LOKKA installation

Charlie

I had a 4WD Systems lokka in my GQ a couple of years back. It worked really well, but was a bit noisy on the road if the hubs were locked. The lokka also had a return to centre steering effect and would feel a little heavier when climbing rocky slopes. Other than that it made a significant difference to the traction. (One time I had the GQ bellied out in a hole on the side of a dune. I got out to look and thought I'd be there for ages digging etc. Hoped in to see how it would go.... and bugger me if it didnt just reverse out!)

I had it installed by a mechanic as the job looked like it needed to be set up properly with clearances etc. Besides the vehicle was going in for a couple of other jobs at the same time. I've read that its really important to get this right and it might pay to get someone to do it for you.

Now that I've upgraded the GQ to a GU I dont have a front locker at all and have been looking to fit one. Problem is I'm not sure how I want to go!

Hope that info helps!!

Charlie

I installed one last year to the front of my 75 series crew cab because I needed a bit of extra traction due to the vehicles extended length.

I opted to have it fitted by a diff centre locally and the cost came to about $250 which at least gave me peace of mind knowing it had been done correctly and not bodged by installing it myself.

The lokka in operation is quiet and very difficult to hear when engaging or disengaging, the most obvious effect being the vehicle wanting to run straight which is a side effect of any type of system.

The extra traction is quite noticeable especially when tackling sand hills and climbing rocky terrain.

All in all a plus.

John G

Roachie

Yes, that is true, but as the lokka only engages when it's required, the differences between the Air Locker and the Lokka is zip except that the air locker pilot gets to exercise his pinkie on the toggle all afternoon.

John G

As I've said before, don't use an auto locker, in the front, if you ever plan to drive up to the snow, where you need chains.

Hi all,

I'm a little confused by John G's reply. I was under the impression that a "lokka" in the front diff was engaged all the time and only unlocked/released when steering? Which is why it is important to have it installed properly.

Then again, I could be wrong.

Cheers,
Wayne.

I have an autolokka on the front of a 60 series landcruiser. When not in 4WD with the hubs locked there is absolutely no difference to the regular steering (which is also the case with an air locker).
With 4wd engaged (and hubs locked of course) then there is a small change in the steering "feel". ie, the stronger self centring action others have mentioned. It is no problem however and seems to me to be preferable to the continual switching on off that has to be done if air lockers are needed in constantly changing conditions like kms of sand dunes. Driving long distances over gravel roads where you want 4wd on but don't really need the lokka means the auto lokka steering effect is felt where an airlocker in 4WD would have no steering effect. It's a little different, but really no problem. Can't say I have noticed any extra noise when the lokka is on, but then, in the situations I have 4WD engaged there tends to be a fair bit of noise and I may just not be hearing it.
Had mine fitted by a mechanic. Cost $250. No problems at all but it sure gives a lot of extra bite when I need it, especially when running with reduced tyre pressures.
For mine, I wouldn't consider getting an air locker on a vehicle with manual engaging hubs. Centre locking and full time 4WD are a different story however.

Phil M, my personal experience is confined to an auto lokka at the front on a manual locking 60 series where it has been great, but before I got mine I followed this up with a number of leads. The manufacturer doesn't recommend them with full time 4WD. Apart from possible wind up, you wouldn't want to have the lockup effect while driving on bitumen at highway speeds. There are plenty of negative stories on the web from people who have fitted them on the rear of vehicles and had disconcerting and unexpected (though fairly minor) directional change experiences, especially on wet bitumen. I would only consider putting one on the rear if the majority of my driving was off road and I had a manually engaged 4WD. They are not an LSD