ARB Lockers
Hi All, I am exploring the possibility of installing an ARB lockers on either the front/rear or both axles. I currently have a limited slip in the rear axle. My ONLY reason to install an ARB ...
Forum Discussion
Hi egarant,
I discovered the hard way just how easy it is to get cross-axle'd in a full size 4X4 truck with super-stiff suspension & big sway-bars... and once that happens, 4WD instantly becomes Zero-WD. Getting un-stuck was not a fun experience, so I now have front and rear ARB lockers in my '05 Ram. Not sure that makes me an expert though ;)
ARB is the only brand I considered my truck. They offer the very best of all worlds; An open diff when you want it (99.99% of the time), and a spool when you actually need it. In addition, they're super-strong, reliable, and engage instantly at any speed (just be sure you're on soft terrain when you hit the switch). But unlike you, I had open diff's in both axles, and 3.73 gears... and knew that I wanted to re-gear.
Since you already have 4.10's and a limited slip rear, I'll agree with KD4UPL and suggest that you consider installing an Eaton E-Locker in the front and call it good.
The traction with all 4 wheels being powered is stunning, but driving in sand with a heavy truck camper can be a challenge and there are no guarantees that lockers are going to get you through, so airing down to increase the size of the tires' contact patch should still be part of your desert driving ritual.
As long as you do not engage the lockers on dry pavement and drive with a light right foot, I don't think you'll stress any of the OEM suspension/driveline components.
Cheers,
-Mark
I discovered the hard way just how easy it is to get cross-axle'd in a full size 4X4 truck with super-stiff suspension & big sway-bars... and once that happens, 4WD instantly becomes Zero-WD. Getting un-stuck was not a fun experience, so I now have front and rear ARB lockers in my '05 Ram. Not sure that makes me an expert though ;)
ARB is the only brand I considered my truck. They offer the very best of all worlds; An open diff when you want it (99.99% of the time), and a spool when you actually need it. In addition, they're super-strong, reliable, and engage instantly at any speed (just be sure you're on soft terrain when you hit the switch). But unlike you, I had open diff's in both axles, and 3.73 gears... and knew that I wanted to re-gear.
Since you already have 4.10's and a limited slip rear, I'll agree with KD4UPL and suggest that you consider installing an Eaton E-Locker in the front and call it good.
The traction with all 4 wheels being powered is stunning, but driving in sand with a heavy truck camper can be a challenge and there are no guarantees that lockers are going to get you through, so airing down to increase the size of the tires' contact patch should still be part of your desert driving ritual.
As long as you do not engage the lockers on dry pavement and drive with a light right foot, I don't think you'll stress any of the OEM suspension/driveline components.
Cheers,
-Mark
