Air Locker Education

[Tin Medic]

My 85 CJ7 has an ARB air locker in the front. I have never used one before so how do they work?

 

[Incommando]

You need an air source like an on-board compressor or even a bottle. When there is no air pressure the diff. is open/unlocked. IIRC adding air pressure slides a locking collar over and locks the diff. until the air pressure is removed.

You probably already have an on-boards air source?

 

[jasonmark1993]

I remember seeing the post where you picked this jeep up last week.

I'd look for a switch on the dash somewhere that doesn't seem factory.

Like commando said, you should see the air compressor under the hood.

Turn the key on without starting the engine and start pushing buttons, hopefully you'll hear the compressor!

 

[Tin Medic]

I have everything under the hood and it works. I just dont know how it works or when I would use it. I have 2 ARB switches on the left side of the dash: locker and compressor.

 

[jasonmark1993]

Ok.

Well its just a switchable locker.

When you want a locker or expect to need it, throw the compressor on. Then you can engage the locker.

 

[Torxhead]

I have been using one since before the turn of the century, and have been quite satisfied. Turn the compressor on and it should shut off when it gets to the set pressure of around 80-100 p.s.i. prior to using it. When you need increased traction and have the wheels rolling turn on the air locker switch. It will definatly effect how the vehicle turns if you are in the rocks and you don't really need it. To release it turn the switch off and if the steering is still stiff, release the steering wheel pressure so it can release. Since you have an onboard air compressor there should be a way to drain out the water that collects in it, I use an air chuck. Have you looked at the ARB website ? you should also be able to contact them for any info.

 

[Incommando]

Lock when you need it in the really rough stuff and unlock it when you want to turn...

 

[AussieCJ7]

It is best practice to avoid switching on while moving but if need to then switch when not under full power ie coasting

I look at the bottom of a hill and decide if I think I need the lockers or not then set them on but will often try to try it unlocked first then back down a bit lock in and go again if I dont make it

I find locking in to often makes you lazy on picking a good line and it is good practice to try and drive as much as you can unlocked. But I had no lockers for 14 years of owning my CJ and only recently put them in so bit biased on my view