On rough terrain, it’s not your engine power but your traction that determines whether you make progress. An air locker forces both wheels on an axle to turn at the same speed, so you’ll never get stuck again with one wheel spinning freely. In this category, part of powertrain & axles, you’ll find pneumatic ARB air lockers and matching differential locks for models including the Nissan Patrol Y60/Y61, Pickup and Terrano II.
A standard open differential sends power to the wheel offering the least resistance: precisely the wheel that is already spinning. An air locker locks the axle at the touch of a button, ensuring both wheels receive an equal share of power. This allows you to maintain grip in mud, sand, snow or over rocks, without having to drive with a permanently locked differential, as is the case with a mechanical lock. For serious off-roading in a Nissan Patrol or similar 4x4, this is often the most effective traction upgrade you can make – more effective than wider tyres or an extra centimetre of ground clearance on their own.
The ARB Air Locker is the best-known and most reliable solution in this category, available for both the front and rear axles. If you fit both, you’ll have complete control over traction at all times. If you’re unsure whether to start with the front or the rear: a rear-axle locker usually provides the most immediate improvement in traction, whilst a front-axle locker becomes indispensable as soon as the terrain gets really tough. See also the related Axles & drivetrain components, so that the rest of the drivetrain can cope with the additional load placed on it by a locked axle.
As well as complete air lockers, you’ll also find HZ33 differential parts and reconditioning kits here, for both locked and standard versions, for the front and rear axles. This is handy if you want to overhaul an existing differential, upgrade to an air locker, or simply carry out preventative maintenance before something seizes up or starts leaking whilst on the road. If you’re planning to do the work yourself, you’ll find workshop & assembly the right tools and fittings to get the job done properly.
An air locker only works if there is sufficient air pressure behind it. Therefore, please also check compressors & air systems for a compressor that reliably controls your lockers. For the best results off-road, you should tailor the rest of the car to this: coarser tyres make the most of the extra traction, and a well-tuned Suspension & shock absorption ensures that your wheels maintain contact with the ground on uneven terrain.
An air differential lock is ideal if you want to switch quickly between normal driving and maximum traction, for example in mud, loose sand or over rocks. A mechanical differential lock operates automatically and requires no input from the driver, but is less flexible on the road. For the Nissan Patrol Y60/Y61 and similar 4x4 models, the choice often depends on the type of terrain you drive on most frequently.
Are you unsure which air locker or differential set is suitable for your Nissan Patrol or other 4x4? Our team will be happy to help you choose the right combination, tailored to your drivetrain and the terrain you drive on.
