Air Locker for H2

[H2 Passion]

Hi,

I like Off-Road and we have 4 Month of Snow.
Usually we are getting stuck in snow and mud.
We tried all options available in the H2 board but we weren't able to move out.

Lately a 4x4 garage offered me an ARB Air Locker Locking Differentials but i went to the internet and i found also there is eaton E-Locker.

So, Which one i have to choose for my H2 ?
and what is the difference between these 2 Diff ?



Best Regards
Elie waked

[H2 Passion]

Hi,

I like Off-Road and we have 4 Month of Snow.
Usually we are getting stuck in snow and mud.
We tried all options available in the H2 board but we weren't able to move out.

Lately a 4x4 garage offered me an ARB Air Locker Locking Differentials but i went to the internet and i found also there is eaton E-Locker.

So, Which one i have to choose for my H2 ?
and what is the difference between these 2 Diff ?



Best Regards
Elie waked

[alecs wife]

Here are a couple of links to discussions we have had on this forum.

http://elcova.com/groupee/forums?q=Y&a=tpc&s=2826088551&f=5106011751&m=2796043935&p=1

http://elcova.com/groupee/forums?q=Y&a=tpc&s=2826088551&f=5106011751&m=3966088694&p=1

Enjoy reading

[Kevin B]

One down side to the A.R.B. is even if you have the air suspension you will need another compresor. I dont think the one the H2 comes stock with has enough pressure to operate the A.R.B.

IMHO since the Hummer comes stock with an Eaton, why not stick with the same for the front?

[Steve R]

You already have a rear e-locker as standard. As far as adding a front-locker, I really don't think that measure is going to make or break the difference in your having been stuck.

The traction control system does a pretty good job of making sure you don't blow all your drive into one wheel. It doesn't work quite as well as a locker, but it's about 70% as good. Bottom line: I doubt it'll make that stuck or not-stuck difference.

Check out V-bar ice-breaker tire chains. My buddy Mark runs a set on both his front & rear tires for ultimate un-stoppability. If conditions are that bad you'll want the chains for traction when applying the brakes: for all as tough as our 4x4 systems are, they'll do ya no good when it comes time to stop. Your money is better spent on a winch and some extra tow straps.

The front-locker is something I recommend only for the hardcore off-road enthusiast. Or people in San Diego who need to substitute gizmo's for talent http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

[Kevin B]

Pay no attention to Steve Rs post as he is a pansy and uses his H2 as a grocery getter http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif.

[DennisAJC]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Steve R:
Check out V-bar ice-breaker tire chains. My buddy Mark runs a set on both his front & rear tires for ultimate un-stoppability. . <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Steve, you have a link? Can't find it.

[Steve R]

N2...I forgive you, but you'd better check with a higher source for true redemption http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

Dennis.....you are amazing; you can find every sick picture on the internet and work photoshop like a demon....but you can't find a pair of V-bar chains?????? dude......


http://tirechain.com/TRUCK-SUV-CHAINS.HTM
scroll down, it's about the 4th or 5th one displayed.

[Kevin B]

Thanks Steve, I checked and im O.K. You on the other hand pulled a no show with DRTY http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_confused.gif http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif.

[H2 Passion]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Steve R:
You already have a rear e-locker as standard. As far as adding a front-locker, I really don't think that measure is going to make or break the difference in your having been stuck.

The traction control system does a pretty good job of making sure you don't blow all your drive into one wheel. It doesn't work quite as well as a locker, but it's about 70% as good. Bottom line: I doubt it'll make that stuck or not-stuck difference.

The front-locker is something I recommend only for the hardcore off-road enthusiast. Or people in San Diego who need to substitute gizmo's for talent http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Hi Steve R,

I am talking about Mud and Snow and not Ice, .
We are trying hard to find a way to not go stuck. Do u think eaton front lockers will help?.
The dealer of ARB Air Locker Locking Differentials told me that i will be stucked if i install it.

How can we move with the H2 in the mud without the Air Locker.

Elie

[H2 Passion]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by R2:
Here are a couple of links to discussions we have had on this forum.

http://elcova.com/groupee/forums?q=Y&a=tpc&s=2826088551&f=5106011751&m=2796043935&p=1

http://elcova.com/groupee/forums?q=Y&a=tpc&s=2826088551&f=5106011751&m=3966088694&p=1

Enjoy reading <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Hi R2,

I went to these 2 discussions, but would you please give me a summary which one is better for me and if the front locker will help me out to drive all ways in mud and snow and never been stucked.

Elie

[Cranky Steve]

Hi Guys, I have not been lurking for a while. Let me say hands down go with the ARB Air Locker over the electric. They are tough as nails and ARB USA backs them up with killer service even if one is out of warranty.

[Screeper]

I had both front and rear air lockers in my jeep. My advise is to go with the eaton. My airlockers chewed up two compressors and tended to constantly leak air, which kept cycling the compressor. I believe some of these problems were related to the compressor being installed under the hood where the constant heating and cooling played hell on the airlines and o rings.
As far as traction and control, there is nothing that compares to a locker in both diffs. Will you use it? I doubt it as you only lock the front in the worst situations.

[Steve R]

If you understand how the TC works and you learn to implement/apply it well....your pretty close to being as good as a locker.

In fact, the TC2 can work through mud better then a locked axle...by allowing a bit of slippage the tires can displace and move mud away to find traction.

Chains can still be used in mud AND a winch can work like spider-man and pull your way where you want to. Of course, mud-terrains and more aggressive mud-oriented tires will help too.

