Forum Discussion

egarant's avatar
egarant
Explorer III
Jun 24, 2014

ARB Locker in front axle

Hi All,

My 2013 RAM 3500 4x4 DRW has an American Axle 235mm (9.25") front axle that by all accounts is open. The rear has limited slip.

According to the ARB website, their RD197 will fit my front axle. I have no desire to put one on the rear.

I have never had a set of lockers on the front of any previous truck so I don't know what the handling characteristics would be.

I want to be able to go to some of the desert, forest spots that I went in the past with just my 1500 4x4 and wanted the extra pop of the locker if I needed it. I have no desire for a winch.

Are these units beefy enough to move around a truck at it's max GVWR (14,000lbs)?
Truck Campers
  • Rexsname's avatar
    Rexsname
    Explorer
    Jun 24, 2014
    Have you been in a situation where you have one front tire spinning and the other is firmly planted on the ground? Were both rear tires spinning preventing you from making forward progress? I have been using my 4x4 for about 13 years and have 'needed' a front locker for a total of less than 200 yards. Locking the front end will greatly increase steering effort and also HUGELY(!) increase the turning radius of you truck (only when engaged)

    It's is your money and you are certainly free to spend it as you wish but I think the $1500 would be better spent elsewhere.

    REX

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