Trying to consolidate and compare my Automatic locker options here. (Yes I searched old posts) If a post like this has already been done, I must have missed it, so tell me I'm an idiot and post the link.

Again, these are auto lockers, not selectable. I'm not loaded here!

Aussie Locker/ Torq Masters:
https://offroadlockers.com/index.html
PowerTrax and Lockright
http://www.powertrax.com/
Tractech Detroit Locker and Detroit EZ Locker
http://www.tractech.com/Products.htm#ez

The ARB, E-locker, OX-Locker are all I can think of for the selectables, all $$$ when compared with the autos.

Who am I missing here?
Which of these are preferred for the front? for the rear?
Who are the best people to buy these from?

 

Most of it is a matter of choice. The ARB air locker is more money, but it allows you to turn the locker off which is good for icy conditions or if you don't want to feel the querks of an automatic locker. You could also look into retro-fitting the Toyota E-locker from the newer 4Runners and Tacomas. As for automatic lockers, it looks like you've covered the most popular, however, some of the Detroits require you to change out the entire carrier and not just the spider gears which takes a little more mechanical know-how ( the EZ Locker is a simple install). Other than that it is mainly up to you what your preferences are and what you hope to get out of a locker. All the ones you listed are full lockers so they will all perform relatively the same way, some are stronger than others, but breakage is not usually a big factor unless you really pound on your rig. For the front of your rig you can probably use what ever you want if you have manual locking hubs (which I assume you do) and for the rear it is a matter of choice once again.

 

hi adam. did you already see this? if so, sorry to repeat... https://www.yotatech.com/forums/show...manual+lockers

 

I just pu the Aussie in and I think it is great. The traction is remarkable. I have a 5speed which I understand makes it more quirky, but still not bad. Really tight corners and U turns are really the only times I noticed that it is on. I'll hear a little chirp, or if I get on it, it will squeal (Tires of course). I have yet to hear a sound as far as the mechanical click. The spring mechanism is softer than a lock rite or ez locker so it disengages very easily (probably why I don't hear any sounds). As fara s I can tell all of the claims on the Aussie site are correct. It is virtually silent, but it will change your driving habbits even still. I rode in a Lock rite equipped pickup and it seemed similar, the driver was very familiar with the unit and I am just learning to drive with a locker.

From what I have been told the Detroit softlocker uses some of the same principles of the aussie (lighter springs) but it replaces the whole carrier. If you're not ready to replace the carrier but want a well mannered locker...I highly recommend the Aussie.

 

OX doesn't make anything for toyotas.

 

i recently put a lock-right on the rear of mine. so far i have been out with it 5 times with no problems. best money spent by far. we'll see how long it survives with the 350 pushing it though. installation was a breeze also. i have heard some people say that the springs are hard to get into place. i didn't have any problems at all with the springs. i just used a small flat head and slipped them right into place.