Air locker/re-gear cost

[saburai]

When I did the ARB's on mine I also added 4.56 gears. I did the compressor, front gear and ARB install myself. I lucked out and got a ford 8.8 axle with gears, ARB, XJ perches, Poision Spyder diff cover, more e-brake lines, trussed and the housing welded to the tubes for $800. The 8.8 already has disk brakes so that was a bonus. Also has 31 spline shafts. The downside is you have to run a spacer.

You can save money on you’re 8.25 by using ZJ disk brakes. I did that when I had my 8.25 for $50 including the proportioning valve from the local pick-n-pull.

Thanks for the good info!
What special tools did you need to set up the diff?

 

[saburai]

Why would you spend the money on dual ARBs for an expedition type rig? Throw an Aussie or Lock-Rite in the front and call it a day. Are you really going to be doing stuff that requires dual lockers?

-----Matt-----

Good question!

One of my prime operating principles is:
"It's better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it."

That being said, my first inclination was to put a power trax no slip in the rear. I heard that for a DD a locker in the front makes winter driving dicey.
Do you have a different opinion?

Currently I'm running 31x10.5's with an AX15 five speed/3.07 gears.
I notice that at slow speeds it feels as if it could use more grunt. Also, much under 75mph the truck is happier in fourth gear. I was thinking that if I were going to re-gear and add the powertrax, well for a few hundred more I could do the ARB and be done with it. I'm doing OBA regardless so that's not a cost factor.

Sorta "Do it once and do it right approach."

While I'm on the subject, what would be the recommend ratio? 32's more than likely would be my max tire size and I do quite a bit of over the hi way travel.

Many thanks:smiley_drive:

 

[CA-RJ]

Having had dual Lock Rites in my last Wrangler and a Lock Rite in my 4Runner, I can say without a doubt that on the street the Lock Rite is annoying. At first I said it didn't bother me. As time went on, it really annoyed me. Ever tried driving a mountain road with a Lock Rite locking and unlocking every time you accelerate? I even took the Lock Rite out of the 4Runner and actually prefer it open diffed now. Having air lockers now makes me really appreciate how nice an open diff is on the street. Having dual air lockers makes me feel more confident when I'm out exploring alone. ARB's are expensive, but if you're going to keep your vehicle long-term, I think it's a worth while investment.

 

[IH8RDS]

Thanks for the good info!
What special tools did you need to set up the diff?

Here is the short list:
Torque wrench with the ability to measure running torque. (I have a digital Snap-On specifically for this)
Micrometer to measure shims on the Dana 30
Dial indicator with magnetic base.
The 8.25 requires a special tool for adjusting the backlash. (Biggest pain with that particular axle)
You’re old bearings to make setup bearings.
Patience.

If you do it yourself there is a ton of information online on how to do it. May I suggest that you have someone help you that has competently done it before. It’s easier to do it out of the vehicle on a bench.

 

[saburai]

Thanks Guys!

Any thoughts on gearing?

 

[IH8RDS]

31=4.10
33=4.56
35=4.88

That seems to be the general consensus.

 

[saburai]

More Thanks!

31=4.10
33=4.56
35=4.88

That seems to be the general consensus.

Any idea of RPM's at 60 MPH w/ those combos?

What do you think of a AX15 32 4.56 combo?

 

[IH8RDS]

Go to www.4lo.com. They have some decent calculators.

 

[saburai]

Go to www.4lo.com. They have some decent calculators.

Thanks!

 

[juicexj24]

I had my ARB installed for 200. I run the Powertank ARB set up with my 10lb Powertank. A lot less to deal with and very easy to set up. Plus on XJ's the mounting location for the compressor is very limited. I can post up some pics of my set up with the tank and bulkhead kit for the ARB.

I run the following on mine. Prices are ball park:
Dana 30: 4.11 Yukon Gears from www.completeoffroad.com with install kit, $189-$200. Alloy USA shafts and tube seals. Seals -$59.00 and Shafts $599 both from www.4x4rockshop.com. Aussie Locker-ebay used $150, 3.73 carrier from Randys' ring & pinion $60. I installed the gears myself but I have the tools to do it. Warn Diff skid $85.00
Dana 44: 4.11 Yukon Gears www.completeoffroad with install kit $189-$200. Alloy USA shafts-$225 from www.4x4rockshop. ARB Air Locker-www.performanceoffroadcenter.com $739. Had it installed because of the bearing, I didn't want to mess it up for $200. Warn Diff skid $85.00

So it is going to cost you some bucks but the Air Locker's are worth every penny. I'm going to be doing one for the Dana 30 this year only because the Aussie sucks in the snow up front but is great off-road.

Juice