2022 front locker choice

[bigdaddy2021]

What's your choice for front locker?

ARB or Harrop/Eaton E-locker.

EDIT: I posted this below, but I thought I'd copy it here with some new info on install pricing from a good shop here in SoCal.

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I appreciate all the replies so far. Great to have the different opinions. If you've seen my tech posts, you know how much research I do, before pulling the trigger on big purchases. Predictably, i've listed some of the info I found:

ARB air locker ARB-RD111 or ARB-RD121
Street price - about $1100

SDHQ off-road: Toyota 4Runner ARB Air Locking Front Differential
Poly Performance: Just a moment...

Install cost?: $1400.00 for labor
$300-400 for compressor kit

Warranty: 5 year unlimited miles

Snippet:
We warrant to You that:The ARB Product is free from defects in workmanship and materials for the Warranty Period.
EXCLUSIONS
Our warranty does not cover:
(a) normal wear and tear;
(b) fitting of the ARB Product other than in accordance with the Product Information and all relevant vehicle safety and compliance laws, including incorrect fitting;
(c) using the ARB Product other than for the purpose for which it was originally designed or other than in accordance with the Product Information and all relevant vehicle safety and compliance laws, including unusual, improper or negligent use or misuse or overloading;
(d) misuse or neglect of the ARB Product, including improper repair or maintenance or failing to repair and maintain;
(e) alteration, abuse, acts of nature, terrorism, vandalism, collision, road hazards or adverse conditions;
(f) formal or informal competitive events, such as racing, rallying, hill climbing, speed trials or similar activities; and/or
(g) using the ARB Product in underground mining or other highly corrosive environments.

Warranty | ARB 4x4 Accessories USA

********************************************************************

Eaton E-locker Model 14219-1

Street Price- about $1300-1400

East Coast Gear Supply: 14219-1 - T8CS Harrop Elocker
4Wheelparts: Just a moment...

Install cost?: $1100 for labor

Warranty:1 year warranty

Snippet:
Eaton expressly warrants each Eaton differential or differential part to be free from defects in materials and workmanship for a period of 12 months from the date of initial retail purchase when used on private passenger cars and light trucks under normal conditions.
Eaton’s obligation under this warranty is limited to replacement of the worn-out or defective product in accordance with this warranty. Cost of removal and installation are not included and any incidental and consequential damages are excluded under this warranty, regardless of when the failure occurs. This warranty has no cash value. This warranty does not apply to products that have been modified improperly, applied or installed on vehicles used for commercial or racing purposes.

https://www.eaton.com/content/dam/e...on-control/eaton-differential-warranty-en.pdf

 

[mrblah]

I went with ARB, mainly because i already have a compressor installed under the hood.

If i had to do it again, i'd go with a E-locker. Less moving parts, less things that can go wrong.

I havent had issues with the ARB locker, but i have had to replace pressure switch, and relay's on the ARB compressor every few years due to heat (not hard to do but it is annoying). It's enough of a PITA that i carry spares with me.

 

[Jeremy556]

I've been running a front ARB for about 220K miles and use it all the time. Still on original seals and haven't done anything to it. Knock on wood.

In theory, I like an e-locker for simplicity and reliability, but in practice, I have had a lot less trouble with my ARB than the factory rear e-locker. The instant on/off is way better than the e-locker as well. The e-locker just won't engage when you need it to. Usually have to shift into neutral and roll backwards and turn side to side to unload the rear diff enough to get it to engage on a hill or obstacle.

 

[Xtremluck]

As a data point I am running an Eaton E-locker in the rear (I have a SR5) and I use it constantly, engagement is near instant and always reliable even in reverse. To the OP they now make an official Eaton front locker for 5th gens, check out their catalog for the part #. I plan on installing one later this year.

 

[Xtremluck]

Also, to your point about fear of breakage once you lock the front. I think the reality is that you are more likely to toast a CV in a shock load situation. So for trickier trails it probably wouldnt be a bad idea to carry a spare CV with you.

 

[Grug556]

Also, to your point about fear of breakage once you lock the front. I think the reality is that you are more likely to toast a CV in a shock load situation. So for trickier trails it probably wouldnt be a bad idea to carry a spare CV with you.

anybody done an Eaton locker on front and rear on a limited? Would like 3 lockers.

