i am looking to get an arb locker installed in my runner. anyone know of any shop that would/could do this type of installation in the southeast virginia area?

In my opinion DIY.....just to gain knowledge .I have done one at it is not that difficult.There are alot of good how to write-ups on it.
If you want to take it in just call around to ring and pinion shops...plan on spending the at least 500.00 on the install.
Get ahold of local off-road shops for suggestions where to take it.....they may have a shop they deal with regularly or do in house

i have neither the time nor the confidence to do it myself. large mechanical projects such as this typically go awry in my experience.

i contacted the two largest off-road places around here (the ones that do monster lifts) and asked if they do installs or if they can recommend someone who could and both shops said that aftermarket air lockers are crap and that i am just looking for trouble if i get one installed. needless to say, i did not get a recommendation.

I am not sure what you will be running it in.....I personally would not run one either.Have you checked into a factory e-locker?Alot of them are selling complete 3rd's already set up,just need to have electrical done.

I dont run selectable because I am not on the street very often.If I ever do it would be an e-locker or cable(ox locker).The air lines are too easy to damage(heat,cuts).One little cut in the line and you loose your locker since it needs constant pressure to be locked.

BTW I run Detroit lockers f/r

Check out Iron Pig Offroad.

Sorry, cant suggest a place to do the install, but I would back you up on a decission to get an airlocker. They are a fantastic locker. Extremely strong and reliable. As far as getting cuts and heat damage to the air line, unless you run the line along your exhaust pipe and drive though a field of razor blades, thats just not going to happen. The only remote chance of damage is getting the line snagged on something like tree branches if you drive over a fallen tree. Most shops will run the air line parallel with your fuel and brake lines since they are positioned to avoid the chance of damage. ARB sells a heavy duty air line kit if you plan on extreme wheeling.
Also, unless you have the right tools (torque wrench, dial indicator, tooth contact dye, bearing pullers, bench press, tap and die set etc) and some automotive mechanical experience, I would not reccomend trying the install yourself.

techno: Man, do you have any pics of your Patrol? Those things are so sick! I had never really heard of them until I went to Panama last summer on a surf trip and there were some really bad ass patrols there! Id like to see it

This is getting a bit off-topic but here it is...
'77 G60 Patrol, 5.7lt V8 dual fuel, 5 speed, rear air locker, MQ front discs, 33 BFGs, Landcruiser rear leafs with Defender long travel shocks, custom front suspension, 50mm body lift and some other stuff....

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Pretty cool....

INdeed!
And sorry for the offtopic interjections! good luck with the air locker, I cant wait to be looking for an installer myself.
Is there a 4wheel parts near you? Def not the cheapest but prob reliable

fredricksburg isn't too bad, only three hours away.

I would support you on air locker also. They are in very well built and can be rebuilt if you ever do have a problem. Also on the plastic vs. heavy duty stainless lines. I would say go with the plastic. If you do have a problem with the plastic such as a cut or melt, you can easily cut out the affected piece and patch in a new piece with there patch kit on trail and do as often as needed. On a stainless line, if you have a problem, you cant field repair it.

Also, if you wanna just remove the entire third you can ship it to ZUK's in AZ. http://www.gearinstalls.com/ He is a guru when it comes to totota thirds and lockers/gear. You can ship him your third and he will build to your specs and ship back to you. Just an option.

good luck

Lance does real good work, but I think there may be a shop down near the beach. You down that way?

20 minutes from the beach- what is the place called?

There is Production Off Road, off VA Beach Blvd near Oceana Blvd. I spoke to someone there about a year ago (just inquiring about a lift and locker intall). He told me he had a guy there that worked with gears and lockers. I never pursued it further, but that might be an option for you.