Adding Locker to FJ

[Intuit]

Has anyone added an aftermarket locker to their non-Atrac Cruiser? I am exploring my options and wondering which way to go...how hard is to install an ARB air locker? I am mechanically inclined, is it something I could do myself? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

 

[teotwaki]

It is not that hard to install an ARB. What I did was to find a spare 3rd member and have the ARB built on it so that I could just do a swap when I was ready.

http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=36900&highlight=arb

Also you want to pick a vendor that knows exactly how to build it or can at least follow the instructions for the copper air line routing. It is also critical that they use original Toyota bearings and not aftermarket bearings. The latter can be too thick and will negatively affect the air collar of the locker.

One of the tricks is how to pull the axles part way out without having to disconnect the hydraulic brake lines. Another is not to wreck the O-rings that seal the brakes' backing plates. Been there.... done that.

Don't buy a used ARB because you want it to work the first time it goes in. Just get a fresh one.

http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=44575&highlight=arb


The compressor install is not hard either
http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=19634&highlight=arb

Do you plan to stay with stock gearing? Lot's of questions to ask depending on your answer

 

[1911]

Has anyone added an aftermarket locker to their non-Atrac Cruiser? I am exploring my options and wondering which way to go...how hard is to install an ARB air locker? I am mechanically inclined, is it something I could do myself? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

Are you talking about the front diff or the rear? I have an ARB air locker in the front diff of my FJC.

It's not ridiculously hard, but front or rear you have to take apart the differential and replace the ring gear carrier with the ARB. It takes some care to install the seal in the locker correctly. Then you have to drill a hole in the diff housing for the air line, and route the air line inside and outside the diff. And install the compressor and hook up the wiring harness.

 

[Intuit]

Thanks guy's for the advice...

1911, you have an ARB in the front? Do you have factory A-Trac in the rear? If not, why would you just add a locker to the front? Just wondering!

Teotwaki, are you running an ARB system on an FJ? I like your recommendation of a "spare" third member, did you install yourself?

Thanks Again...

 

[trump]

Don't buy a used ARB because you want it to work the first time it goes in. Just get a fresh one.

I understand what you mean by suggesting this, but I don't think it should stop someone from buying used. I would recommend, if you find used ARB's, take them to an authorized installer. Have them replace the seals and bench test them before installing.

I would agree that you should never trust the condition you receive them. I bought both my lockers used, took the above steps, and they've been 100% reliable. YMMV

...If you don't have an ARB authorized installer around, absolutely go brand new.

 

[1911]

1911, you have an ARB in the front? Do you have factory A-Trac in the rear? If not, why would you just add a locker to the front? Just wondering!

Yes, I have an ARB locker in my front diff.

Yes, I have the factory A-Trac system, which works on all four wheels BTW. I also have the factory electric locker in the rear diff.

I put an ARB locker in the front diff so that I have the option of forcing rotation on all four wheels if I want/need to. It makes climbing steep rock ledges easier or even possible. Also helps a lot in off-camber situations with both axles flexed and more than one wheel off the ground at the same time.

 

[teotwaki]

I understand what you mean by suggesting this, but I don't think it should stop someone from buying used. I would recommend, if you find used ARB's, take them to an authorized installer. Have them replace the seals and bench test them before installing.

I would agree that you should never trust the condition you receive them. I bought both my lockers used, took the above steps, and they've been 100% reliable. YMMV

...If you don't have an ARB authorized installer around, absolutely go brand new.

Bought mine used and took it to an ARB authorized warranty repair dealer. Still had issues that took too much time to resolve and a new unit would not have had the problems at all. I may have broke even on the cost of a new one so no gain but a lot of pain.

 

[teotwaki]

Thanks guy's for the advice...

1911, you have an ARB in the front? Do you have factory A-Trac in the rear? If not, why would you just add a locker to the front? Just wondering!

Teotwaki, are you running an ARB system on an FJ? I like your recommendation of a "spare" third member, did you install yourself?

Thanks Again...

A-Trac is a software package that controls all four brakes. It is not installed in the rear.

I have a 2005 4Runner but our drivetrains are almost identical.

I installed the 3rd member alone. Actually multiple times due to the problems with the used ARB.

 

[trump]

Bought mine used and took it to an ARB authorized warranty repair dealer. Still had issues that took too much time to resolve and a new unit would not have had the problems at all. I may have broke even on the cost of a new one so no gain but a lot of pain.

Wow, that sucks! I ended up saving $700 total on the pair. I guess YMMV greatly.

 

[1911]

Should have said that I bought my ARB air locker used also, but I went through it and put a new seal in it and etc. before installing it. It has always worked perfectly for me. Got it for half the cost of a new one at the time.

 

[teotwaki]

On mine it was sold as "low miles" but functioning. The shop I worked with has been excellent but the experience with inheriting other peopl's problems is what leads to my advice.

I took it in to have it re-geared and they told me it was leaking air and had to replace all of the seals.

Next it turned out that the copper air line was built way too short and the air collar had no free play to move. Needed a new air collar

Also it turned out the bearing that was a bit too thick and it caused the air collar too sit too far out to align with the air hole leading to the internal "piston".

I agree that a used one can be bought, money can be saved and the locker will work for many miles. My experience is that I have now personally installed and reinstalled my used ARB in the axle a total of three times. Plus side is that I am quite good at removing and reinstalling a leak free setup! :sombrero:

 

[Intuit]

Wow...thanks for all the great information and it sounds as though I could do it myself.

If I were to do only one axle which would everyone recommend, front or rear?

Thanks Again!

 

[trump]

Rear.

 

[TangoBlue]

Rear.

We apparently have conceptual unity on many topics. What he said - rear.

 

[trump]

We apparently have conceptual unity on many topics.

It would seem that way. Let me guess... you have trouble keeping the ladies away too?:victory: