When it comes to serious off-road performance, choosing the right locking differential is critical. Lockers ensure equal torque is sent to both wheels of an axle, eliminating traction loss during extreme conditions such as rock crawling, snow, sand, or deep mud. Among the most popular options on the market are the ARB Air Locker and the Eaton E-Locker—each with its own mechanical advantages, limitations, and ideal use cases.
How They Work
The ARB Air Locker is a pneumatically controlled mechanical locker. It uses compressed air from an external compressor to engage an internal locking mechanism, forcing both axle shafts to rotate at the same speed. When disengaged, it behaves like an open differential, allowing smooth cornering and normal driving dynamics.
The Eaton E-Locker, by contrast, uses an internal electromagnetic actuator. When 12V power is applied via a dashboard switch, the actuator locks the side gears together. Like the ARB, it also functions as an open differential when not engaged.
