L300 front locking differential solution, $300!

[Growlerbearnz]

Ok, so the subject of this post might be a bit clickbaitey. But read on, you might be able to help:

There's this Aussie company called Lokka who make automatic locking differential inserts for various vehicles. Easy to install, fairly simple and reliable, and they sell for about US$300.

They've been promising one for the L300's 7.5" front differential since 2012, but they only put things into production when they get a lot of interest.

If you'd like an automatic locker for your front differential, head over to their website http://lokka.com/site/ and request one (look up Mitsubishi Delica L300 (global) and hit "buy now" on the front locker listing ("to be released 2015" it says.) That'll put you on the enquiry list- and if they see enough interest, maybe they'll actually make some.

-----------
update email from Lokka:

Hi Grant,
It is one they are working on at the moment, should be available in about 3 months or so. Website says 2015 as the boss hasn't updated it yet...
Cheers
JD

[lrp374]

This looks like an interesting product. I've read their explanation but I'm not sure how they are mounted and what is involved with installation. Do you have one of your short 'real-world' explanations?

[Growlerbearnz]

They're fairly simple, and installation isn't too tricky either. Here's your existing open differential:

opendiff.jpg (230.66 KiB) Viewed 8645 times

Some basics first: The ring gear drives the differential case with cross pin, the cross pin pushes the pinion gears. The pinion gears drive the side gears, and the side gears drive your axle shafts (the side gears are separate from the differential case- free to rotate independently) .

Though the cross pin is applying power all the time, the pinion and side gears together allow the axle shafts to turn at different speeds, like when you're cornering. Normally this is a good thing. However if one wheel lifts off the ground (or has less traction) the gears allow that wheel to spin as fast as it can, while the wheel with traction receives no power at all- turning your 4WD into a 2WD just when you need 4WD the most.

A Lokka replaces the pinion and side gears like so:

lokka.jpg (99.51 KiB) Viewed 8645 times

The cross pin still drives everything, but the gears have been replaced with a block of metal with some springs and interlocking serrated faces. The gap in the middle is held apart by light springs. In normal use, the serrated faces mesh together and lock the two axle shafts (in the photo the left side is meshed, the right side is unmeshed). The serrated teeth are actually slightly tapered, so when one wheel is being pushed faster than the other (like when you're going around a corner) the teeth un-mesh and allow the axle to slip one tooth. When under power, the cross pin is pushing on the two metal blocks, overcoming the light springs, and forcing them to stay locked. That way you get differential action when you need it, and 4WD at all other times.

The locking action can make steering a bit heavier when in 4WD- people with large tyres (33" or so) notice it more- but in 2WD with the hubs unlocked it makes absolutely no difference.

Installation is straightforward: remove differential (marking everything for correct reassembly), remove cross pin, replace gears with Lokka, reassemble.

As long as you haven't mixed up the bearings or spacers, your differential setup will not have changed. The Lokka is designed to work with standard size thrust washers- during installation you're supposed to check the clearance with a feeler gauge, and if it's out of spec you'll have to replace your thrust washers. This should only be an issue with a rear differential, as our front diffs shouldn't see enough use or power to have worn out.

More detailed, installation instructions here: http://www.aussielocker.com/downloads/a ... manual.pdf (the Aussie Locker is the US marketing name for a Lokka)

[lrp374]

Thanks for the explanation Growler that makes good sense. I couldn't figure out where you put it. I'm now on their list and even got an Email back to tell me so!! Hopefully enough people ask for it so it really happens.

[thelazygreenfox]

Growler
Lokka claims to have a unit in stock to fit the L400 space gear front diff. Yup same price. Sounds too good to believe. Unfortunately they don't have any rear diff units. I have an LSD rear diff in my 1999 L400 and would love a Lokka in the rear rather than the front or both.

Not that I don't believe them but what delica diff specs would I need to discuss with Lokka? I didn't see any mention of a Lokka in an L400 front or rear. Hopefully the aussie site can shed some light on this.

Can you explain a delica LSD rear diff dissasembly from start to finish. Removal from the van is no problem but dis and reassembly are new to me. It's one Item I haven't yet worked on. Do you need a dial guage?
thanks
wayne
TLWF

[Growlerbearnz]

I'm a tiny bit confused here: "Lokka claims to have a unit in stock to fit the L400 space gear front diff" but later "I didn't see any mention of a Lokka in an L400 front or rear". L400 space gear is Australian for L400, so they're the same thing. I think you've fond the correct Lokka for your front diff.

