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View Full Version : ARB vs OX lockers

Mudviper
03-01-2008, 09:38 AM
Come this summer I will be considering putting a ARB or OX locker in the front axle of the XJ. The ARB is a bit more expensive then the OX, so I am leaning toward the OX, but is one actually a better set up to use as a front locker? There is a guy that has an ARB locker on craigs list for only $400, so I might be changing my mind, but I all a little leary about ARB locker failing due to an air leak. Would like some thoughts from people who us an OX or ARB up front and how it has worked for them.

Thanks
rentalrider
03-01-2008, 09:49 AM
I'm sure I'll get outvoted on this one... but I like the ox. I have the ECTED and LOVE it. Limited slip when not engaged, full lock when engaged. But the ox was my other favorite option. I like the air when they work, and I'm sure who does the work (pro'ly yourself in this case) makes a difference, but I've seen too many freeze up on the snow runs. My $.02, anyways.
chop
03-01-2008, 09:49 AM
ARB all the way i have installed lot of them and nothing but great things
Nvrenuf
03-01-2008, 10:05 AM
I am very happy with my ARB but would consider the ECTED. I have never had any freeze issues with mine.
Grandman
03-01-2008, 10:59 AM
On the trail experience i have seen no locker fail more then the ARB . ITs always some little thing , air line broke from a stick , air pump wont kick on dumb stuff but it a locker fails it fails .

Im told this is mostly caused by poor workmanship , maybe true i dont know .

Id go ected , they were not building them when i did my 44 or id of went that way .
Roadhouse
03-01-2008, 11:52 AM
I've heard lots of problems with the OX, mostly the cable shifter.

I personally like the Ected or the Eaton E-locker. Like mentioned above the Ected is a limited slip when off, locker when engaged. The E-locker is open diff when turned off.
Mudviper
03-01-2008, 12:21 PM
Hmm didn't know about the Ected. That changes everything. They are actually cheaper then both the OX and ARB. Think I will be going that route.. Thanks for everyones comments
Grandman
03-01-2008, 12:25 PM
Hmm didn't know about the Ected. That changes everything. They are actually cheaper then both the OX and ARB. Think I will be going that route.. Thanks for everyones comments


The ected had a redesign about a year ago or a little more . They shut down production to cure a problem they had . I dont know how well the new unit is doing but i am impressed they would stop production to take care of it .

I ended up going to a full on Detroit because of it .
Evil Queen
03-01-2008, 12:56 PM
I love my ox. Since mine is a dd, I put an ox in the front and a detroit in the back. My ox has worked great. I did have one issue the first time I used it, it was due to placement and once the cable was moved, it's never happened since (it wouldn't disengage).
02jeepX
03-01-2008, 04:07 PM
I would think the less parts you have the less you have to go wrong. That being said I would go with an e-locker, or an OX. Although ARB now makes a larger compresser that also can be used to refill tires. Nomatter what you get they all have somthing that can get hung up and broke out on the trail. Is this a DD? Do you really need a selectable locker? With whichever you choose good luck hope it works out good for ya.
Mudviper
03-01-2008, 05:20 PM
I would think the less parts you have the less you have to go wrong. That being said I would go with an e-locker, or an OX. Although ARB now makes a larger compresser that also can be used to refill tires. Nomatter what you get they all have somthing that can get hung up and broke out on the trail. Is this a DD? Do you really need a selectable locker? With whichever you choose good luck hope it works out good for ya.

The XJ is a back up daily driver, more so in the winter time, so I would prefer a selectable locker. Plus it can be more of an advantage on the trail to beable to turn it on and off around tight cornering.
rentalrider
03-01-2008, 05:27 PM
roadhouse, that avatar is frickin' perfect! (hijack) :flip::flip:
Roadhouse
03-01-2008, 05:32 PM
roadhouse, that avatar is frickin' perfect! (hijack) :flip::flip:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v654/Roadhouse66/Needs-More-Cowbell.jpg


sorry for the cowbell hijack
Haggar
03-01-2008, 07:42 PM
Yeah, gotta agree with Gman, I've seen several ARBs have problems on the trail, usually leaking hoses or fittings. Aaron's didn't work on our last trail ride, for no apparent reason. Hadn't been used in a year, though, maybe the seals died.

I've been considering a selectable to replace my rear spool, I'll go electric (factory E-locker) if I make that move.
Mongo
03-01-2008, 08:09 PM
Yeah, gotta agree with Gman, I've seen several ARBs have problems on the trail, usually leaking hoses or fittings. Aaron's didn't work on our last trail ride, for no apparent reason. Hadn't been used in a year, though, maybe the seals died.

