An ARB Air Locker is Born
Ever wondered how a genuine ARB Air Locker is manufactured? Wonder no more as we put you inside the machines that make the world’s best 4×4 traction aid, right here at our global headquarters in Melbourne, Australia.
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Air Locker Destruction Test
In order to continually improve the product, our engineers are constantly trying to break Air Lockers. We even built a specialised test rig to allow us to place torques on the Air Locker far in excess of what’s possible in the field. In this static torque failure test, we used a high performance Dana 44, 33 spline diff with the best axle shaft we could get our hands on to put the Air Locker to the ultimate test.
Closer Look
The ARB Air Locker is a driver-controlled, selectable locking differential that provides ultimate traction on demand without sacrificing on-road driveability. When activated, it delivers equal drive to both wheels on an axle, allowing you to take full advantage of the available traction in all conditions.
This specific Air Locker, model RD111, is designed for the front axle of your Toyota 4x4, including popular models like the Hilux, Fortuner, FJ Cruiser, and Prado. It features a 30-spline input shaft and suits vehicles with a 3.81 and up gear ratio, making it ideal for a range of demanding off-road applications. It is built to the robust Toyota 8-inch axle code specification.
A standard 'open' differential is a compromise, designed to allow wheels to turn at different speeds on pavement. Off-road, this becomes a liability, as it directs all power to the wheel with the least grip, leaving you stranded. While a limited-slip differential (LSD) offers a partial improvement, it requires wheelspin to engage and never truly locks. The ARB Air Locker overcomes this by solidly locking the axle at the flick of a switch, providing 100% traction instantly.
This allows you to confidently tackle steep inclines, rocky obstacles, and slippery tracks. When disengaged, the Air Locker functions just like an open differential, maintaining safe and predictable handling on sealed surfaces. Built in Australia from high-strength, aerospace-grade materials, the ARB Air Locker is the durable and reliable traction aid trusted by off-roaders globally for its proven performance.
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