Thunder said:
..... So.........
Now that I am thinking about E locker/Arb
Anyone running one on the front? And how do you like it?...
ARB in the front 10b for the last 2 1/2 years, and I run mostly rocky trails (5 Moab trips etc.), pictures on my website can give you an idea. I like it a lot; most of the time, I leave it open, and just hit the button when needed, and that is typically only for a few feet. In fact, I have a hard time trying to remember how it was without having a front locker.
Here's a rundown of my experience:
I had problems with the system twice; they have been on the electrical side, not the pneumatic side (I run the regular blue plastic line in front, and a braided stainless line to the rear ARB). One issue was a loose connection at the fuse block, which I solved by using a GM fuse block connector that locks into place. Another issue was a corroded inline fuse that was interrupting the circuit from the pressure switch; solved with a new fuse. I've never had an issue with the locking mechanism itself: hit button - lock axle - end of story.
My compressor has a slow air leak, I'll have to put a little silicon grease on the O-ring again. I have the compressor and 10b ARB for almost 8 years now - the 10b ARB lived in the rear at first, and moved to the front when I upgraded to a heavier rear axle (D60FF). The notion that you could use the ARB compressor to air up your tires is BS - nobody in their right mind has that much time to waste. I bought the air-up kit back when the truck was on 32's - it's essentially another fitting on the little air tank. I'm planning to convert that fitting so that I can connect a CO2 line (I carry a 10lb tank with a regulator anyway...) in case the compressor should fail (I've been told it may be near the end of its service life...) - that way I can pressurize the tank and use the solenoid switches as usual.
I'm finally having issues with the U-joints in the front stock axles (tires are 34" actual height MTRs; haven't upgraded shafts or joints): short side spit the cap at BB'05, and the long side decided to go along a few weeks later on a desert trail in AZ. I believe these actually were the originals from '85.
I do baby the truck through the trails, but I would do that anyway, front locker or not. Those that have seen my truck or have ridden along agree that it works pretty well. My experience with ARB lockers has been very positive, to the point that there are two of them in the K5, and another two in my wife's FJ40...