Wish I could show ya....writing only goes so far. But in the end, using techniques and proper approach may only improve your chances 20-50%.

[Cranky Steve]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Screeper:
I had both front and rear air lockers in my jeep. My advise is to go with the eaton. My airlockers chewed up two compressors and tended to constantly leak air, which kept cycling the compressor. I believe some of these problems were related to the compressor being installed under the hood where the constant heating and cooling played hell on the airlines and o rings.
As far as traction and control, there is nothing that compares to a locker in both diffs. Will you use it? I doubt it as you only lock the front in the worst situations. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
Really? Did you plumb it yourself or have a shop do it? Mine work flawlessly. I did have to learn to use the correct thread sealers when setting up the fittings on the compressor to solve air leaks. I have no leaks at all since. (ARB Comp).

The thread sealant ARB recommends is crap. What works is a 2 step process (Learned this from a commercial plumber). Make the first layer Teflon tape, and then use Whitlam Blue Magic pipe thread compound on top of that. Seals on the spot, and then sets up nicely. Easy to clean of later if you need to work on the fittings.

[Screeper]

Had it plumbed in the shop first. Then did it myself numerous times. Leaks came from several places. First from the fittings (used the arb sealent then teflon tape) then from the tank around the center retaining bolt. Fixed mumerous times. As I said, I believe the thermal cycling broke down the seals as the aluminium expanded much quicker then the steel fittings and retaining bolts. Florida summers = 95 degrees plus. The lockers themselves where great and worked with out fail. I would put the compressor as the weak link. The salt air where I live didnt do the aluminium hardware any good either and I believe led to my first seized compressor. I have since found that keeping it as simple as possible is the best. The e locker cuts out numerous moving parts. On a hard core wheeler I might even go with the cable actuated OX locker. I wish I had your sealant info when I still owned my TJ.

[alecs wife]

I have e-lockers on my H2. The front locker works perfect. I would personally hate to install a air compressor under the hood.

In terms of better, I would have to say it's a toss up. They both lock the diff witch is what you are looking for. I mad my decision to go with the e-locker because GM used it in the rear.

Any way you go you can't loose. Also consider getting 37" tires.

[H2 Passion]

Hi,

I have a winch which is helping me a lot when i am in a place where i can find trees, but the problem is on snow, no trees , no rock.. just snow.

I think i will go for eaton, as it's showing it's better to stay using the same air compressor but with this existing one will be enough to send power for both front and rear lockers.

Elie

[H2 Passion]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Steve R:
If you understand how the TC works and you learn to implement/apply it well....your pretty close to being as good as a locker.

In fact, the TC2 can work through mud better then a locked axle...by allowing a bit of slippage the tires can displace and move mud away to find traction.

Chains can still be used in mud AND a winch can work like spider-man and pull your way where you want to. Of course, mud-terrains and more aggressive mud-oriented tires will help too.

Wish I could show ya....writing only goes so far. But in the end, using techniques and proper approach may only improve your chances 20-50%. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Hi Steve R,

what other buttons should be pressed when i am using TC2? and if we have full snow and not ice.
i have a winch too but no trees and no rocks where we are going on the snow.

Elie

[Cranky Steve]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Screeper:
Had it plumbed in the shop first. Then did it myself numerous times. Leaks came from several places. First from the fittings (used the arb sealent then teflon tape) then from the tank around the center retaining bolt. Fixed mumerous times. As I said, I believe the thermal cycling broke down the seals as the aluminium expanded much quicker then the steel fittings and retaining bolts. Florida summers = 95 degrees plus. The lockers themselves where great and worked with out fail. I would put the compressor as the weak link. The salt air where I live didnt do the aluminium hardware any good either and I believe led to my first seized compressor. I have since found that keeping it as simple as possible is the best. The e locker cuts out numerous moving parts. On a hard core wheeler I might even go with the cable actuated OX locker. I wish I had your sealant info when I still owned my TJ. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

The tank leaks are fixed by using the Silicon Lubricant for O-rings. The Bolt should have a washer with a Silicon seal built into it. The tank uses an O-ring. It's important to not overtighten the Tank bolt.

Out here we have extreme temp fluctuations even in the summer. We get 40 to 50 degree differences. What we don't have is the humidity you have.

BTW, I've read lots of good feedback on the Eaton E-lockers as well.

[H2 Passion]

Hi,

what u mean by BTM?

Regards
Elie

[H2 Passion]

Hi,

Thx for the info, i will try it this week-end.

Elie

[H2 Passion]

Hi,

I went to the ARB dealer and he told me he can use the exisitng air compresor for the front locker of ARB. will it work? any idea?

and if i put Eaton, do i need a new compresor or no ?

and from where we can order the eaton E-locket for front?

Elie

[Screeper]

The e-locker uses an electric switch to activate the locker and will not affect the airsuspension compressor in any way. It is the exact system as is already installed in your rear differential. A word of caution. Make sure that the shop does not wire both lockers to the same switch. As was mentioned earlier the use of the front locker should be very minimal as it severly limits manuverability. As for sticking with the ARB and plumbing it into your air suspensions plumbing, I am sure it could be done. Would I want to risk warranty issues with the rear air suspension after tapping into the air tank for the locker. No.... I still advise to stick with the e-locker. You already have one, why not two.

[Cranky Steve]

H2 Passion, do you live near Sacramento, CA? Sean at River City Differentials in Rancho Cordova is the best guy to go to for stuff like this. If your not from this area, find a local shop that specializes in diff work. Talk to racers and hardcore off roaders. They will know who the best shop is.