41 - Everything you want to know at diffs, lockers and eLockers with Heath Moore

12/10/18 • 35 min

4x4 Earth - The 4WD, Camping, Fishing and Outdoors podcast.

The difference between air lockers and eLockers is one of the most popular discussion points on the 4x4earth forum, so we decided to get an expert in to discuss the difference.

Heath is the General Manager at Harrop Engineering. He drives a Harrop Superado, an Holden Colorado with an upgunned V8 Harrop supercharger engine.

Harrop was started in 1955 by Len Harrop in the northern suburbs of Melbourne. His son had the Harrop Howler, a very fast quarter miler. Heath talks about how Harrop has transitioned about from supporting the Australian vehicle manufacturing industry to exporting components for vehicles like the Toyota Tundra.

We discuss what exactly an eLocker is and how it works with the diff. Heath talks about how the eLocker passes the 300,000 km durability testing. Originally developed by Eaton for the military, the eLocker is designed for reliability and durability. An electromagnet is actuated to engage the diff locking mechanism.

Harrop has developed a range of 4 pinion designs for a large range of vehicles. The gears, splines and internal housings are manufactured in Australia.

We talk about what kinds of driving conditions and tracks you would use a selectable locker for. We also talk about the difference between front and rear lockers and when you would choose either.

We discuss the next innovations for Harrop, like the PX3.

How hard is an eLocker to fit? We look at whether it is a DIY solution or if it should be fitted professionally.

A great Aussie manufacturing story with some great innovation and big export wins.

Join the conversation about the 4x4earth podcast on the 4x4earth forum. www.4x4earth.com is Australia's largest free and independent 4 wheel driving website with over 200,000 visits per month.

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The difference between air lockers and eLockers is one of the most popular discussion points on the 4x4earth forum, so we decided to get an expert in to discuss the difference.

Heath is the General Manager at Harrop Engineering. He drives a Harrop Superado, an Holden Colorado with an upgunned V8 Harrop supercharger engine.

Harrop has developed a range of 4 pinion designs for a large range of vehicles. The gears, splines and internal housings are manufactured in Australia.

We talk about what kinds of driving conditions and tracks you would use a selectable locker for. We also talk about the difference between front and rear lockers and when you would choose either.

We discuss the next innovations for Harrop, like the PX3.

How hard is an eLocker to fit? We look at whether it is a DIY solution or if it should be fitted professionally.

A great Aussie manufacturing story with some great innovation and big export wins.

Join the conversation about the 4x4earth podcast on the 4x4earth forum. www.4x4earth.com is Australia's largest free and independent 4 wheel driving website with over 200,000 visits per month.

Previous Episode

40 - 4WD Q+A with Robert Pepper

We discuss with Robert Pepper the new towing laws that are being bought in. How do the GCM and GVM impact the caravan towers?

We talk about one of the things that Russell Coight did on one of his episodes. Should you use a tow ball for snatching? Russell did. What could possibly go wrong?

Should you put nitrogen in your tyres?

What about snatchblocks?

Where is the new 4WD design concepts going?

We discuss the new Mercedes Utes and the Suzuki Jimny and the Wrangler. Are the older vehicles going to become classics becasue of the way that they drive?

Join the conversation about the 4x4earth podcast on the 4x4earth forum. www.4x4earth.com is Australia's largest free and independent 4 wheel driving website with over 200,000 visits per month.

Next Episode

42 - Pete Milosavleski and the design process for the 2020 Jeep Gladiator

Pete has been working as the Chief Engineer on the Jeep Gladiator. Pete has a great job, as an engineer for Jeep, working on some of the most iconic 4WDs of all time.

We talk about the history of Jeep trucks and what the reasoning was behind creating a new Jeep truck now.

Where did the Jeep Gladiator come from?

When then start to talk about the engineering process that lead to the Jeep Gladiator, looking at the issues that needed to be managed by putting the 5 foot box at the back of the truck. How do you maintain the approach and departure angles for the vehicle.

Jeep has worked to maintain offroad capacity whilst creating a great on road performance.

What engines will be available when the Gladiator comes out? How will it compare with the global trend that we are seeing in vehicle like the Nissan Patrol with less power?

We talk about the front facing camera designed specifically for drivers to be able to pick the line a lot better as they will be able to see where the wheels are going on the track.

We talk about availability and most importantly when it will be available in Australia.

With Australia's love of 4WD utes, the 2020 Jeep Gladiator is probably going to be one of the hottest new vehicles available in the Australian market.

Join the conversation about the 4x4earth podcast on the 4x4earth forum. www.4x4earth.com is Australia's largest free and independent 4 wheel driving website with over 200,000 visits per month.