Viair Setup for OBA

jangoforhire

jangoforhire

New member
So I need to get a compressor installed here soon. The ARB one is nice and we have a pretty good discussion going on over <a href="http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/109810-arb-compressor-question.html">here</a>
about the new twin model. (Still waiting for someone to actually install it and test it though, come on Adio3x/Phillyd2!)

I am thinking about getting this Viair kit as opposed to the ARB compressor. It seems like a better performing set-up for less money.
<a href="http://www.viaircorp.com/OffRoad/10007.html">Kit on Viair.com</a>
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000YC42RG/ref=asc_df_B000YC42RG1979950?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=asn&creative=395093&creativeASIN=B000YC42RG&hvpos=1o1&hvexid=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=1856723193973742019&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=">Kit on Amazon.com</a>

I would also have to get this to run the ARB locker I believe:
ARB Air Locker Solenoid Manifold - Viair, York, etc. | eBay

The tank might be annoying to hide, but I am sure I could find somewhere. Also this sure beats $500(ARB Compressor) + $60(Air manifold for lockers) + $150 (ARB 1 ga. tank for faster tire pumping and to run air tools). I know Harper has a similar setup (<a href="http://www.toyota-4runner.org/gallery/58037-june-2010-t4rotm-harper7-12.html#post554122">here</a>
), but I am most concerned about the compatibility of this with my air locker.

I know they are very sensitive to the pressure they receive. Anyone have any input on this vs. the ARB?
 
Register to hide this ad
Keep in mind that the ARB manifold is a tank, just a really small one (about 16oz.). So depending on your needs you might not need a full sized tank.
 
GrantK said:
Keep in mind that the ARB manifold is a tank, just a really small one (about 16oz.). So depending on your needs you might not need a full sized tank.
Click to expand...

This is true. I figure since I will be spending around 4-5 hundred for this on board air system, I might as well make it do everything. So I will want the ability to run air tools. I called ARB and they said that you will most likely need the 1 gallon tank to run all air tools (171501 - 4 Liter [1 Gallon] forged aluminum air tank (JIC4 port x 2)). Also I have heard from others that just the compressor on it's own can't run some air tools they have tested it with.
 
Yep, if you want to run air tools the min-tank/manifold would never cut it. I would go for the biggest tank you can make fit.
 
The ARB twin (CKMTA12) flows 6.16CFM. the Viair (P/N: 10007) shows max 1.6CFM. That would be reason enough to want a larger tank. I know the price difference is appealing, but realize (as I'm sure you did) that you are paying for vastly difference performance specs.

Okki
 
Okki said:
The ARB twin (CKMTA12) flows 6.16CFM. the Viair (P/N: 10007) shows max 1.6CFM. That would be reason enough to want a larger tank. I know the price difference is appealing, but realize (as I'm sure you did) that you are paying for vastly difference performance specs.

Okki
Click to expand...

This is a good point. I am fairly experience with most mechanical/electrical work in cars. But I will admit I have no idea about these air systems. So I am slowly getting there!

So the ARB is more expensive but pushed more air than the Viair. So maybe I will go back to the ARB. SO if I still wanted to run air tools would I have to get the ARB twin, the manifold for the lockers, AND the 1 gallon tank? How would you even connect two tanks up to a compressor. Just a splitter from the compressor output?

My pics will be up by Friday the latest.
Click to expand...

FINALLY, ha I will try and hold off my decision until you have some time to post up some specs about how this thing performs.
 
jangoforhire said:
This is a good point. I am fairly experience with most mechanical/electrical work in cars. But I will admit I have no idea about these air systems. So I am slowly getting there!

So the ARB is more expensive but pushed more air than the Viair. So maybe I will go back to the ARB. SO if I still wanted to run air tools would I have to get the ARB twin, the manifold for the lockers, AND the 1 gallon tank? How would you even connect two tanks up to a compressor. Just a splitter from the compressor output?

FINALLY, ha I will try and hold off my decision until you have some time to post up some specs about how this thing performs.
Click to expand...

The ARB may not be enough for your airtools. different tools have different CFM/PSI requirements. some of that can be managed by adding a tank, but only to the extend that the compressor can keep the tank at pressure.

As far as the locker vs tools plumbing, I expect that you are not actively engaging the lockers AND running airtools at the same time (i.e. tool operation while driving) so a simple check valve directing the airflow towards the tool connection point, or the locker would suffice in my mind, but I'll let people with lockers confirm/deny that.

The manifold (mini tank) is probably used to provide instant pressure versus having to wait for the compressor to build up sufficient pressure in the system to keep the locker properly engaged. 1Engineer... your thoughts?

Okki
 
jangoforhire said:
This is a good point. I am fairly experience with most mechanical/electrical work in cars. But I will admit I have no idea about these air systems. So I am slowly getting there!

So the ARB is more expensive but pushed more air than the Viair. So maybe I will go back to the ARB. SO if I still wanted to run air tools would I have to get the ARB twin, the manifold for the lockers, AND the 1 gallon tank? How would you even connect two tanks up to a compressor. Just a splitter from the compressor output?



