What Are Off-Road Axle Lockers?

Off-road axle lockers are devices installed in a vehicle’s differential that force both wheels on an axle to turn at the same speed, regardless of traction differences. They're essential for off-roading because they prevent one wheel from spinning uselessly when it's in mud, air, or on a slick surface.

Why Lockers Matter Off-Road

Normally, a differential allows wheels to rotate at different speeds—great for turns on pavement but terrible in off-road conditions. If one wheel loses traction, all the power goes to it, and you’re stuck.

Lockers fix that by locking both wheels together, so they spin equally, even if one is on ice or in the air.

 

Types of Off-Road Lockers

Type	How It Works	Pros	Cons
Automatic Lockers (e.g. Detroit, Lunchbox)	Lock automatically when traction is lost	Simple, affordable, no driver input	Harsh on-road, clunky in turns
Selectable Lockers (e.g. ARB Air, OX, Eaton ELocker)	Driver turns them on-off (via air, cable, or electric)	Smooth on-road; full control; great for daily drivers	Expensive, complex install, more parts to fail
Limited Slip Differentials (LSD)	Transfers some power to both wheels, even if one slips	Good road manners; partial traction improvement	Not true lockers - less capable in extreme terrain

 

When Do You Need Lockers?

•    Rock crawling – To maintain traction with wheels off the ground.
•    Mud or snow – When one wheel bogs down or spins.
•    Uneven terrain – To prevent a single wheel from "stealing" all the power.

Front vs. Rear Lockers

•    Rear lockers: Most common and useful. Great upgrade for traction.
•    Front lockers: Add extra traction but may make steering harder when locked.
•    Both axles locked: Best for serious off-road builds (e.g., rock crawlers).

Key Considerations

•    Daily driver? Use selectable lockers for road comfort.
•    Budget build? Consider lunchbox lockers—cheap and effective.
•    Axle strength? Weak axles can break under full locker stress—upgrade accordingly.

 

Locker Types Overview

1.    Lunchbox Lockers (Lockright, Spartan, Aussie)

o    Pros: Affordable; easy backyard install; full traction on demand; auto-unlocks while turning.

o    Cons: Can overstress weak axle carriers; occasional wheel pull off-throttle; rough on-road behavior; may require ring gear removal and backlash adjustment during installation.

2.    Detroit Locker

o    Pros: Extremely strong; reliable full traction; unlocks during turns.

o    Cons: Harsh street manners; audible loading/unloading; repairs can be expensive; slower customer support.

3.    Auburn Locker

o    Pros: Switchable between limited-slip and full lock; good warranty and support.

o    Cons: Potential risk of inner gear splines being stripped when locked

4.    OX Locker

o    Pros: Rugged forged design; manual cable engagement allows control; durable.

o    Cons: Cable requires careful routing and upkeep; susceptible to heat damage; generally pricier.

5.    ARB Air Locker

o    Pros: Top-tier in-market locker; fast lock/unlock via air; maintains safe road behavior; extremely strong; excellent parts support.

o    Cons: Higher cost; professional installation recommended; air lines need good routing and protection.

 

Expert Tips & Considerations

•    Everyday Driving: Selectable lockers (ARB, Auburn, OX) are safer in snow and on pavement.
•    Axle Strength: Always match locker choice to axle carriers strong enough to avoid breakage.
•    Warranty & Support: ARB, Auburn, Lockright, and Aussie offer solid warranties
•    Installation Complexity: Some options may require special tools, backlash settings, or professional help.

 

Bottom Line

If budget and simplicity are key and off-road use dominates, lunchbox lockers are viable, but expect less refinement on pavement. If you're daily driving or need versatility, OX, Auburn, or ARB selectable lockers are better. Among them, ARB stands out as the most reliable, though it's the priciest and installation-intensive.