DOES A LOCKER IN THE FRONT DECREASE TURNING RADIUS?

[ken]

Can you imagine though, if your front ARB does have problems, what a PITA it is gonna be...gotta take every-frigging-thing apart (outer axle ends, spindles, etc.) to take the diff out to repair it. And don't forget about those little o ring seals that go bad every couple years!! I'm with AZK5, gimmie a Detroit, front or rear, any day.

ken

 

[CK5]

Wow, I don't ever remember running over barbed wire or fence posts, I guess that means your tresspassing on someones property.

There are pro's and con's to every mod we do to our rigs, the only thing I can say is why I chose a front ARB (it may not be for you). I have been in many situations where backing up to disingage a front Detroit would have put me over a ledge (not good). Another thing I like about running a front ARB is when I'm in a tight situation (almost always in a wide K5) I have a good turning radius without having to back up. I almost always run trails with the ARB off only turning it on when it is needed for major sections, so it should last a good while, I have also broken a few front u-joint shafts while doing no damage to the ARB. Yes it does inheartly (sp?) leak a little air, but I can deal with that for the short time that it is on. Also, I live in Colorado where it snows in the winter, I would not want to have a locked front diff while turning a corner, I had my ARB locked in during winter driving one time (dumb mistake) and while turing a corner it just went straight, well after I got off the sidewalk I turned the ARB off and was fine, but at least I had a choice.

Steve

1990 K5 with stuff

 

[Shawn]

Hey Charles (AZK5), do you have nighmares of someone swapping out your Detroits with ARB's in the middle of night???

I have to disagree with you about the ARB's. You can't beat the on/off design of the ARB's especially on the snow/ice. I know you don't have snow in AZ but here in Colo we get plenty so for me, it's a better choice. The last thing I want is any turning problems on slick streets with my family inside. I've never seen a ARB fail and I'm sure they wouldn't be popular if ARB's broke all the time. If one did fail it's probably due from running a larger tire than it's designed for (ie- 10 bolt ARB with 44" tire) or it wasn't properly maintained (ie- oil never changed, water damage). I currently have a Detroit rear but to tell you the truth, I don't like the snapping sound and hard jerk it gives after a corner. As soon as ARB (or Ox) makes one for the 14 FF, it's going in. It's very rare the compressor will fail. The only disadvantage the ARB has is the price. Just my .02

Shawn
87 K5
few mods