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with Larry Harris
Tools and Materials May Need: System Includes: Metric Wrench Set Metric Socket Set Air Impact (Makes it a lot easier) Hammer Pliers Loctite Dial Indicator Gear Oil Axle Seals Torque Wrench Brake Fluid Gasket Maker Slide Hammer Axle Bearings Carrier Bearings
Air Operated Locking Differential Switch Tubing Fittings
Options:Air Compressor Kit
The long anticipated Air Locker is now available. ARB has recently released the production model for the Suzuki Samurai. This unit has been tested around the world in some of the toughest conditions imaginable. Talking with Tim Lund from ARB, he related one story of an owner with his Zook at the bottom of a ditch. With the front end of the truck in the bank, he is in two wheel drive low range, he has the accelerator near the floor. There is smoke and debris flying out from the rear and the locker just keeps ticking. I have had mine installed for over two months and can tell you it was worth the wait and it is well built!
For years our only option was a limited slip or the mechanical locker. These have served the Suzuki community well for many years, and I am sure they will continue to be found on many trail vehicles. They are well suited to the trail in the rear axle but the on road characteristics are a little unnerving. One rather bothersome characteristic with the mechanical in the front axle it is very difficult to steer on the tight trails we Suzuki owners are so found of. ARB to the rescue! With the new Air Locker you can lock and unlock your differentials from in the cab. We no longer have to deal with the tight twisty trails with the front axle locked, or the wet, slippery highways with rear locked. We now have a new option, just hit a rocker switch on the dashboard and your differentials are locked or unlocked as you desire. Bottom line, best modification for traction I have completed! Suzuki owners can now have the best of both worlds, open differentials for highway use and at the touch of a switch… locked at both ends. One more benefit of the ARB Air Locker you may not see advertised. Want more of a challenge from the moderate trail you are on. Unlock and then give it try, see if you still have what it takes 😉
How it works:
When the ARB AIR LOCKER is engaged the air solenoid valve (located on the compressor) opens, and compressed air is fed down the plastic feed line to a bulkhead fitting installed in the differential housing. A steel tube runs from the bulkhead fitting to an air seal housing which is locked in position on the bearing journal over a small air inlet hole in the differential. Compressed air is thus injected into the ARB AIR LOCKER while it is rotating. 
The compressed air activates an annular piston built into the differential and completely-locks the differential via a large locking gear. When the dashboard mounted switch is turned off, the compressed air is exhausted through the solenoid valve, and small heavy duty coil springs in the differential release the locking ring. Now the differential acts as a normal “open” differential. The compressor kit, when supplied, is located in any convenient position in the engine compartment or, alternatively, inside the cabin of the vehicle. A pressure switch is incorporated which turns the compressor off when the tank pressure reaches a preset maximum, and on if the pressure drops to the preset minimum. The compressor is connected into the ignition circuit, via an isolating switch (which is supplied in the compressor kit,) so that it can be actuated when use of the ARB AIR LOCKER is engaged, or, the pump-up kit is required.
08/11/10 15:15
