Lockers failing in cold weather

[Marshalltx]

Folks,

I seem to find posts here and elsewhere where concerns about moisture in the airlines freezing on air lockers (ARB) and the solenoid freezing on electromagnetic lockers (Eaton)...however I haven't found many responses to the problem. I found myself in -25 on my last hunting trip, and before I buy the ARB would like to know the probably of failure in low temperatures. I'm not sure how much enginer heat alone will help the issue since the hose to the rear lockers sneaks pretty far away from the bay. Thoughts? Real-world experience?

Thanks,

-MTX

 

[Rovertrader]

go mechanical- Ox is cable actuated, and then the old faithful Detroit and TruTrac. I have had them all, and find the most comfort in something bomb proof and no chance of failure- within reason...

 

[ntsqd]

Or use a small dryer in the ARB air supply and toss the ARB solenoid valves in favor of some industrial automation solenoids or pneumatic switches. That is my plan to control the ARB's in the project FJ60.

 

[Mr. Leary]

go mechanical- Ox is cable actuated, and then the old faithful Detroit and TruTrac. I have had them all, and find the most comfort in something bomb proof and no chance of failure- within reason...

I know folks with Ox lockers that have replaced the cable actuating mechanism with an air one due to reliability issues. Cable is not an end all cure all, and has had more reliability issues then air lockers.

Or use a small dryer in the ARB air supply and toss the ARB solenoid valves in favor of some industrial automation solenoids or pneumatic switches. That is my plan to control the ARB's in the project FJ60.

I can see this working... but won't the built up heat from the differential relieve this problem?

 

[Marshalltx]

Detroit TruTrac are limited slip and won't engage unless wheels are pointed straight, if I am not mistaken. I'm looking for a deliberate action to lock. Looks like the OX will handle the dana 60 front axle on my truck, but there is no rear option for what i believe is a dana 80 in the rear (need to wiggle under to make sure). Looks like the rear won't be mechanical any way I cut it. Lock-Right's app guide doesn't appear to have correct spline count

 

[Marshalltx]

Found where this has been (somewhat) recently answered. Small purpose-built water seperator should handle majority of the problem...

http://forum.ih8mud.com/40-55-series-tech/255631-arbs-cold-weather.html


Thanks, yall

 

[FreeManDan]

The company that built up the hiluxs for Antarctica had ARB lockers, so there must be some way for it to be reliable. I would just email ARB and ask them what they recommend.

 

[Rovertrader]

not sure if it would work, but Ford is using an E-locker on the 250/350 this year

 

[cruiseroutfit]

While we don't get sub-zero often at all here in Utah, weeks of freezing weather happen. I've not had any issues with my ARB's in the cold weather, in fact in most cases I use them more in the winter than summertime.

 

[blakeape]

I have had an ARB in the front of my tacoma with a Dana 44 and now a 60 and never had a freezing problem while winter wheeling in Montana and Idaho. My truck will be parked outside for a week on end in the winter and everything so far has worked great with both ARB's.

 

[chasespeed]

Detroit TruTrac are limited slip and won't engage unless wheels are pointed straight, if I am not mistaken. I'm looking for a deliberate action to lock. Looks like the OX will handle the dana 60 front axle on my truck, but there is no rear option for what i believe is a dana 80 in the rear (need to wiggle under to make sure). Looks like the rear won't be mechanical any way I cut it. Lock-Right's app guide doesn't appear to have correct spline count

What kind of truck do you have? All the info, that'll help narrow down the options.... Unless I missed it...

Chase

 

[hillbillyjake]

spool :wings:

 

[Mr. Leary]

What kind of truck do you have? All the info, that'll help narrow down the options.... Unless I missed it...

Chase

He has an 01(?) Dodge 2500 extended cab with the 5.9L. It has a 2" kit and sits on 35s.

 

[chasespeed]

Well, could either be a D70, or D80 under it... Mine has the 70.... The options for the 80 are a bit better.

That said, there is something to be said for a selectable locker. I havent heard of any problems with them failing to lock(any of the brands), that wasnt related to a failure with the wiring, or air line connections. But, that is just me.

On the flip side, with my healthy Cummins, I have been leaning towards a Detroit for the rear, and a selectable up front....

Chase