I've been considering a selectable to replace my rear spool, I'll go electric (factory E-locker) if I make that move.

Just curious, why not Detroit.
Grandman
03-01-2008, 08:12 PM
Because he wants selectible .

I have lock outs so im glad i went with the Det my self .
Haggar
03-01-2008, 10:26 PM
Just curious, why not Detroit.

As G-man said, I want a selectable. Specifically to allow tighter turning by unlocking. My truck now takes a mile to turn, and that gets scary when you are in very tight off camper switch backs. If you can't turn tight enough to get pointed down the hill, you risk rolling over.

Plus, Toyota E-lockers were availabe from the factory and can be had for a couple hundred bucks if you look around..
MuddyPaws 3.0
03-01-2008, 10:38 PM
I have never had a problem turning with the front locked off road.
Mongo
03-01-2008, 10:42 PM
I have never had a problem turning with the front locked off road.

Mine loves to go straight(aussie)
sglide
03-01-2008, 10:44 PM
I have never had a problem turning with the front locked off road.
i have
Beefy
03-01-2008, 10:44 PM
Weld it :hehe:










I dont like the idea of an air locker as marv said the always seem to have a "little" problem.
sglide
03-01-2008, 10:45 PM
As G-man said, I want a selectable. Specifically to allow tighter turning by unlocking. My truck now takes a mile to turn, and that gets scary when you are in very tight off camper switch backs. If you can't turn tight enough to get pointed down the hill, you risk rolling over.

Plus, Toyota E-lockers were availabe from the factory and can be had for a couple hundred bucks if you look around..how well do the toy ones work for big tires, do they hold up?
Mongo
03-01-2008, 10:47 PM
i have

Sam likes the 12 point turn.:hehe:
Rover
03-01-2008, 10:47 PM
how well do the toy ones work for big tires, do they hold up?

Acouple of my friends run them back home, all on 36 adn 37's. there all holding up good. I also have a buddie with one in the front of his rover on 42's and hes never broke it. Hes running the toy 8" elocker in the rover housing with longfields. Im going throw on in might when i find some money
sglide
03-01-2008, 10:49 PM
how does it work?
magnets locks teath together
or mag over disk?
Rover
03-01-2008, 10:55 PM
http://carterswebsite.com/4runner/mods/locker/unlocked.jpg
Unlocked

http://carterswebsite.com/4runner/mods/locker/locked.jpg
Locked

Sort of like a shift fork in a manual trans
sglide
03-01-2008, 11:01 PM
http://carterswebsite.com/4runner/mods/locker/unlocked.jpg
Unlocked

http://carterswebsite.com/4runner/mods/locker/locked.jpg
Locked

Sort of like a shift fork in a manual trans
simple and efective, nice
gr8prohunter
03-01-2008, 11:03 PM
I have had Ox locker front and rear. I loved then only after the cable was fully adjusted. It takes time to get the cable perfect.
What I didnt like about the OX over a ARB is that when you shift the OX to off while turning it will not unlock right away. A ARB will usually unlock very fast.
As said before ARB lockers are always the locker on trail ride that are not working proper....
Fullsize4life
03-01-2008, 11:16 PM
If your Ox sits for a while they seem to hang up too. I have 2 buddys that run them one in a 60 front and he has never got it adjusted just right and seems to go in and out some times. The other is in a 30 and a 44 front and rear and his work flawlessly. So take it for what is worth. I have seen one Ectec fail due to wire breakage, but i think it was installed wrong and the magnet was not held in place well. For me it is just a simple weld job as i dont dd mine and i want simple and strong. If it breaks it is a simple fix unless it really blows up. I hope this helps.
Roadhouse
03-02-2008, 04:44 PM
Another option no one mentioned is Detroits Electrac. Limited slip to locker. Altho' I believe it more $$ than the EcTed or E-locker.
jthomp
03-15-2008, 05:33 PM
Yeah, gotta agree with Gman, I've seen several ARBs have problems on the trail, usually leaking hoses or fittings. Aaron's didn't work on our last trail ride, for no apparent reason. Hadn't been used in a year, though, maybe the seals died.

I've been considering a selectable to replace my rear spool, I'll go electric (factory E-locker) if I make that move.

It seems that the seals would be kept from drying out as long as the diff was full and the fluid was changed.