Any 99-03 Ford Superduty Trucks of Expeditions running ARB Lockers?
- Thread starter jingram
- Start date
BackcountryAggie
New member
My 03 7.3 is at the shop right now getting 06 axles, 4.30s, and ARBs front and rear. Can’t report on performance just yet, should have it back in the next couple of days.
I’ve been dreaming of doing the same to my 2000 7.3. But I figured the 10-15k it would cost to pay the shop wouldn’t be worth it. I’m torn between a standard suspension lift, a coil swap, and then a full axle swap. Make sure to start a thread with the results.
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bjm206
Adventurer
I have a 2005 Excursion with ARB air lockers front and rear (same suspension as a 99-03 SD). I went from stock to truetrac to air lockers over the years. The changes were driven by where I was traveling. If you are going to places that are likely to require lockers then that is what you should do otherwise the truetracs are a really nice option.
Selectable lockers like the ARB units are much more involving to install but have drivability advantages over automatic lockers like the "detroit locker" especially on the front axle. The cost difference in fitting the ARB units even when you do the install yourself is considerable. If your vehicle does not have a Dana 60 front axle (most Super Duties from that year range have Dana 50s) it is a worthwhile upgrade to consider as the locker can stress components in certain conditions. Good luck!
Selectable lockers like the ARB units are much more involving to install but have drivability advantages over automatic lockers like the "detroit locker" especially on the front axle. The cost difference in fitting the ARB units even when you do the install yourself is considerable. If your vehicle does not have a Dana 60 front axle (most Super Duties from that year range have Dana 50s) it is a worthwhile upgrade to consider as the locker can stress components in certain conditions. Good luck!
Betarocker
Adventurer
Had ARBs in both ends of my 2004 F350, same suspension as 2003. At the time of install, I already had an air setup. Went with ARB when the read diff exploded and needed new gears. Decided to go up to 4.10s, so needed to open the front to match and locked that end too. Was using the truck for off-roading/camping, sled pulling, work, and winter travel.
Superduty
Adventurer
What do you plan to do with your truck? That will really dictate if spending the money on ARBs is worthwhile.
Peter_n_Margaret
Adventurer
My OKA had an open Dana 60 at the front and I fitted an ARB Airlocker to it a few years ago.
Don't need it too often, but flick the switch and it just works when it is required......
Cheers,
Peter
OKA196 motorhome
Don't need it too often, but flick the switch and it just works when it is required......
Cheers,
Peter
OKA196 motorhome
nitro_rat
Lunchbox Lockers
On a big SUV like an Excursion or Suburban (with automatic transmission) I prefer an automatic locker (Detroit or even a lunchbox) front and rear.
Reason being that a rear auto locker is fairly seamless with the weight, wheelbase, and automatic transmission. You will hear clicking in parking lots and maybe an occasional pop but it's always there and working. You will be able to go anywhere in 2wd that a pickup will need 4wd to travel. By the time you need 4x4 you need the front locker anyway.
I don't have any problems being locked front and rear in snow and ice. I'm comfortable driving at a reasonable speed for conditions and counter steering if necessary. If the front end wants to walk straight you may have to give it some gas to get it to steer. Probably unnerving to someone who isn't capable of advanced driving techniques but works great for me...
Reason being that a rear auto locker is fairly seamless with the weight, wheelbase, and automatic transmission. You will hear clicking in parking lots and maybe an occasional pop but it's always there and working. You will be able to go anywhere in 2wd that a pickup will need 4wd to travel. By the time you need 4x4 you need the front locker anyway.
I don't have any problems being locked front and rear in snow and ice. I'm comfortable driving at a reasonable speed for conditions and counter steering if necessary. If the front end wants to walk straight you may have to give it some gas to get it to steer. Probably unnerving to someone who isn't capable of advanced driving techniques but works great for me...
Thinking of doing this as well. Any reviews on the swap itself?
montypower
Adventure Time!
I've run many ARB lockers over the past 10+ years on a handful of vehicles. Eventually, all of them had internal seal issues. Love the durability and functionality (fast engage disengage). On our 2020 F250 we have the D60 OX front locker (air actuated). It seems to have all the functionality of the ARB with the simplicity of mechanical lockers. Plus the ability to manually engage / disengage as needed and nothing internal to leak.