Lockers- ARB or Powertrax?

[BradWarren]

Opinions? Powertrax is a lot cheaper. Just as good as ARB?

 

[notajeep]

Apples and oranges. They will both split the power to each wheel equally, but in totally different ways and under different circumstances.
So, it really depends on what you want it to do, and where and how you will be driving.

 

[DanKunz]

Powertrax for the rear only IMO, very viable in a LWB vehicle. I would not lock the front with one if you plan on driving on the road.

 

[notajeep]

I agree, unless you have selectable hubs.
An ARB or other selectable locker is always a great option for the front of any vehicle.

 

[haddix]

If you can afford an arb then there is no question IMO.

 

[downhill]

If you can afford an arb then there is no question IMO.

^^ This ^^

 

[Derek24]

I've had both and I can say you will spend less by paying more! I recommend you buy once only and being done, so get the ARB. The powertrax works great, but unless you do 90% of your driving offroad then it will eat your tires. I went though a set of tires in less then a year because my powertrax would lock up going around corners and drag the inside tire. The powertrax locks up when ever torque is applied, that means whenever you put yu foot on the skinny pedal. It was scary in the snow driving, I felt like Ken Block the whole time! Now with my ARB I couldn't be happier! Locked when you want it, and very strong!

 

[sytfu510]

If you can afford an arb then there is no question IMO.

I agree. I got the ARB in my rear, one of the best investments I've made.

 

[Bergum]

Why do always pepelope start with arb in the back.
Start with it in the front. That's where the weight is, that's the fastest way to learn when NOT to use it.
Only use it when needed, not because you have it....

B4x4.no

 

[dyogim]

With the powertrax (aka lunch box locker), you'll have to change your driving habits. As stated, it'll lock up under torque. So, coasting around turns is something to get use to. I had the lock right locker (like the powertrax but less street friendly) for years with out any major complaints. The only issue I had was it couldn't handle tires bigger than 35's. You'll get an occasional "bang" in some tight parking lots and it's normal. I now have a Detroit Locker. I'm also thinking of possibly switching to a Detroit Truetrac because, of my decision to change the set-up of my rig. The only reason I did not choose a selectable locker is the added equipment and the additional cost. I did not want to have to worry about adding air lines or adding any additional mechanisms to make the locker work. Supposedly, the newer truetrac can handle up to 38" tires.

The other difference is the unit itself. Lunchbox lockers are installed into the existing carrier and replace the spider and side gears. Where as the selectable locker or a detroit (locker or truetrac) replaces the complete carrier. So, the install of a lunchbox locker is very easy and does not require any special tools. ARB or Detroit, does. Either install would be a good time to either replace carrier bearing, axle bearings, seals, o-rings, and possibly regear.

All of this boils down to your budget and what your plans are with the truck. With a lunchbox locker and no other changes and you do the install yourself, I'd say $300-$400 total. To have a shop do it, add about $200.

For the Detroit set-ups expect about $500-$600 to install yourself.

For the ARB, $900-$1000 for the locker, $200 for the air locker accessories. $200-$300 for install.

Additional items:

Gears - $200
Carrier bearings - $60
Pinion bearings - $60
Pinion seal - $10
Axle bearings - $60
Inner seals w/ o-rings - $50
Outer seals - $40
Master Install kit - $150-$200 (includes pinion/carrier bearings, pinion seal, shims and crush sleeve...)

Another option is to check out Marlincrawler.com or inchwormgear.com and purchase a complete 3rd member with the traction system you want and gear ratio already set-up. All you need to do is remove the stock member and install the new. The rest of the maintenance stuff is up to you...