 

[bigdaddy2021]

I went with ARB, mainly because i already have a compressor installed under the hood.

If i had to do it again, i'd go with a E-locker. Less moving parts, less things that can go wrong.

I havent had issues with the ARB locker, but i have had to replace pressure switch, and relay's on the ARB compressor every few years due to heat (not hard to do but it is annoying). It's enough of a PITA that i carry spares with me.

I've heard about others having issues with the compressor riding under the hood. That heat/vibration do a number on them. Wonder if another mounting location would improve/lengthen that replacement cycle.

 

[MAST4R]

I have not felt the need for a front locker but I also don't do hardcore trails. The e-locker does indeed need engagement ahead of where it may be needed or it would not engage.

 

[Xtremluck]

I have not felt the need for a front locker but I also don't do hardcore trails. The e-locker does indeed need engagement ahead of where it may be needed or it would not engage.

People always say this and I think it may be true for the OEM locker but that hasn’t been my experience with my Eaton. Engagement is almost instant.

In fact I did a pretty technical trail this weekend and purposely left my locker off on multiple rock gardens to get stuck with only ATRAC on. Flipped on the rear locker and I was able to get out easily. Best practice is to have it engaged before entering technical bits but I was experimenting.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Xtremluck]

I've heard about others having issues with the compressor riding under the hood. That heat/vibration do a number on them. Wonder if another mounting location would improve/lengthen that replacement cycle.

I’ve had my twin air compressor mounted in my truck near the passenger side rear portion of the engine bay for almost 5 yrs with no issue. It’s one of the hottest places in the bay and I frequent triple digit places.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[bigdaddy2021]

People always say this and I think it may be true for the OEM locker but that hasn’t been my experience with my Eaton. Engagement is almost instant.

In fact I did a pretty technical trail this weekend and purposely left my locker off on multiple rock gardens to get stuck with only ATRAC on. Flipped on the rear locker and I was able to get out easily. Best practice is to have it engaged before entering technical bits but I was experimenting.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Great picture. What trail?

We went all over Moab using our OEM rear E-locker and honestly never had an issue with traction. We're going to be stepping up the difficulty a bit with trail's we'd like to run in Big Bear and Arizona, so definitely considering all options for our front diff.

I appreciate the info on your Eaton - glad to hear it's been working well.

 

[Xtremluck]

Great picture. What trail?

We went all over Moab using our OEM rear E-locker and honestly never had an issue with traction. We're going to be stepping up the difficulty a bit with trail's we'd like to run in Big Bear and Arizona, so definitely considering all options for our front diff.

I appreciate the info on your Eaton - glad to hear it's been working well.

This is Deer Valley 4x4 trail about an hour south of Lake Tahoe. I did that trail, Corral Hollow and a portion of Slick Rock over the weekend. Fun times!

 

[bigdaddy2021]

I appreciate all the replies so far. Great to have the different opinions. If you've seen my tech posts, you know how much research I do, before pulling the trigger on big purchases. Predictably, i've listed some of the info I found:

ARB air locker ARB-RD111 or ARB-RD121
Street price - about $1100

SDHQ off-road: Toyota 4Runner ARB Air Locking Front Differential
Poly Performance: Just a moment...

Install cost?: Anyone have info on this?

Warranty: 5 year unlimited miles

Snippet:
We warrant to You that:The ARB Product is free from defects in workmanship and materials for the Warranty Period.
EXCLUSIONS
Our warranty does not cover:
(a) normal wear and tear;
(b) fitting of the ARB Product other than in accordance with the Product Information and all relevant vehicle safety and compliance laws, including incorrect fitting;
(c) using the ARB Product other than for the purpose for which it was originally designed or other than in accordance with the Product Information and all relevant vehicle safety and compliance laws, including unusual, improper or negligent use or misuse or overloading;
(d) misuse or neglect of the ARB Product, including improper repair or maintenance or failing to repair and maintain;
(e) alteration, abuse, acts of nature, terrorism, vandalism, collision, road hazards or adverse conditions;
(f) formal or informal competitive events, such as racing, rallying, hill climbing, speed trials or similar activities; and/or
(g) using the ARB Product in underground mining or other highly corrosive environments.

