ASK ARB – Air Lockers
vs Traction Control Devices

Hi,

I have a 2009 model Series 200 VX LandCruiser, which is fitted with an array of traction control devices. I am curious as to comparisons you would make between ARB diff lockers and the traction control devices.
It seems to me that the traction control devices use brakes to achieve a very similar function to the diff lockers. But at the same time I am curious as to why you would then bring out a range of diff lockers for 200 Series Cruisers.

Love your mag and your products.
Alan Pollard

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Hi Alan,

You are correct that a lot of modern 4×4 vehicles are now fitted with an array of ‘aids’ and there is no doubt that these systems can improve off road performance in a variety of situations and are superior to vehicles with just standard open or even LSD differentials. Most of these new electronic systems seek to limit speed and/or wheel spin by applying braking force to the wheels with low traction, which does have the effect of transferring some engine power to the wheels with traction, however this is no substitute for a mechanically locked differential.

The great thing is that when you add the ARB locking differentials to these vehicles, the off road ability of the vehicle is further improved. This is because a vehicle with lockers engaged does not have wheel spin unless all four wheels are spinning, and that is rare. Most of the time, in off road situations, it’s one or two wheels that lack traction. Likewise in hill descent situations, the vehicle with a rear locker engaged will be easier to control as the back wheels will be turning at the same speed and will not require as much braking to be employed.

The reality is that whilst the ‘aids’ do work, they will not get you as far through an obstacle as a vehicle with front and rear Air Lockers. There is a lot of wasted energy with traction control, and braking wheels when forward motion is required is not an ideal solution.

Owners of modern 4WDs fitted with off road aids around the world are finding that a vehicle fitted additionally with ARB Air Lockers will be extremely capable in all conditions. That’s why we are continuing to develop new applications for the Air Locker and provide a range of products that allow owners to have the best of both worlds.

For a visual display of how ARB Air Lockers work in comparison to other traction devices, you can check out the Air Locker vs LSD vs Traction Control video, which is in two parts on our YouTube site: www.youtube.com/arb4wd

Greg Milton
(National Product & Services Manager)