Your'e also right about no Lokka being available for the rear of an L400. I don't see Lokkas made for the rear of *any* Mitsubishis, probably because Pajeros came with LSD or optional factory rear locking diffs, and there are plenty of aftermarket options out there already. I think Lokka are going for the markets with the most sales potential.

I can't see an argument for swapping out a rear LSD while leaving the front as an open diff- what are you trying to achieve? Lokkas are intended to improve traction off-road, and an open front diff is the weak link. Locking the front diff will more than double your traction, but switching the LSD would only improve it a little. If your LSD is worn out and slips too much, a transmission specialist should be able to re-shim it and tighten it up.

I'm not hugely familiar with L400 rear axles, there must be a workshop manual somewhere though? An LSD rear axle comes apart the same way an open diff axle does, the only difference is the differential carrier itself- but it's removed the same way.

[thelazygreenfox]

Thanks Growler

'm a tiny bit confused here: "Lokka claims to have a unit in stock to fit the L400 space gear front diff" but later "I didn't see any mention of a Lokka in an L400 front or rear"

There's nothing specifically in the Lokka testimonials about Delicas.

The aussie delica site has a few mentions of the Lokka but some confusion exists there. Lokka may fit only a few of the delica front diffs. Apparently the L400 has a few different front diffs , depending on diesel, gas or LWB models. There's KN4 and KN5 diffs with different size carriers and number of splines.

As long as I keep all 4 wheels on the ground 4 wheel drive and an LSD rear diff are enough traction. Lokka is a real plus when a wheel lifts or spins.

talk to ya later.
TLWF

[Mr. Flibble]

A Lokka is a really good thing to have in Australia - not so much in Canada.

The problem is that the default position is "locked" until a force unlocks it.

This means that it may not unlock on snow or ice, and you have problems with steering control.

[thelazygreenfox]

Ohhh! That's interesting!
So if I was turning on snow, ice or even sand there would be tremendous resistance to turning and the deli would want to steer straight.
There was a warning on the aussie site about that. I paid no attention to it cuz I didn't understand what that meant.

It's time to rethink this idea.
thanks
TLWF

[Growlerbearnz]

True- snow and ice aren't really an issue down under. If it snows- stay inside until it melts.

A Lokka probably isn't as useful on an L400 with its centre differential and AWD ability- as Mr Flibble points out, if you have an L400 in 4WD for everyday use you'll notice the steering issue more. Still no change in 2WD though.

On an L300 though, with no centre differential and 4WD only really usable off road, it would make more sense. If you drive around on the road in 4WD because it's snowing- maybe not such a good idea.

[Growlerbearnz]

There's nothing specifically in the Lokka testimonials about Delicas.

The aussie delica site has a few mentions of the Lokka but some confusion exists there.

Most likely. Australia tend to get vehicles in odd specifications, and ex-japan models are kind of rare. They could have anything I'm not particularly familiar with L400s myself- you'd have to decide if a Lokka is appropriate for your L400 and the way you use it.

L300 4WDs, on the other hand, are easy. All front diffs same.

[lrp374]

I talked to my local 4x4 guru yesterday about these lockers and he says within certain limits they are great. His solution to the always locked condition is that if you want to drive around on snowy roads in 4x4 only lock in 1 hub then the locker has no effect and you have about as much 4x4 as if it wasn't there. Now all we need is to get some made!!

[lrp374]

I just got an Email that the LOKKA will be available in about 2 weeks. The initial offering for those of us who sent in an inquiry will be $289 US delivered and after the initial group they say the price will be $ 389 US. Thanks again Growlerbearnz for the heads up.

Larry

[Growlerbearnz]

I got that email too. Neat! and finally, after 4 years of "we're putting that into production soon".

They're going to need your model code rather than your chassis number, unless they've figured out how to look it up themselves. Model code is on the build plate below the driver's seat- mine is Q-P25W SRPT1

[lrp374]

They are happy with the info I sent and probably happier with the PayPal. Now we wait!!