Rear Axle Upgrade - choosing the right locker

by **Karo** » Sun May 27, 2012 3:11 pm

Upgrading the rear axle was in my mind long ago. My 8.0 rear axle has not failed so far, but if it would - it would be a big problem to receive parts in time here in germany. So i have searched online for a while to get a good price incl. shipping to germany. After receiving the 8.6 rear axle from the U.S. i would like to upgrade the locker from the axle too.

Two choices are possible for me as i would like to manually activate the locker:

1. GM 8.5" / 8.6" ARB Air Locker RD84 | 30 Spline
2. Eaton Locker

Which one would you recommend to choose and why? Please keep in mind that OBA is already available.
Need your input guys..
Thanks
KaRo

by **NC_IslandRunner** » Sun May 27, 2012 5:00 pm

I know the ARB air lockers are said to be good.
Which Eaton locker, They make several? including our G80.

by **The Roadie** » Sun May 27, 2012 5:17 pm

I think Teebes and AlekG got the Eaton E-lockers.

by **NC_IslandRunner** » Sun May 27, 2012 5:26 pm

The Roadie wrote:I think Teebes and AlekG got the Eaton E-lockers.

Not the easiest guys to get an opinion from anymore...Try searching old post about lockers.

by **Nakashige** » Sun May 27, 2012 6:27 pm

I have only heard good things about eaton e lockers. Ordered front and rear for the sas

by **Karo** » Mon May 28, 2012 5:28 am

Thank´s to all of you!
Found this thread here:http://forums.offroadtb.com/viewtopic.php?f=11&t=2216&start=20
That was really interesting. The auburn seems to be an option, but after reading on pirate4x4 ithink i´ll have to read more..
Found this thread from teebes: http://forums.offroadtb.com/viewtopic.php?f=11&t=1270&start=20
AlekG is using the auburn ected too.. Have to read more, the main problem on arb´s are air leaks and compressor problems from which i have read so far.
As i have 2 compressors installed that would only be a problem to have solenoids as spares and some more little things.
From the point of view now the auburn ected could be a good choice, but there is maintenance to the locker needed as it has clutches. Both lockers need maintenance regardless if it is a clutch failure or a leaking air problem.. Hm difficult to decide..

KaRo

by **fishsticks** » Wed May 30, 2012 12:59 am

Given those choices, I'd go ARB.

Install a small air tank (if you haven't already) so you can engage the locker even if your air compressor dies. People have used a CO2 tank to engage their ARBs in a pinch.

They can all fail (we had an ARB in our group quit working over the weekend), but in wet/muddy/dirty environments I'd much rather rely on air than electricity.

YouTube Videos · by **Trail X** » Wed May 30, 2012 1:14 pm

fishsticks wrote:Given those choices, I'd go ARB.

Install a small air tank (if you haven't already) so you can engage the locker even if your air compressor dies. People have used a CO2 tank to engage their ARBs in a pinch.

They can all fail (we had an ARB in our group quit working over the weekend), but in wet/muddy/dirty environments I'd much rather rely on air than electricity.

I'm not sure if Alek's E-locker is still operating. His electrical leads got ripped off due to a failure of the stationary electrical transmitting element (for lack of a better term) in the locker. Seems the element that was supposed to be stationary began spinning with the diff housing and ripped the wires off.

Not saying it's a common failure, but apparently it happens.

The more I've looked into it, the more I'm liking the powertrax rear diffs. Though I have no idea what I'd chose if I were going to upgrade tomorrow. I like the idea of selectable too.

by **fishsticks** » Wed May 30, 2012 2:55 pm

I'm really happy with my Powertrax lockers. The only change I would make is to maybe use an ARB in the front. Sharp turns with a front locker engaged suck. I believe all of my CV breakages were while turning. Since a twin-stick xfer case isn't really an option for us, a selectable front would be nice.

Too bad one doesn't exist for the 7.25".

by **HARDTRAILZ** » Wed May 30, 2012 3:15 pm

My lockright does good but is noisy.

by **Karo** » Thu May 31, 2012 2:13 pm

@James My main wish is that the locker is switchable. Never heard of that problem from AlekG, but after hearing that from you it is a no go..
ARB was my first choice and so i'll take that way.
@ Fish & Kyle I dont think i' ll take my TB ever that hard like you guys do, but i love looking at those pictures and videos from you guys! So no one knows if some day i'll drive my TB in the Fish & Kyle Style :-)

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