Warranty | ARB 4x4 Accessories USA

********************************************************************

Eaton E-locker Model 14219-1

Street Price- about $1300-1400

East Coast Gear Supply: 14219-1 - T8CS Harrop Elocker
4Wheelparts: Just a moment...

Install cost?: Anyone have info on this?

Warranty:1 year warranty

Snippet:
Eaton expressly warrants each Eaton differential or differential part to be free from defects in materials and workmanship for a period of 12 months from the date of initial retail purchase when used on private passenger cars and light trucks under normal conditions.
Eaton’s obligation under this warranty is limited to replacement of the worn-out or defective product in accordance with this warranty. Cost of removal and installation are not included and any incidental and consequential damages are excluded under this warranty, regardless of when the failure occurs. This warranty has no cash value. This warranty does not apply to products that have been modified improperly, applied or installed on vehicles used for commercial or racing purposes.

https://www.eaton.com/content/dam/e...on-control/eaton-differential-warranty-en.pdf

 

[Humble Leader]

I’ve had my twin air compressor mounted in my truck near the passenger side rear portion of the engine bay for almost 5 yrs with no issue. It’s one of the hottest places in the bay and I frequent triple digit places.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

do you use the compressor for airing up only or for lockers too? If you're using the compressor for air and the hood is open to connect the line you likely won't have any issues.

as far as vibration - if you have a solid mounting solution vibration shouldn't be an issue either.

I did some research previously because I thought about installing a rear locker on my limited. I decided it would be an E locker if/when I'm ready to get the work done, so add that to the E locker vote count

 

[Xtremluck]

do you use the compressor for airing up only or for lockers too? If you're using the compressor for air and the hood is open to connect the line you likely won't have any issues.

as far as vibration - if you have a solid mounting solution vibration shouldn't be an issue either.

I did some research previously because I thought about installing a rear locker on my limited. I decided it would be an E locker if/when I'm ready to get the work done, so add that to the E locker vote count

I only use it for airing up. My compressor mount did damage one of the fixture points on the fender wall though It eventually cracked and completely detached since the wall has the thickness of a soda can. The other two mounts seem to be holding it fine though.

 

[Xtremluck]

I appreciate all the replies so far. Great to have the different opinions. If you've seen my tech posts, you know how much research I do, before pulling the trigger on big purchases. Predictably, i've listed some of the info I found:

ARB air locker ARB-RD111 or ARB-RD121
Street price - about $1100

SDHQ off-road: Toyota 4Runner ARB Air Locking Front Differential
Poly Performance: Just a moment...

Install cost?: Anyone have info on this?

Warranty: 5 year unlimited miles

Snippet:
We warrant to You that:The ARB Product is free from defects in workmanship and materials for the Warranty Period.
EXCLUSIONS
Our warranty does not cover:
(a) normal wear and tear;
(b) fitting of the ARB Product other than in accordance with the Product Information and all relevant vehicle safety and compliance laws, including incorrect fitting;
(c) using the ARB Product other than for the purpose for which it was originally designed or other than in accordance with the Product Information and all relevant vehicle safety and compliance laws, including unusual, improper or negligent use or misuse or overloading;
(d) misuse or neglect of the ARB Product, including improper repair or maintenance or failing to repair and maintain;
(e) alteration, abuse, acts of nature, terrorism, vandalism, collision, road hazards or adverse conditions;
(f) formal or informal competitive events, such as racing, rallying, hill climbing, speed trials or similar activities; and/or
(g) using the ARB Product in underground mining or other highly corrosive environments.

Warranty | ARB 4x4 Accessories USA

********************************************************************

Eaton E-locker Model 14219-1

Street Price- about $1300-1400

East Coast Gear Supply: 14219-1 - T8CS Harrop Elocker
4Wheelparts: Just a moment...

Install cost?: Anyone have info on this?

