Starting to outfit for overlanding (looking for Rack and Lockers)

[jataga]

Well, it's been a VERY long time since I've been on this forum but I'm certainly glad it is still going. As I'm getting back into off roading, I have a few questions after years of being away.

I'm in the process of outfitting my 1999 4Runner Limited 4x4 for overlanding. I already have a Warren 9500i Winch, Cobra CB, 3" suspension lift, Old Man Emu shocks, front/rear diff breathers, diff drop kit, ARB bumper, custom rock sliders, BF Goodrich 33" KO2s, Kennesaw Mtn rear bumper and Hella lights.

I'm now looking to get lockers and a roof rack. I bought this 4Runner new in 1999 and did all the modifications myself. Here are my questions:

It's been a long time since I looked into lockers and I was wondering are ARB lockers are still a good option?

I want a low profile roof rack and I found this one at Victory4x4.com. Thoughts? Are there other ones like this out there that any of you recommend? I eventually want to put a rooftop tent on it so it will need to be compatible.

 

[GhostRing]

Welcome back!!
That may be a new record for time between posts :cheers:

It sounds like you've already made some well thought-out mods (pics!)
and the ones you are considering are no exception.

ARB is still legendary for their air lockers & compressors.
There may be other players in the game now, but outside
of the complexity of an OEM locker, it's the way to go for selectables.

The platform rack you linked to is a solid unit from a reputable company.
We have installed a few and I'm pretty impressed with the build quality.
Sherpa Equipment Co. is another great option and they are strong supporters
of the 4Runner community.

Attaching a RTT to lo-pro racks is a little more fiddly depending on the
hardware used, but it's worth the extra effort as you can use multiple
bars to distribute the weight a bit more evenly and still keep the CG low.

Looking forward to seeing the progress - just don't make us wait 'til 2043!

 

[NachesPass4x4]

I like that the E locker can be engaged manually If your in a jam. I like the way the ARB engages/disengages better and I think it's pretty well excepted that the ARB is stronger than the factory e locker.

 

[alia176]

I am a huge fan of ARBs and installed them on all of my rigs since 1997. Installing lockers is not that hard, but it can be intimidating to some. I always have a need for air so an OBA is also a must in all of my rigs so air lockers just work for me. Everyone is different but I have zero complaints with air lockers.

My daughter's 97 doesn't have an OBA installed yet but we're about to weld up sliders that'll hold air so they do double duty.

Regarding the RTT, I'd use three load bars to evenly distribute the weight. You may have this planned already but just a FYI.

Another FYI is that a roof rack isn't necessary for RTT + awning, if you want to save some weight. A DIYer can easily come up with ways to mount an awning across two or three load bars. That's what I did on my 80 series LC. My '03 has two Yakima load bars on factory rails that are supporting a 90deg awning + Packasport roof box.

 

[JohnMc]

My wife put an ARB air locker in the front of her '96 and has had no issues with it.

I put a Harrop E-locker in the front of mine. Just thought I'd try something a little different. It's pretty simple on the outside, just apply 12V+ full time to a wire to engage, turn off to disengage. So simpler to troubleshoot out on a trail.

We do 6 and 7 rated trails, with manual trans and case doublers. Both front lockers seem to work similarly well. She has to wait a bit if she didn't have the air system already powered on, but she'd normally turn the air on in anticipation if it was a section of trail we'd likely need a front locker on. With mine, just flip the switch.

In theory the Harrop has to rotate a half turn unlocked to lock, and if you reverse directions it will unlock and then relock, but in practice, I've never noticed that happening.

 

[mtbtim]

In regards to lockers, I know there's lots of people that are fans of air lockers, but there really is more that can go wrong with them. If your air compressor takes a shit, you're screwed. If one of the air lines breaks, hopefully you have a spare with you or you can repair the one you've got. I've heard ARB lockers have had issues with seals leaking as well.

I'm a fan of the Eaton Electric Lockers. I've got one on the front of my rig. A couple guys I know that run Toyota repair shops both steered me to going with an Eaton locker over ARB. These are guys that also have 4wheeled a ton in their day and still do.

So, for the front, I'd recommend an Eaton electric locker.

For the rear, a simple solution would be to install an OEM electric locker if you can find one for sale. I'd buy the whole rear axle with the 3rd member if you can find one. If you can't find a used OEM electric locker, then I'd recommend going with an Eaton in the rear as well.

I'll provide you with a few videos on this subject matter.

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As for the rack, it depends on the style you like. I've always preferred the Gobi style of rack.

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Sherpa is another good option which would be lighter than a Gobi style rack.

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[JohnMc]

Just to clarify, Harrop and Eaton e-lockers are the same thing. Not sure of the reason for the long name, but it's a "Harrop Eaton ELocker Differential".

 

[jataga]

Thank you very much for all the information on the ARB and e-locker. I think I'm going to stay away from the ARB simply because of the complexity and higher number of failure points. The onboard compressor is a great idea, but I can also just carry a small tank with me and do the same thing.

Those videos are great too. Thanks for sharing.

 

[jataga]

Well, it's been a while but I decided to go with Victory Evolution Series roof rack and I've been very happy with it over the past few months. I've had it loaded up with well over 250lbs of gear on multiple trips and it handled it just fine.

As for the build, I had to cut holes for EACH of the 6 Black Oak pod lights since the existing openings were not big enough. Of course this was way more of a pain than I thought it would be but all in all, it was a good build. Victory4x4 does sell lights for it but I didn't like the look so I made it more of my own.

I also used a single row light bar from Black Oak and that was also a challenge to get in where I had to heavily modify the mounts that came from Black Oak but I was able to make it work.

Here's a quick video of the build and final setup.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8sBa1iV24zg&feature=youtu.be