CK5
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ARB with no compressor?
- Thread starter CHEVY 4WD
- Start date
Burt4x4
1 Ton First Gen
Just a guess..
Your better off using a Powertank or regulated C02, that way you won't run out....I am guessing the compressed air tank won't be ehough...I could be wrong.
Your better off using a Powertank or regulated C02, that way you won't run out....I am guessing the compressed air tank won't be ehough...I could be wrong.
CO2 works great!
I run a power tank.
I also bought an inline constant 80 psi. regulator from mcmaster carr, and put that in right before the arb selenoid.... That way i could accidently bump my power tank regulator up to 120 psi and the constant regulator will always kick it down to 80 psi preventing me from blowing my arb seals. /forums/images/graemlins/thumb.gif
The only problem with a small tank, it depends on how many times your going to be locking and unlocking your arb.. if you were on a whole weekend trip, i'd say you'd want a powertank then.. It should only be releasing air when you turn off the arb and it goes PSSHHHT.. otherwise it's not consuming any air, just using the 80 psi to hold it locked. /forums/images/graemlins/pimp1.gif
I also bought an inline constant 80 psi. regulator from mcmaster carr, and put that in right before the arb selenoid.... That way i could accidently bump my power tank regulator up to 120 psi and the constant regulator will always kick it down to 80 psi preventing me from blowing my arb seals. /forums/images/graemlins/thumb.gif
The only problem with a small tank, it depends on how many times your going to be locking and unlocking your arb.. if you were on a whole weekend trip, i'd say you'd want a powertank then.. It should only be releasing air when you turn off the arb and it goes PSSHHHT.. otherwise it's not consuming any air, just using the 80 psi to hold it locked. /forums/images/graemlins/pimp1.gif
It's not uncommon for ARB's to leak just slightly. I've been on many trips where someones ARB compressor would be kicking on every few minutes while the diff was locked. (And I've also been on trips where you could hear air escaping from the diff vent line, while the ARB never locked). /forums/images/graemlins/yikes.gif It doesn't take much volume of air to lock an ARB, so with no leaks, and judicious use of the diff-lock button then a 3 gallon or so tank should easily last for a day trip.
84gmcjimmy
1 ton status
Does the compressor just INGAGE it then sit, then DISENGAGE it and sit? Like all it does it turn the locker on and off? If so why does everyone upgrade to bigger tanks if all it takes it a little air? thanks
Steve_87K5
1/2 ton status
It would work OK for a time or 2, but I doubt you would be very happy without a compressor in the long term. My compressor kicks in more often when the ARBs have been on for a short while, but after an hour or so they seem to seal better and compressor stays off for long periods.
84gmcjimmy
1 ton status
So a york compressor or something would work better? I'm planning on getting a ARB eventually so I want to no whats best. I dont no much about air supplies so any help would be great. Thanks /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif
Steve_87K5
1/2 ton status
the air moves a splined assembly in the center of the diff carrier. So the air has to go through a rotary joint. This is formed by an O-ring seal inboard of bearing cap. I think the air pressure being on the O-ring helps to seal it better. The CFM of air that is consumed by leakage is almost nothing, but there has to be sufficient pressure to overcome the return spring, and engage the unit.
