Q: In my vehicle, the diff lock automatically comes in when in low ratio, and a push button for high ratio. I don’t believe that this gives me individual traction on the four wheels. Could you please explain the difference between diff locks (as above) and the ARB Air Lockers?
A: The ‘diff lock’ you are referring to is not an axle differential lock like an ARB Air Locker, but rather what is correctly referred to as a ‘centre diff lock’. It is a very common misconception that they are the same thing, when in fact they are quite different in function and benefit.
The centre diff lock you have serves a similar purpose to ARB’s Air Locker except that a centre diff is there to ensure equal traction between your front and rear axles only. All traction losses from side to side (from left to right wheel across the same axle) are not accounted for at all by a centre diff lock until you add an Air Locker to one (or both) of your axles.
Note: A centre diff is not even included on most part-time 4WD vehicles (i.e. vehicles with manual front hubs) and therefore their centre is always locked.
Here are a few examples:
Hopefully company reply has clarified the difference between centre diff locks and axle diff locks like ARB’s Air Locker. You should also be aware that because the locations of the centre diff lock and Air Locker axle diff locks are totally different, you are always able to add an axle diff lock (or two) onto your axles to work together with your centre diff lock, to get the maximum grip available to your vehicle.
Q: I was wondering what is the best option for an ARB diff lock if I was only going to get one front or rear? I do most of my driving in bush and have had cross axle traction problems so I was hoping a diff lock would solve a bit of my problems.
A: Unfortunately the question of front vs rear is always going to come down to operator opinion. It is a subject that has been heatedly argued around campfires for decades.
ARB does not specifically recommend one axle over another for your first Air Locker, as even their own staff do not all share the same preference. What company can offer you though, are a few good points to consider when making your own choice:
Consider these points carefully when choosing. Different vehicles and the preference given by their drivers are always going to have an effect on the final conclusion. What brand can definitely conclude is that having an Air Locker fitted to both axles would offer you the best of all the situations above, and the maximum amount of off road traction that is physically possible to get from your vehicle.
An ARB Air Locker can be engaged at any speed as long as both wheels are spinning at the same rate. If one wheel is spinning faster than the other, what is called “crash locking” will occur and can cause damage to the internal gears. They recommend that the vehicle stops and engages the Air Locker before attempting an obstacle.
Fitment of ARB Air Lockers to vehicles fitted with OE locking differentials varies from vehicle to vehicle. Please refer to the Air Locker Application Guide for further details.
ARB strongly recommends the use of a genuine ARB Air Compressor; however, the Air locker can operate on any alternative air source that meets the requirements as stated in our Air Locker fitting instructions.
No, each of their air compressors has provisions to activate 2 (two) Air Lockers i.e., front and rear.
ARB Air Locker service internals vary depending on vehicle usage, terrain, and conditions. Please refer to the Operating and Service Manual and your vehicles owner manual for routine oil changes.
Company off a kit (ALAP) that includes everything you need to plum your compressor to the ARB Air Locker.
Company recommend following your vehicle users manual for the quality and viscosity. They DO NOT suggest any oils with limited-slip additives as they can shorten the life of the ARB Air Locker seals.
The ARB Air Locker will engage at around 70 PSI. However, for faster engagement and disengagement, they recommend an air pressure supply between 100 and 150 PSI.
For further information, please refer to warranty terms and conditions on Warranty Page.
The number one cause of differential oil traveling up the ARB Air Lines is due to differential housing pressure. If the housing does not vent properly, pressure will push the oil up the lines. To remedy this, check to make sure your factory breathers are not clogged or enlarge breather ports/hoses to allow more ventilation. ARB now offers a breather kit (170112) to help remedy axle ventilation problems.
It is not recommended to use the ARB Compact Air Compressor (CKSA12) to inflate tires. This compressor was designed only to engage ARB Air Lockers. For tires up to 35” in size, we recommend the ARB Medium Compressor (part no. CKMA12) and for tires above 35”, the ARB Twin Motor CKMTA12 compressor (CKMTA12).
For Tire inflation, the vehicle-mounted compressor requires addition ARB Pump Up Kit #171302, which includes 19 feet air hose, quick connector coupling, clip-on tire inflator, and accessories. If using an ARB Twin Compressor (CKMTA12), the addition of a manifold (171503) is required.
For further information, please refer to warranty terms and conditions on Warranty Page.
ARB vehicle mount compressors can be installed in various locations on the vehicle, including the engine bay, cabin, rear cargo area, etc. Please refer to ARB Air Compressor User Manual for further details regarding mounting positions.
The ARB Compressor will perform better when it receives 14 volts from the alternator vs the 12.6 volts from the battery alone. Also, the battery will not be depleted by the compressor if the engine is idling.
In select applications, ARB incorporated factory fog light provisions. E.g., JK Wrangler, 200 series VX/Sahara, etc. Refer to the application guides for full details.
ARB is a distributor for Warn around the world, and therefore, only test fits Warn winches with their bumpers. If you would like to run another brand of winch, please compare the overall dimensions of the Warn winch listed with the other brand.
ARB does not recommend the modification of any bumper due to the integration with the vehicles air bag system and structural integrity.
