Available to Order
Not sure which one? Ask us to confirm fitment first →For UK customers, prices include VAT, customs and delivery unless checkout states otherwise. Outside the UK, shipping is shown at checkout and local customs and taxes remain your responsibility.
Some products are made to order, imported or custom built. If timing matters, contact us before ordering and we will confirm the expected delivery timeframe.
Send the vehicle, engine and current setup if you want us to confirm the exact application before checkout.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Brand | ARB |
| Manufacturer part number | RD159 |
| SKU | XADLRD159 |
| Differential / axle | Nissan M226 rear, 12-bolt ring gear |
| Vehicle application | Matching Navara D40 / Frontier / Xterra M226 rear applications |
| Axle shafts | 32 spline |
| Gear ratio | All supported ratios |
| Operation | Selectable air-operated locking; open differential when disengaged |
| Supplied unit | One Air Locker differential assembly |
| Carrier bearings | Carrier bearings are selected separately for the installation. |
| Ring-gear outside diameter | 226 mm |
| Ring-gear inside diameter | 141.3 mm |
| Ring-gear mounting | 12 bolts on 168.3 mm bolt circle |
| Air supply | Compatible onboard air supply required; compressor purchased separately |
Get more from your Nissan's rear axle on rough ground
When a rear wheel loses grip, extra throttle is not always the answer. The RD159 gives your matching Nissan M226 axle selectable locking, allowing both rear wheels to turn together for the section that needs it. This is the 32-spline carrier with a 12-bolt ring-gear pattern.
SKU: XADLRD159
On uneven ground, an open differential can let one wheel spin while the other has grip available. Engaging the Air Locker makes both wheels on that axle turn at the same speed, helping you tackle the section with controlled progress. Tyres and terrain still determine the grip available; the locker helps you use it.
RD159 is for the 12-bolt M226 ring gear. RD149 serves the 10-bolt version. Both use 32-spline shafts, so the bolt pattern is an essential part of choosing the correct locker for your Navara, Frontier or Xterra.
Disengaged, it operates as an open differential so the wheels can turn at different speeds in a corner. Engage it before a difficult low-traction section, with the wheels turning at the same speed. Switch it off when normal differential action is needed, particularly on firm surfaces or tight turns.
The ARB CKMA12 single onboard compressor can operate one or two correctly installed Air Lockers. Add the ARB pump-up hose kit if you also want to inflate your tyres with it. The compressor and inflation kit are separate purchases.
If you regularly air down for trails, the ARB CKMTA12 twin onboard compressor offers more airflow for tyre inflation. Its Air Locker connection uses the separate 171503 manifold kit. Choose the twin for the extra inflation capability; the CKMA12 already has capacity for two lockers.
A differential specialist sets the bearing preload, gear backlash and air sealing together, so your locker and existing gearset run correctly. Carrier bearings are selected separately for the installation. The air line is routed clear of heat and moving parts, then the locking operation is checked before the vehicle returns to use.
For UK customers, prices include VAT, customs and delivery unless checkout states otherwise. For customers outside the UK, local customs and taxes remain your responsibility, and shipping is shown at checkout. If a shipping option is not available, email us and we will prepare a tailored quote.
Many of the products we sell are made to order, imported or custom built, so a lead time may apply. If you need a part urgently, contact us before ordering and we will confirm the expected delivery timeframe and process.
When one wheel would otherwise spin, engaging the locker lets both wheels on that axle turn together. That helps the wheel with grip contribute to your progress on loose climbs, ruts and uneven tracks.
Switched off, it works as an open differential for normal cornering. Keep it disengaged on firm surfaces where the tyres cannot slip.
Nissan M226 rear, 12-bolt ring gear with 32-spline shafts. Match the full axle and ring-gear specification above, including any bearing or shaft-retention requirements.
No. The CKMA12 single onboard compressor can operate one or two correctly installed Air Lockers. The CKMTA12 twin is a useful upgrade if you also want more airflow for tyre inflation; use its separate 171503 manifold for locker connections.
One RD159 Air Locker differential assembly. The compressor is separate. Carrier bearings are selected separately for the installation.
The installation includes bearing preload, gear backlash, air sealing and engagement checks. We recommend a differential specialist so the locker and your gearset are set up together.
Model year, engine, drivetrain, hardware and existing modifications can all change what fits. Check the applications and supplier notes above, or send us your exact vehicle and setup before ordering.
Send us your vehicle, year, current setup and any fitting date, event, trip or deadline before ordering. We will help check fitment, product choice and timing.
