Ever wondered how those 4WD beasts manage to scale near vertical slopes and traverse terrain so rough it makes your teeth rattle? The answer lies in their differential lockers, cunning devices that give extreme off-road capability. Front and rear lockers are the diffs you need to unleash the full potential of your 4x4.

Engage them and you’ll be going places you never thought possible. Forget crawling over rocks and logs – with lockers you’ll be crashing through them.

What Are Differential Lockers and Why Are They Important for 4x4s?

Differential lockers are mechanisms that lock the axles on 4-wheel drive vehicles to provide maximum traction. Without them, the wheels can spin at different speeds, reducing grip. Lockers solve this by linking the axles so all wheels turn together.

For off-roading, lockers are essential. They allow your 4x4 to keep moving over rough terrain where open differentials would struggle. Front and rear lockers work together for the best performance. The front locker pulls the front wheels, while the rear locker pushes from behind. This combo lets you conquer obstacles that would stop lesser rigs in their tracks.

To engage the lockers, you'll use switches or levers in your 4x4's cabin. Lock them before tackling anything too gnarly, like rocky climbs, deep mud or sand. The lockers will stay engaged until you disengage them, providing constant 4-wheel drive. Be aware that lockers can make turning more difficult and reduce braking ability, so disengage them when back on normal roads.

While lockers require an initial investment, the rewards are worth it. They provide a massive boost in traction for mastering challenging conditions. Over time, you'll wonder how you ever went off-roading without them! If you're ready to unleash the full potential of your 4-wheel drive, front and rear differential lockers are essential gear for any serious off-roader.

Front Lockers: Improving Traction and Handling in Low Grip Situations

Front lockers are key for getting unstuck in tricky terrain. When one wheel loses traction, a front locker will distribute power to both front wheels, pulling you forward.

Increased control

With both front wheels powered, you'll have more control navigating obstacles since the vehicle won't pull to one side. This is especially useful on side slopes, in mud or snow, over loose gravel, or on uneven ground.

On high-traction surfaces, front lockers can actually decrease control and handling, so only engage them when needed in low-grip situations. Once traction returns, disengage the lockers.

Better performance

Front lockers work with your 4WD system to maximise traction so you can conquer challenging tracks. They allow you to maintain momentum over rough terrain where open differentials would struggle. Both wheels pulling together also reduces stress on drivetrain components compared to one wheel spinning freely.

However, frequent use of front lockers on high-grip roads can damage axles or transfer cases over time due to the stresses of locked-together wheels. As with any 4x4 modification, it's best used when needed and in moderation.

Rear Lockers: Maximising Traction When the Going Gets Really Tough

Rear differential lockers are useful for when the terrain gets really challenging. When one wheel loses traction, the open differential will transfer power to the wheel with the least resistance, leaving the other wheel spinning uselessly. A locker forces both wheels to spin at the same speed, distributing power equally and maintaining momentum.

Maximising Traction

Rear lockers come into their own in situations where maximum traction is required, such as:

• Climbing steep, rocky inclines or hills where wheel slip is likely.

• Descending slippery slopes, especially where side-hilling is necessary. The locker will prevent the downhill wheels from freewheeling, allowing controlled descent.

• Mud, sand, snow or other low-grip surfaces. Locking the rear diff ensures both wheels grip and pull you through.

• Side-sloping or traversing across an angle. Without a locker, the uphill wheels will spin while the downhill ones freewheel.

Improved Control and Safety

Rear lockers also provide more control and safety in dicey conditions. With both wheels engaged, the vehicle tracks straighter and is less likely to slide sideways. Braking performance is also improved, as the braking force is distributed to both wheels.

However, rear lockers reduce manoeuvrability and cause understeer on high-grip surfaces. They also put extra stress on axles and CV joints. For this reason, most rear lockers are selectable, so you can disengage them when not needed.

When used properly in the right situations, rear differential lockers are an extremely useful tool for the serious off-roader looking to maximise traction over the roughest terrain. With both wheels pulling, you’ll be able to go places you’ve only dreamed of!

Conclusion

While open differentials will get most drivers through basic off-road conditions, when the going gets really tough, lockers are what separate the pros from the amateurs. If you're ready to take your 4x4 adventures to the next level, do yourself a favour and invest in some heavy-duty differential lockers.