Typical cost to install ARB Locker?

[Tstinson]

I have done research and most of what I have found in this forum is form 2009-2012.

My son has been saving for a while and is finally close to buying his ARB Locker with compressor. A local mechanic that we know and trust very well is quoting approx. $500 for installation and about 2 days. He does not plan on taking the entire 2 solid days for the job, it's more that he works on things like kids cars and other non urgent situations like this on the side while taking care of urgent repairs to commuter vehicles as they come in.

Can anyone tell me what a typical install should cost?

 

[HammerHead]

I think that's a good price. Here they want 400 for just a regular locker. Plus even better if it's someone you trust.

I have done research and most of what I have found in this forum is form 2009-2012.

My son has been saving for a while and is finally close to buying his ARB Locker with compressor. A local mechanic that we know and trust very well is quoting approx. $500 for installation and about 2 days. He does not plan on taking the entire 2 solid days for the job, it's more that he works on things like kids cars and other non urgent situations like this on the side while taking care of urgent repairs to commuter vehicles as they come in.

Can anyone tell me what a typical install should cost?

 

[RonJR]

I would agree that seems reasonable. He has to pull the 3rd member, pull the guts out of it, install the ARB, resetup the gears (you don't want someone who'll cut corners there), reinstall the 3rd, and install the compressor, plumbing, and wiring. That's a full 5-6 hours work, I would think. If you trust him I'd say go for it.

 

[csp]

Be sure that this person has installed ARB's before. The preload is critical to proper operation of the ARB. You risk it not unlocking if it isn't correct.

 

[Tstinson]

Thank you CSP!

Be sure that this person has installed ARB's before. The preload is critical to proper operation of the ARB. You risk it not unlocking if it isn't correct.

This is great information. I know he has done MANY lifts, lockers etc. in his time but since we live in farming country, as you could imagine, most of what he has done is work on trucks and a few Jeeps, not many 4Runners at all. So, I will check with him on his experience with ARB and welcome any other information you all can provide. Is there anything else that should be done while the locker is being installed? Similar to how you should always do the water pump when doing a timing belt?