Warranty:1 year warranty

Snippet:
Eaton expressly warrants each Eaton differential or differential part to be free from defects in materials and workmanship for a period of 12 months from the date of initial retail purchase when used on private passenger cars and light trucks under normal conditions.
Eaton’s obligation under this warranty is limited to replacement of the worn-out or defective product in accordance with this warranty. Cost of removal and installation are not included and any incidental and consequential damages are excluded under this warranty, regardless of when the failure occurs. This warranty has no cash value. This warranty does not apply to products that have been modified improperly, applied or installed on vehicles used for commercial or racing purposes.

https://www.eaton.com/content/dam/e...on-control/eaton-differential-warranty-en.pdf

Wow those Eaton prices definitely went up. I would personally vote e-locker for less maintenance. Everyone I know who runs ARB air lockers have had problems with seals. The engagement is instant though so if I had a dedicated rock crawler that would be my choice.

Install costs are going to be relatively high I would imagine. At least the same or more than the locker itself. Lucky for you I wrote a DIY article when I installed my rear locker here: https://trail4runner.com/2021/06/16/eaton-rear-e-locker-install-on-5th-gen-4runner/

The front should actually be relatively easier. Since you don't have to mess with carrier shims and CVs are pretty easy to pull.

 

[Humble Leader]

I only use it for airing up. My compressor mount did damage one of the fixture points on the fender wall though It eventually cracked and completely detached since the wall has the thickness of a soda can. The other two mounts seem to be holding it fine though.

damn what mount did you use? I ordered a slee that bolts in the fender well in the 2 factory m8 holes and also on the two threaded m6 weld nuts by the fuse box on the drivers side, so 4 attachment points. I'm hoping it holds up

 

[mrblah]

not all compressor mounts are created equal. Half of the mounts people use are utter shit.

I went from a fender mount on driver side (behind fuse box) and there was too much vibration, because the mount had 2 detachable elevated leg that would loosen over time after every offroad trip, and tightening those bolts was a bear once a compressor was installed (it took hours just to tighten those bolts). Also, those legs connect to super thin sheet metal. I blew a pressure switch in this location (not sure why).

When, i went to install my lockers, i had no room to add the solenoids (due to accessory/light panel) and I had no access to the firewall plug (to run the locker switches into the cab). Then i realize the whole setup was utter shit, cuz i would have to disassemble everything just to run switches, or add wiring to the accessory panel, or to replace a fuse in the fuse box.

After this, i started searching for 1 piece mounts (no moving parts/nothing to loosen over time) for ease of maintenance, more room for locker solenoids, and less vibration, and have access to the firewall plug. I also wanted to separate the compressor from my electrical accessory panel (create more space). I settled on the shrockworks mount. Moved it to the rear passenger firewall area. Lots of room to replace relays, pressure switches, add locker solenoids, etc. I started blowing relays in this location (mainly because i was zip tying them to random things). I didn't know the shrockworks mount had a built in relay holder....BUAHAHAHA..problem solved no more blown relays. Only issue, is that area gets REALLY HOT.

Conclusion: look for one piece SOLID mounts with no moving parts (detachable legs), that preferably mounts to something solid, and that allows for easy access to do maintenance in that area.

 

[Muskrat14]

Although not installed in my 4RNR, take a look at the Truetrac limited slip.

I had a front locker in my ‘74 Bronco w an open rear diff.

Did a gear swap and researched a ton. Kept coming back to the Truetrac.

Installed it and love it. I did most of the day on blue trails at Rausch Creek in rear low only. It’s awesome traction n no squirrelly behavior on the street.

Simple, no electrical, air, lines or wires to fail.

I love it. Wish I would have installed one in the front instead of the Aussie.

My friend runs a Jeep on 37’s w Truetrac front and rear. He’s running blacks.

Great traction devise.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[bigdaddy2021]

Although not installed in my 4RNR, take a look at the Truetrac limited slip.

I had a front locker in my ‘74 Bronco w an open rear diff.

Did a gear swap and researched a ton. Kept coming back to the Truetrac.

Installed it and love it. I did most of the day on blue trails at Rausch Creek in rear low only. It’s awesome traction n no squirrelly behavior on the street.

Simple, no electrical, air, lines or wires to fail.

I love it. Wish I would have installed one in the front instead of the Aussie.

My friend runs a Jeep on 37’s w Truetrac front and rear. He’s running blacks.

Great traction devise.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Interesting. Didnt know there was a limited slip option. I’ll have to look into that.