Can I get some "reviews" of your ARB lockers?
- Thread starter KCcarguy
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JD914
Member
I've heard tons of stories about how bulletproof they are, and no complaints... Until I got mine.
It might have just been installer error, but I've had mine in the shop twice since the install and I have a good friend who also had to have his torn apart twice.
That being said, they are still worth the money and effort if you're going to be doing some serious wheeling. A rear locker will get you through tough situations and make line choices a lot simpler. Having one on your DD is no problem at all as it's either fully on or fully off and is transparent when unlocked.
There are other options, like other brands, lsd's and swapping in an e-locker, that might be cheaper. Do some research (tons of discussions on this forum) to figure out which option is right for you.
It might have just been installer error, but I've had mine in the shop twice since the install and I have a good friend who also had to have his torn apart twice.
That being said, they are still worth the money and effort if you're going to be doing some serious wheeling. A rear locker will get you through tough situations and make line choices a lot simpler. Having one on your DD is no problem at all as it's either fully on or fully off and is transparent when unlocked.
There are other options, like other brands, lsd's and swapping in an e-locker, that might be cheaper. Do some research (tons of discussions on this forum) to figure out which option is right for you.
Jeremy556
New member
What issues have you had with yours?
On the 5th gen we are more limited in options with the "8.2" diff
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swimmerdude1127
New member
I DD mine and have had it in 6+ months. No issues. They are awesome. Help out a lot if you plan to wheel your rig in even moderately challenging terrain ... The front one helps out a decent amount too. In my opinion there's not much substitute for being locked when you need it (well, maybe winching). Without it you will have to "bump" over challenging stuff more often, putting your CVs and tie rods/ends at risk.
phillyd2
Senior Member
Umm, since you are in the 5th Gen part of the forum this info is wrong. For those without E Lockers ARB is the way to go, best bang for the buck, bulletproof if installed correctly and actually stronger than OEM which btw is way strong enough.
Zeusmotorworks
New member
I have an ARB in the front of my FJ (OEM e-locker rear)... worth it's weight in gold. However, it's not a 5th Gen 4runner (purposes of this thread). I will say that some people who have had failures later found that they had a knock off. Guess it was a problem as ARB even made their own anti-knockoff video. Fun watch if nothing else. ARB is a damn good investment. If the Wife ever decides to do any serious wheeling with her 14 Trail, one will go in the front of it too.
Quadratec Jeep Parts: ARB Air Locker Comparison - Testing the Breaking Point! - YouTube
Quadratec Jeep Parts: ARB Air Locker Comparison - Testing the Breaking Point! - YouTube
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cbielat
Senior Member
I've also been in the market for this and have started a couple other threads on it. It definitely would be the one I'd go with. From what I gather, and it's pretty obvious with an air locker, if the line gets torn, you just won't have the ability to lock it. What issues did the locker have to warrant the disassembly?
JD914
Member
Ah, good point on the 8.2.
A couple weeks after the install, my diff started puking fluid. The installer tore it completely apart, found no issue, and put it back together without charging me. Never happened again.
Then just recently, after using the locker several times, it just wouldn't engage. The compressor kept running, and air was escaping out of my remote pressure relief valve. Turns out that the copper tube inside the diff had simply burst open. Rather than waiting on the lift for a replacement, the installer had it sleeved and soldered, and so far so good...
JD914
Member
Ummmm, sorry?
Wow, just trying to lend a hand - didn't realize about the 8.2, and like I said, swapping in an e-locker is an option.
Jeez, last time I venture into the 5th gen section again...
Jeremy556
New member
Aw, he's just grumpy cause he hasn't got a V8.
phillyd2
Senior Member
Yikes, sorry. I was not trying to be mean but was just to correct misinformation.
DannyLlama
Elite Member
Never thought you were "trying" :hiding:
Jeremy556
New member
Why?
Zeusmotorworks
New member
If for no other reason because the ARB is instant on, instant off. Unlike the OE elockers that require a little roll to engage, disengage. Why I love my front ARB, wish I had a back. However, if you have an OE rear locker, it's not as simple and swapping in an ARB. If you have none, easy swap. I'm sure someone here has posted up the whys/hows.
1traildriver
New member
I did some research recently because my general knowledge about lockers was pretty limited. Its still limited to only what I have read but most reviews were positive and having front and rear lockers was widely recommended, even for moderate off-road driving. Most of the negative info and reviews seemed to be attributed to the install done poorly. I already decided on a gear ratio upgrade (4.56) and am convinced that upgrading the front to an ARB air locker is a good idea at the same time. I am expecting my experiences to be very positive since it will make a huge difference being able to lock up the front and rear.
I will also say that Curtis and East Coast Gears have been very helpful and their customer service has been excellent thus far. However this will be a pretty costly mod in my opinion (right around 3k with parts, compressor, install and shipping the cores back).
Just my 2 cents worth...
I will also say that Curtis and East Coast Gears have been very helpful and their customer service has been excellent thus far. However this will be a pretty costly mod in my opinion (right around 3k with parts, compressor, install and shipping the cores back).
Just my 2 cents worth...
bimrunner
New member
Yes. It has been worth every penny. Mine was another 1k on top due to rear being done as well. I'd spend the cash again in a heartbeat for the performance and capability.
Zeusmotorworks
New member
Chase at ECGS was the one who hooked me up with 4.56 gears and ARB front for my FJ. Great people, and having them send me out the loaded clamshell and third was a great experience. I had something like three weeks or so to send the cores back, before there was even a core charge. This way you have the peace of mind that some local yocal didn't incorrectly set up your gears. Only way to fly in my opinion unless you already setup gears yourself. I will do the same when I need to gear the Wife's 14 Trail Edition.
