complete disassembly of the carrier and locking mechanism so you can punch the bearing off from the inside.

Pro locker has no wiring diagram or harness. Maybe not a problem to some people but the number of questions I read on here about locker/compressor wiring, switching and plumbing, I guess not everyone is au fait with that side of things.

You will also find that TJM's advertising has been very misleading with their comparisons, I'm sure if you study their comparison carefully you'll pick most of them up.


So now lets hear some technical reasons why the TJM is better please?

1 question for this post, and one comment on a notion that was semi kicked around before...

question...why preytel would it be necessary to engage a locker at over 30kph??? ive never understood this logic.......

and a comment on the mass produced / quality control issue raised beofre....anyone who is into knives (folders/fighters/combat etc etc) will know alot of the 'big' name companies produce most of their knives out of taiwan for mass production because it is cheaper, but they spend quite a bit on quality control because it is in the companies best interest...why would a reputable company produce an air locker to compete with cheap chinese knock offs...its just doesnt make sense...they mass produce and or produce in taiwan china etc to save cost, and spend some of the savings on increased QC to keep their reputation...all about economy

[Ruffy]

Think its kim bolten

Thanks, that's who I meant - all Nissan drivers look the same to me...

I thought Laurie Sternbeck had a hilux??

[Ruffy]

Well Well....
From my experience..............
I have an original ARB airlocker based on the Jacmac's locker (so i've been told) in my 60. It's the first ones they built that you can't get parts for anymore. By comparing it to a current ARB from the same application you can see that the current ARB has a far superior design. but so it should have.
I don't think that the item being mass produced is a fair reason to either praise or can the item. Likewise the fact that it is "identical" or "similar to" a Jacmac's is no reason to make an asumption on it's quality being one way or the other.
Hyundia built there first Excels on a copy of the worst model mitsubishui ever built, The Colt, and the Excel was even worse. On the other hand Nissan built the RB30 on a copy of a european EFI 6cyl and it was ten times better..
Just cause it "looks" the same means nothing. Time will tell wether the Prolocka is up to the task. But for now we should all give it a fair go and base our decision to purchase a prolocka on the ideas of our rights as a consumer to purchase. I think price and service is the best things to look at and unless the product proves itself inferior why can we not believe that it is an equal product to others on the market!... If you want one then buy one!
There is always going to be what i call "the holden v's ford" debate.
Just so you all know.. I have two ARB's because prolocka wasn't available when i purchased. And i am in no way affiliated or otherwise with either product, i just believe we shoulsd base our decisions and comments on FACTS, and i failed to fine too many of them in this thread!...
Cheers,

.... Steps off his soap box..

[cloughy]

The first air lockers werent made by ARB, the y were made by a bloke think it was Mcroberts or something similar and the patent was bought by ARB

[not not]

Yes ruffy Kim bolten/ GU patrol ute
Laurie sternbeck/ Duel cab hilux

[Ruffy]

The first air lockers werent made by ARB, the y were made by a bloke think it was Mcroberts or something similar and the patent was bought by ARB

Yeah Mc roberts sounds right. That's what i have in the butt. and ARB jobbie in the schnozz.

[mysterioussasvit]

do they make one for a vitara if not straight to arb i go is this tech or not ....as for engaging over 30kph dont you do this to get it side ways on wet roads or dirt tracks i know i sometimes do

[Cossie]

The first air lockers werent made by ARB, the y were made by a bloke think it was Mcroberts or something similar and the patent was bought by ARB

Yeah Mc roberts sounds right. That's what i have in the butt. and ARB jobbie in the schnozz.

The Blokes name was Robert something, hence air locker part numbers starting with RD (his surname starts with D)


If I delete my posts can this thread be moved to general chit chat as clearly no-one has anything more techy to say about the pro locker other than its based on a macnamara so it must be ok?

[Patrolguy]

Yeah!

Would be great to hear some more thoughts on the 2 lockers other then what is already known.

Any of you used the Pro-Locker??

[RokToy4x4]

It was called a Roberts diff lock, i bought my first one in 1985, never had any problems with it, except for breaking an axle , my fault

[Cossie]

where have all the people gone whos mothers brothers cousins dogs friend once stripped/compared the two? wheres the TECH???

[-Scott-]

My dad was told by a bloke who works in a 4wd store that ARB stuff is cheap and nasty.

If the bloke works in a 4wd store, he must know!



Scott

[Shadow]

My dad was told by a bloke who works in a 4wd store that ARB stuff is cheap and nasty.

If the bloke works in a 4wd store, he must know!



Scott

was the 4wd store a TJM store by any chance ? LOL

[fj60efi_]

My 2c: Go the ARB's! Just from experience had them for years with no trouble's and they have only improved them since my old one's were manufactured. The o-rings are not a problem - one of those things where a few people install them bad, have a winge and rumours spread. If you're not a cafeful, meticulous type of home mechanic (or professional mechanic at that) then get it installed by the pro's. Once it's in properly it just keeps working time and time again.

I'll take a product that has sold 1000's with a couple of explainable problems than a less proven product that has zero performance benefits and zero cost benefits.

[rick130]

if the prolocker has no o rings what do they use instead?

Pro locker uses rubber U rings instead of ARB's O rings. The U rings are cheaper and less wear/heat resistant than the O rings.

that may well be the case, but isn't the selctor on a Jack Mc external to the diff, (as is a Maxi), and if so, replacement is a lot easier than pulling the diff appart to replace an 'O' ring if it may fail. Granted, the vast majority will never have a problem.

I hope they've changed a few things since the pro locker was released too:



The Pro locker can not be engaged at speeds over 30kph.

from Jack Mc's site

The Diff Lock should preferably be operated while the vehicle is in motion. Road Speed is of no concern while operating the Diff Lock, so long as straight line driving is taking place - because the Carrier Locking Ring and Axle Gears are all rotating at the same synchronised speed to one another.

Pro locker uses the same solenoids that ARB used to use. ARB now uses a superior type solenoid.

No bearing puller slots on the pro locker. Lets just hope you enjoy the complete disassembly of the carrier and locking mechanism so you can punch the bearing off from the inside.

Pro locker has no wiring diagram or harness. Maybe not a problem to some people but the number of questions I read on here about locker/compressor wiring, switching and plumbing, I guess not everyone is au fait with that side of things.

You will also find that TJM's advertising has been very misleading with their comparisons, I'm sure if you study their comparison carefully you'll pick most of them up.


So now lets hear some technical reasons why the TJM is better please?

the Pro locker uses a one piece cross shaft, ARB uses seperate cross shafts. The grade of alloy steel used by ARB is not even available in the form used by the pro locker.

OK, what material do both manufacturers use ?

Jack Mc piccy

ARB piccy


I have no bias either way, just interested in some more facts.

http://www.mcnamaradiffs.com.au/home.html
http://www.arb.com.au/air_locker_lockin ... ntials.htm