Advice needed, front diff options

[bikerjosh]

Found an great 3rd generation 4runner, that needs a new front diff. Previous owner removed it (had an ARB locker in it) and sold it when he was going to do a SAS. 4runner already has a compressor (ARB) and rear locker all lines are run, and the front locker dash switch is still in place.

My dilemma is this: since I’m already having a front diff sourced and built with all new Yukon gears should I just bite the bullet and add an ARB locker in the front? I know in most cases I probably won’t need it, but when I do it would be nice. Knowing it’s already wired/hosed would it be best just to do it? From what I have read as long as the installation is good, and you know the limits of the CV axles it should be a reliable combo. Other than a beefed up rear bumper, and building some storage cabinets/drawers not planning on adding anything else.

Thanks for your insight.
Oh, yeah I need to decide by sunday afternoon when I drop it off.

 

[trump]

I would say yes, since 90% of the install is already done. Normally I would tell you to decide if you'll use it enough to justify it.

I don't use my front locker much... maybe once a trail for a tough section and that's it. Really I could get by without it for the majority of trails I run. However, there's a handful of places I like to play around that I need the locker for.

 

[Applejack]

Yes. Better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it.
And like it was already stated, much of the work is already done.

 

[bikerjosh]

new wrinkle

Ok, so ARB locker for the front or set of budbuilt skids?
thanks

 

[Pikeman]

I say do the locker now since you are already having to get gears and diff. Will save you a lot in the labor later on down the line when you decide you want to get one. The Skids are nice but can be added at any time with you providing the labor. I have been wheeling some pretty hard trails without skids for over 2 years. If you have a good spotter or just smart about choosing your lines you can get away without skids for a while.

Main point is you are already paying the labor now to set up your gears so just pay the labor once and do the locker now.

 

[4Rescue]

^^^ What they said. Half the cost is in all the plumbing and the compressor... AND you're already paying to have the Diff done so might as well do it now. I too want to get some BUDBUILT skids, but I'm doing just fine without them. If you're crawling and have a good spoter, you can do w/o them IMO. Plus down the line they';re really not too much of an investment since you can put them on yourself eh. THe Diffs are a different matter though, unless you'er good st doign diffs that is

Cheers

Dave

 

[bikerjosh]

front diff

Thanks everyone. ARB locker it is, skids later.