FINALLY, ha I will try and hold off my decision until you have some time to post up some specs about how this thing performs.
Click to expand...

What kind of air tools are you talking about running?I have Cambell Hausfield air compressor in my garage that flows 8cfm with a 20 gallon tank and even it has a hard time keeping up with some air tools ,like impacts,sanders and die grinders.
The only air tool I keep in my tool bag in the truck besides the air chuck for tires is a 90 degree high speed die grinder with a aluminum oxide cut off wheel for emergencies.I could eventually cut the truck in half with it if I had to.

The die grinder is an air hog and will run it in 2-3 minute spurts from the 2 gallon tank at 150 psi and with the 2 gallon tank I can air up three 33" tires from 15 to 40 psi as fast as I can walk around the truck airing them up. About half way thru the 4th tire it's running straight off the compressor and takes a while unless I let the tank pressure build back up. The way I do it, is just air up one side and take my sweet time letting the tank pressure build up before airing up the other side.

Without a tank,forget about it for running any air tools ,even at 6.6 cfm. That arb manifold is just that ,a distribution block with 2 ports and not a tank and reading carefully on ebay,all those other parts you need are not included.If you have a tank you don't need that, as you'll want to get a tank with at least 6 ports so it serves as your distribution manifold.

The 6 Port air tanks ports
1st port -pressure switch, mine is 130-150 psi even though my Vi Air 480c compressor came with and is rated at 200psi. 150psi is safer and will prolong the life of the compressor.
2nd port -(on bottom)drain
3rd port -235psi blowoff valve
4th port(on top)-pressure gauge
5th port- inlet(from compressor)
6th port -outlet
You can of course add tees or manifold to make more ports,and thus run more outlet air lines.

The new ARB twin compressor is pretty new and was not out when I bought my ViAir 480c almost 2 years ago or else I probably would have bought the ARB twin as the specs look great. The small single ARB one at the time sucked azz and was not very good,except just on lockers so the ViAir 480 was the best available for it's size at the time I bought mine. That is before you get into big fuel burning industrial truck air compressors or custom rig up one running off the pulleys.

If you can afford it ,get the ARB twin but it's not going to run any air tools besides the locker or air up tires without a tank.I'm happy with my Viair setup and does everything I need it to do and will be fine with ARB lockers too.

Ttn333 said:
I was thinking about this Amazon.com: VIAIR 200 PSI Ultra Duty Onboard Air System: Automotive

But looks like this ARB and a one gallon tank would be better. Any heating issue with this ARB?
Click to expand...

That's basically what I got with the ViAir 480c/200psi continuous ,but I paid around $200 for the compressor on ebay and was given the 2 gallon/6 port tank but it normally cost $50. They have the same tank as mine here on Hornblasters
which is a great source for OBA parts and a very knowledgeable staff that will help you out.
That ViAir package on Amazon just puts everything together in a neat little package........ but at a higher cost then sourcing the parts yourself.
 
Last edited:
I'm embarrassed to admit that the option of cutting my truck in half never even occurred to me. Damn my old age! :hello:

ARBCKMTA12AirCompressor3.jpg~original


ARBCKMTA12AirCompressor2.jpg~original


ARBCKMTA12AirCompressor1.jpg~original
 
Ttn333 said:
Damn it man! you know you have to walk us through the install.
Click to expand...

Sorry, by bad. Lets see. I guess I'll start from the very start and then work my way to the end.

1. Dropped off Truck at Shop.
2. Picked up Truck from Shop

Well, I think I about covered it all. Please remember that it won't work if you do step 2 before step 1.

Seriously, not only was I not about to install the rear lockers by myself but I was not even going to think about doing it.

While in the shop they also installed and wired the compressor because how else will they know if the rear locker installed worked. And they call me dumb! Ha! :hatsoff:
 
phillyd2 said:
Sorry, by bad. Lets see. I guess I'll start from the very start and then work my way to the end.

1. Dropped off Truck at Shop.
2. Picked up Truck from Shop

Well, I think I about covered it all. Please remember that it won't work if you do step 2 before step 1.

Seriously, not only was I not about to install the rear lockers by myself but I was not even going to think about doing it.

While in the shop they also installed and wired the compressor because how else will they know if the rear locker installed worked. And they call me dumb! Ha! :hatsoff:
Click to expand...

Alright, you got me there. Can you take a close up pic of how it's mounted? Did they have to fab up something? Asked a local shop and they wanted $750! and told me it'll take a whole day's work. I said no thanks.
 
Ugh. My bad for not thinking about you guys while they were installing it. I'll see if there is any way, short of removing the compressor, of taking better pics.
 
^ ha. Yeah, was deflating and inflating last night. Works great. I did not time it or anything but the damn thing blows! The ARB inflater attachment however sucks as the gauge is not accurate.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Members online

Total: 350 (members: 3, guests: 347)

Forum statistics

Threads
278,308
Messages
3,554,059
Members
248,016
Latest member
Advally Service

Share this page

Trending content

Back
Top