Factory fog lights incur frequent design changes that result in improper fitment in most ARB Bumper applications. In these cases, either an ARB fog light kit will be supplied or will be an optional accessory with the bumper. In most cases, the factory fog light harness may be used to power the included/optional ARB fog light kit. Please refer to the Vehicle Application Guide for note and part numbers.
Installation times vary from vehicle to vehicle depending on the complexity of the design; however, the average fitting time for an experienced fitter is approximately 6 hours.
ARB Bumpers have been designed with provisions for a wide range of accessories, including spot/flood lights, 12V winches, antennas, and more.
For further information, please refer to warranty terms and conditions on Warranty Page.
This can vary from vehicle to vehicle depending on the OEM front spring rate and any additional accessories fitted to the vehicle. When a bumper and winch are fitted, upgraded suspension is highly recommended.
In order to keep your ARB bumper in its original condition, ARB recommends treating your bumper with a Canuba based polish on all exposed surfaces. Manufacturer recommends you repeat this process on a semi-annual basis or following exposure to salt, sand or other contaminants. As part of any pre-trip preparation, or on an annual basis, it is recommended to complete a thorough visual inspection of the bumper, ensuring that all of the bolts and components are properly torqued and that all wiring sheaths, connectors and fittings are free of damage.
All Old Man Emu springs have been designed and specially tuned to work in conjunction with Old Man Emu shock absorbers for each specific vehicle.
For most applications, company offer Old Man Emu springs in Light, Medium or Heavy Load options. The correct application will depend on how your vehicle is equipped with aftermarket accessories that add additional weight to your vehicle. In most cases, you would use a light load spring on a vehicle with no aftermarket bumper and a medium or heavy load spring on a vehicle with an ARB Bumper. Please refer to the Vehicle Application Guide for proper part numbers.
Spring selection varies based upon the client’s specific load carrying requirements and accessories fitted. Please refer to the Vehicle Application Guide for the proper part numbers.
Company suggest that you set the dampening per the instructions and then move one adjustment at a time using the included tool until you find your preferred ride quality.
Lift height varies from vehicle to vehicle due to the vehicle’s suspension limitations. Please refer to the Vehicle Application Guide for estimated lift over factory ride height.
In most cases, Old Man Emu suspension systems are designed to maintain the factory front-to-back rake. This is because Old Man Emu suspension is engineered for load-carrying ability as well as lift. In some cases, a rear leaf may be removed from the pack to level the vehicle, but there is a downside, the spring rate is also reduced. The spring will lose more height under when loaded causing the rear to sit lower than the front resulting in poor and sometimes dangerous ride quality.
For further information, please refer to warranty terms and conditions on Warranty Page.
The majority of their Old Man Emu suspension components are designed around factory frame, axle, and control arm mounts and install the same as the factory components. Because of this, please refer to the factory service manual for a specific vehicle.
Specific suspension fitting kits have been developed to ensure that vehicle dynamics have not been altered including but not limited to) driveline, braking, and steering operation.
Old Man Emu suspension systems are engineered first and foremost for ride and handling quality. The amount of lift provided for each specific vehicle is within the maximum limits allowed by the stock suspension components so that extensive and costly modifications are not required.
Installing OME suspension will help handle increased tongue weights, but will not increase your tow rating. Please follow the towing specifications per your owner’s manual.
It is not required to rotate your snorkel intake head around while driving in the rain. The Safari Snorkel head is designed to drain any water that penetrates the intake head automatically.
All snorkels are inspected before shipping to ensure that the template is in the box. Please double check your carton as the templates are taped to the inside of the carton.
Although the Safari Snorkel prevents water ingestion into the vehicle’s intake system, the snorkel does not make an engine waterproof. Caution and preparation still must be taken when crossing deep water.
This will vary from model to model as access/drainage provisions have not been integrated into all application.
Most applications have been designed to allow fitment with factory bumper or an ARB bumper.
ARB UVP and recovery points are only manufactured in steel.
ARB does not include brackets with the awnings because every fitment may require a different style of bracket. ARB offers a universal “L” bracket and bracket set to be used with ARB Roof Racks (sold separately). For
ARB Roof Top Tents are universal. They can be fitted to any flat surface as long it’s capable of handling 170lbs of dynamic weight.
ARB Awnings are universal. With proper brackets (not included) the awning can be mounted to roof racks, cross bars, and flat surfaces.
Yes, ARB Fridge Freezers have been tested with name brand solar panel systems. Please contact the solar panel system manufacturer for a recommended system.
Amp draw depends on how often the compressor needs to run to maintain the set temperature. This will be determined by the ambient temperature, how often the fridge door is open, and the contents of the fridge. During optimal conditions, the ARB Fridge Freezer will draw under 1.5A to maintain the set temperature.
All ARB Fridge Freezers require a constant supply of 12v, 24v, or 110v to operate.
Most power outlets on newer vehicles do not offer a full 12.6 volt when off due to improper wiring gauge for the application. ARB Fridge Freezers use a low voltage cutoff that prevents the fridge from running if it detects a low voltage. This feature ensures the fridge freezer will prevent your starting battery from going completely flat. If your vehicle wiring is not adequate, ARB offers a stand-alone wiring harness (10900027) that is compatible with all ARB Fridge Freezers.